AKC Breeder Referral Contacts: How to Find Reputable Breeders
Connect with knowledgeable club volunteers to secure a well-bred, ethically raised puppy.
AKC Breeder Referral Contacts
The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides a trusted network and resources to help prospective owners connect with responsible purebred dog breeders. While the AKC does not directly endorse or recommend individual breeders, its platform offers breeder referral contacts through parent clubs, educational materials, and directions to finding the right match for your home. The following guide explains how to utilize AKCâs breeder referral system and access reliable information during your puppy search.
Understanding the AKC Breeder Referral Program
AKCâs breeder referral contacts are designated volunteers from breed-specific parent clubs. Their primary role is to assist potential puppy buyers by connecting them with responsible breeders who adhere closely to the parent clubâs code of ethics and the breedâs best practices. It is important to note that referral contacts may not be breeders themselves. They are knowledgeable club members who facilitate introductions to reputable breeders within their network.
- Referral contacts are volunteers, not AKC staff.
- Use courtesy and patience as these contacts may respond around their other obligations.
- Respect time zones and allow several days for replies, especially during dog show weekends or holidays.
How Referral Works
- Identify the breed you are interested in.
- Find the Parent Club for the breed (e.g., American Belgian Tervuren Club, Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America).
- Use the breeder referral contact provided by the Parent Clubâtypically an email, sometimes a phone contact.
- If you do not succeed with the primary contacts, try local all-breed clubs as a secondary resource.
Why Choose a Responsible Breeder?
Buying a puppy from a responsible breeder ensures both the animalâs and your familyâs long-term well-being. These breeders:
- Health test breeding stock for hereditary conditions.
- Prioritize temperament and socialization of puppies.
- Adhere to the breed standard and ethical guidelines established by the AKC Parent Clubs.
- Provide ongoing support to puppy buyers.
Responsible breeders want to find the best homes for their puppies and are equally invested in your ability to care for the dog throughout its life.
How to Use the AKC Breeder Referral Directory
The AKC Breeder Referral Contacts directory is organized by breed, with each entry typically listing:
- Parent Club name
- Breeder Referral contact(s): name, email, and mailing address
- Parent Club website for further breed-specific resources
| Breed | Parent Club | Referral Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian Tervuren | American Belgian Tervuren Club, Inc. | Diane Brzezinski webetervs@aol.com 7008 SOM CENTER RD SOLON, OH 44139-4212 |
| Bergamasco Sheepdog | Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America | Jane Bass bscamerica@gmail.com 20 KNOLLCREST RD EASTON, CT 06612-1414 |
This structure repeats for each AKC-recognized breed in the directory.
What to Expect When Contacting Breeder Referrals
- Courteous, informative responses from club volunteers.
- Information about available breeders, expected litters, and parent club events.
- Guidance to club websites for breed-specific information and educational materials.
You may also find breeders listed on the parent club website, often via a directory or web links with contact details for club-member breeders.
What others are reading
Additional AKC Puppy-Finding Resources
- AKC Marketplace: An official AKC platform where you can search for breeders and AKC-registrable puppies by breed and locality.
- AKC Parent Clubs: Each breed has a parent club that sets standards and maintains code of ethics for member breeders.
- AKC Breeder of Merit Program: Recognizes exceptional breeders who meet rigorous standards for health testing, club involvement, and consistency in individual puppy registration.
- Local and Specialty Dog Clubs: Offer access to breeders and mentors for a specific breed or all-breeds in your geographic region.
- Breed Rescues: Rehome purebred dogs requiring adoption; these organizations have breed expertise and screening processes.
AKC Breeder of Merit Program at a Glance
- Minimum 5 years of AKC event involvement
- AKC titles on at least 4 dogs bred/co-bred
- Membership in an AKC club
- Health screens follow Parent Club recommendations
- All puppies individually AKC registered
Benefits include AKC Marketplace recognition, priority listing, breeder toolkits, and continued educational support.
Contacting a Parent Club Breeder Referral
Every AKC breed is represented by a Parent Club, which is responsible for safeguarding standards and supporting breeders. The clubâs breeder referral contact person is your starting point if you want reliable information for a specific breed. Some key points to remember when using contact information:
- Be respectful: These are volunteers, not paid staff.
- Be prepared: Have questions ready, including inquiries about health guarantees, breeding ethics, puppy development, and contractual obligations.
- Be patient: Allow ample time for replies, especially around major dog events or holidays.
Local Clubs: An Additional Resource
If the parent clubâs primary contacts cannot assist with your search, reach out to local or regional all-breed AKC clubs. They may have access to additional breeders or be able to direct you to upcoming events, shows, or educational opportunities. These volunteers also play an important role in responsible dog ownership education within their communities.
Breed Rescues: Another Path to Dog Ownership
If you are open to adopting an adult purebred dog, breed-specific rescue organizationsâoften affiliated with the parent clubsâare indispensable. These rescues:
- Rehome purebred dogs that have been surrendered or are in need.
- Screen adopters carefully, ensuring suitability and proper placements.
- Offer ongoing assistance and breed expertise to match rescued dogs with compatible homes.
AKC Marketplace and Online Classifieds
The AKC Marketplace is an online tool to assist puppy seekers in locating AKC-registrable puppies and connecting with breeders meeting AKCâs publishing requirements. Features include:
- Breed and location search (by state or zip code radius).
- Listings for breeders, groomers, and trainers.
- AKCâs trademark of quality and responsible breeding.
Always use caution with online classifieds not sanctioned by the AKC and verify breeder credentials with the relevant club or via references before proceeding with a purchase.
Finding the Right Dog for You
Consider the following when selecting a breed and breeder:
- Lifestyle compatibility: Assess your activity level, living situation, and commitment to training/exercise.
- Breed characteristics: Carefully read about temperament, grooming, health, and space requirements for your chosen breed.
- Breeder reputation: Ask for references, research club memberships, and confirm adherence to AKC registration and ethical breeding standards.
- Health guarantees: Seek written contracts detailing health clearances, guarantees, and return policies if the puppy cannot be kept.
- Puppy socialization: Ask how puppies are raised, socialized, and prepared for life as family pets.
AKC Clubsâ Guide for Breeder Referral Programs
Clubs with breeder referral programs typically:
- Appoint volunteers dedicated to helping the public.
- Vet breeders listed with the club through code of ethics or similar standards.
- Support ongoing education for buyers and breeders.
These referral services are not commercial enterprises and should never charge for referrals. Always be wary of anyone requesting fees for introductions or breeder contacts.
Responsible Puppy Buying: Essential Tips
- Form a relationship with your breederâthey will be a valuable mentor.
- Expect to sign a contract covering care standards and return policy in case you cannot keep the puppy.
- Puppies are usually ready to leave for their new homes at 8â12 weeks of age for proper socialization.
- Ensure all AKC documentation and applications are received at the time of purchase. Watch for the AKC logo and wording.
- Be cautious of breeders who hesitate to provide paperwork, offer registration with a non-AKC entity, or promise to mail documents later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the AKC responsible for recommending specific breeders?
A: No, the AKC does not recommend, guarantee, or endorse individual breeders but provides a referral network and resources to connect with reputable breeder communities.
Q: What is the role of a parent club in breeder referral?
A: Each breedâs parent club organizes a referral network, educates buyers, maintains ethical standards for breeders, and advocates for responsible dog ownership and purebred rescue.
Q: Are breeder referral volunteers breeders themselves?
A: Not always. Referral contacts are volunteers dedicated to connecting buyers with breeders; they may or may not actively breed themselves.
Q: What is AKC Marketplace and how is it different from classified sites?
A: The AKC Marketplace is an official, AKC-vetted directory for breeders, puppies, and related services. Always verify listings from non-AKC websites and never rely solely on classifieds.
Q: What should I ask a breeder before purchasing a puppy?
A: Inquire about health testing, vaccination records, puppy socialization, contracts, guarantees, and breeder support. Request references and be thorough with your research.
Final Thoughts
An informed approach via the AKC breeder referral system and its affiliated clubs ensures a strong foundation for a happy, healthy relationship with your new purebred dog. Use these resources with care and diligence for the best chance at finding a lifelong canine companion from a responsible, ethical breeder.
References
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