A reputable
breeder ... breeds dogs to improve the breed quality.
It will not be his "business". It will be his contribution to
the sport of purebred dogs. Because this undertaking produces puppies ... some pet quality, and
some potential show quality ... and because one person can only own
and care for a limited amount of dogs ... a responsible breeder will
have puppies available from time to time.
A reputable
breeder
... is
very well versed in the official breed standard
for
physical conformation and temperament and
always seeks to meet that standard. She
will be
very knowledgeable in the areas of the health care and grooming
requirements of her breed. Before you take home one of her
puppies, she will make sure that you are also knowledgeable in these
areas. 
A reputable
breeder
... will have
many questions about you, your family and your lifestyle before
considering you as a prospective home for one of his puppies.
His agreement to allow you to purchase one of his puppies will
probably come in the form of a
contract.
You can expect to have certain obligations with regard to
spay/neuter or breeding issues, veterinary care issues and
transference of ownership, among others. It is
very possible that you will be listed as a co-owner rather than sole
owner of the puppy.
A reputable
breeder
...
does not produce puppies for profit.
She will spend thousands of dollars in
conformation show fees, health and genetic testing, stud fees, etc...
in order to produce
a carefully planned, genetically sound, well
bred litter. If her prices are high, it is a reflection of
what she has already invested, and she will be lucky if she breaks
even when the final puppy has been placed.
A reputable
breeder
... can be
located by inquiring with the AKC or with the
 national/parent club
for his breed. He will
not
be found advertising "puppies for
sale" on the internet or in any other dog
magazine or newspaper.
Those ads are part of the
puppy
industry
and have nothing to do with ethical breeding
practices.
A reputable
breeder ... will love
her breed. It may require a few hurdles to find her and a bit
of a wait until your puppy is born, but buying a puppy from a
reputable breeder
ensures the best possible
beginning for both puppy and owner.
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