Finding a Purebred

One of the best reasons to adopt a pet from rescue is the security that this offers to adopters. Rescues are not trying to make a buck - they're just trying to save every life that they can. Click Here to learn how to find the breed of your dreams through rescue

Known health issues are never kept secret. Rescue Groups, Breed Rescue and the Nova Scotia SPCA all vet check their adoptees. All pets who are old enough are spayed or neutered. Everyone gets vaccinated. Click Here for More Information on Breed Rescue

Adoption fees do vary from group to group. Yet all of the fees are much lower than the prices charges by pet stores, backyard breeders and roadside vendors. Click here for the warning signs of a Backyard Breeder

Although there are often wonderful purebreds available in rescues, there is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. Learn how to find a reputable breeder

And of course one of the best reasons to either adopt from rescue or buy from a reputable breeder is to put the backyard breeders and puppy mills with their inhumane practices out of business.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE BREEDER

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE FOUND A GOOD BREEDER WHEN ....

WARNING SIGNS OF A BACKYARD BREEDER:

No questions asked. Clearly all they want is your money and don't care where the pups are going or what kind of life they will lead. Good breeders require references
No Contract. Good breeders have contracts that specify the care expected and what level of support and health guarantees they provide. Breeding rights are normally laid out in the contract. Most will insist on the dog being returned to them if you cannot keep it for any reason
No onsite visit. You should be able to meet the mother and if the father is not from their kennel, his portfolio should be available for your inspection.
No references. You should be able to talk to others who have bought from this kennel
No CKC registration. This is a very big one, as it tells you that at least one of the parents was not supposed to be bred. Just because the parents are CKC registered does not follow that they are permitted to stand stud or whelp ckc registered puppies.
Unknown to your veterinarian. Even if the breeder is out of your area, this is a small province and your clinic will normally be familiar with the reputable breeders.
Bringing the puppy to you and/or meeting you with the puppy. This is a definite red flag as you will be unable to tell what type of environment your puppy was bred in.
Unknown to your local kennel club. Reputable breeders normally show their dogs locally even if they don't go to the national level.
No proof of hip clearances in large breeds
Last, but definitely not least, GOOD BREEDERS DO NOT NEED TO ADVERTISE IN FREE ONLINE AD SITES. ANY BREEDER YOU FIND IN AN ONLINE AD SITE SHOULD BE AVOIDED. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE CHARGING A BIG PRICE DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE A GOOD BREEDER.

HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE BREEDER:

Contact your local kennel club
Go to the local dog shows. Talk to the people there and ask questions.
Contact the National Breed Association
Go to Canuck Dogs: Atlantic
Ask your veterinarian
Ask the appropriate breed rescue. THEY know who the good guys are.
DO NOT DEPEND ON A GOOGLE SEARCH. THE ABILITY TO BUILD A WEB PAGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE A REPUTABLE BREEDER.

HOW TO FIND THE BREED OF YOUR DREAMS THROUGH RESCUE:

Contact your local breed rescue group. If you can't find it, contact the national rescue group.....they have regional reps who will help.
Check breeder listings as many of them do rescue on a small scale.
If you can't find a specific breed rescue, contact your local or favourite rescue group. All these groups network and will move heaven and earth to help you in your search.
Apply for a preapproved adoption. This is especially important if you are looking for a puppy, a girl or one of the smaller breeds

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE FOUND A GOOD BREEDER WHEN:

You must provide personal and veterinary references
On site visits are encouraged and all aspects are included
Both parents are CKC registered and all their health clearances are provided
You can meet the mother and visit with the puppies before they are ready to leave
There is a health and breeding contract to sign
You fill out the CKC forms at the breeder for your puppy's registration
A written health guarantee is provided
When your puppy is tattoed or noseprinted
All health records for your puppy are provided, showing that he or she has had all his or her shots
Puppies do not leave their mother until eight weeks of age
The breeder is a member in good standing of the Regional or National Breed Association