*****Looking for a Puppy? Breeder? Rescue group?*****

[Jas]

***PLEASE NOTE: AUSPET DOES NOT ALLOW POSTS ADVERTISING PUPPIES FOR SALE, SAME GOES FOR POSTS ABOUT LOOKING FOR A DOG OR BREEDER.

These posts will be removed. Anyone listed here has not been approved. It is YOUR responsibility to choose wisely, do your research, and support ethical breeding practices. Remember ownership is a long term commitment and you are better off having good relationship with a trusted breeder willing be there for the life of the dog.

Some things you can do to help find a puppy/dog:

* Contact the Regional or National breed club, use a net search (like www.google.com ), type in the breed and this should bring up the Clubs website.
*Review the Clubs CODE OF ETHICS before contacting anyone and then either contact the secretary or view the club's breeder listings. Remember the breeders should belong to their clubs and follow the club's code of ethics.
*Keep in mind that just because someone is listed with a Breed Club does not make them reputable or mean they have been screened/approved, many breeders PAY $$$ to list their kennel.
*One of the main things to look for is a breeder whose priority is health & temperament. These people breed health tested (certified by OFA or other registry - not just "vet checked" ) Parents with sound, stable temperaments. It is also a plus if Breeders show in Conformation and/or participate in performance.
*Ask to see the health clearance certificates - registries will send a copy to the breeders. One registry is the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) www.offa.org Type in the kennel name and breed choice and it will list OFA certified dogs - this includes things like Hips, Elbows, Eyes (cerf), Heart, Thyroid, Patella etc. Clicking on the dogs name will bring up what the dog has been certified for and the results (i.e. Hips Excellent, good, fair etc...)
*Attend a dog show or performance trial, this is a good way to begin contact with a breeder/owner and a great way to view different breeds and learn!

Some informative links that may be helpful in finding a reputable breeder:

http://www.jackshuler.com/bbvsrb.htm
http://www.iupui.edu/~ihls400/responsible_breeder.html
http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/goodbreeder.html
http://members.tripod.com/GWDalmatianClub/Dalinfo/repbreeder.htm

Don't forget about Rescue either. Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to help and animal in need of a great home. There are plenty of all breed rescue groups use a net search (like www.google.com ), type in the breed and this should bring up the Rescue's website. Shelters usually have adoptable dogs online and www.petfinder.com has many dogs of all breeds/mixes from Puppies to Seniors listed from various shelters

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS TOPIC WITH QUESTIONS BUT USE THE AFOREMENTIONED LINKS AS A GUIDE TO BECOME INFORMED OR FORMULATE QUESTIONS FOR A BREEDER. If anyone has more links about responsible breeding, health links, questions to ask breeders, rescue information feel free to add!

Thanks,
Moderator
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[goob]

APBT specific rescue dog listing: http://www.pbrc.net

APBT specific info on breed standard, responsible breeders, health testing, genetics, etc: http://www.americanpitbullterrier.org

[True_Pits]

http://www.petfinder.org/

This is a good one, you can find rescue, shelter and pound dogs that NEED homes. They have many breeds and mixes, but you can search for Pit Bulls (or other breeds) and find them in your local area.