Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in purchasing a puppy.  How can I locate a breeder?
Answer:

The easiest and most convenient way to find a breeder and the right dog for you is through www.akc.org. The AKC web site offers potential puppy buyers access to a wealth of information on buying a dog, selecting a breeder, and dog care.

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase from a responsible breeder. While the AKC does not license, endorse, or recommend breeders, we do provide a step-by-step procedure that will lead you to the breed best suited for you and a breeder in your area.

1. Are You Ready For a Dog? - /future_dog_owner/ready_for_dog.cfm
Remember that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment with a variety of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you nor your dog will be happy.
2. The Right Dog For You - /future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm
You should do serious and careful research to determine which breed is right for you and your family.
3. Finding Your Dog - /future_dog_owner/find_breeder.cfm
Where you go to get your dog is just as important as what kind of dog you get. A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred, healthy dog.
4. National Club Breeder Referral - /breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm
Each Breed’s National Club (also known as the Parent Club) will have a listing for a breeder referral person. That person should be able to help find a breeder in your area. If the national breed club has a web site, you will find a link to that web site. Many clubs also offer excellent breed specific information and breeder referral contacts in different states or regions that can help you.
5. AKC Marketplace - https://marketplace.akc.org/
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. Try this new service that helps puppy buyers locate breeders with available AKC-registrable puppies. You can search for AKC-registrable puppies by breed and state OR by breed and zip code radius.

I want to contact a specific breeder. How can I find their contract information?
Answer:

The AKC is unable to release this information to you, pursuant to the AKC Board of Director’s Disclosure of Information Policy. AKC does not disclose information from its registration records or from its correspondence files without “the express permission of the principals or due process of law.” This would include revealing the names and addresses of the owners of dogs or information on an individual's dogs or litters. The AKC Board of Director’s Disclosure of Information Policy is available for review on the AKC website at /rules/policymanual.cfm.    
If you are interested in purchasing a dog of a particular breed, the easiest and most convenient way to find the right dog is through the AKC website - www.akc.org. The site offers potential puppy buyers access to a wealth of information on buying a dog, selecting a breeder, and dog care.
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase from a responsible breeder. While the AKC does not license, endorse, or recommend breeders, we do provide a step-by-step procedure that will lead you to the breed of dog best suited for you and a breeder in your area.
1. Are You Ready For a Dog? - /future_dog_owner/ready_for_dog.cfm
Remember that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment with a variety of responsibilities. If you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you nor your dog will be happy.
2. The Right Dog For You - /future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm
You should do some serious and careful research to determine which breed is right for you and your family.
3. Finding Your Dog - /future_dog_owner/find_breeder.cfm
Where you go to get your dog is just as important as what kind of dog you get. A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred, healthy dog.
4. National Club Breeder Referral - /breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm
Each breed’s national club (also known as the Parent Club) will have a listing for a breeder referral person. That person should be able to help find a breeder in your area. If the national breed club has a web site, you will find a link to that web site. Many clubs also offer excellent breed specific information and breeder referral contacts in different states or regions that can help you.
5. AKC Marketplace - https://marketplace.akc.org/
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. Try this new service that helps puppy buyers locate breeders with available AKC-registrable puppies. You can search for AKC-registrable puppies by breed and state OR by breed and zip code radius.

I am looking for a breed of dog that does not shed.

I am looking for a breed of dog that does not bother my allergies.
Answer:

The following breeds generally do well with people with allergies:

Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Irish Water Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Schnauzers
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
Chinese Crested

This list is based on breeds, which usually produce less dander. The American Kennel Club does not recommend or endorse any specific breed, nor does it claim that the listed breeds will not affect people with allergies.

We do not have information that matches a breed to a specific lifestyle or individuals. The best thing to do is read about each breed in which you are interested and then contact the breeder referral person for each breed. A listing of the National Clubs, by group, can be found at /clubs/search/index.cfm.







Still can't find what you're looking for?

Click here for our contact information and hours of operation.