How to Find an AKC Puppy

Finding the right dog for you can be very difficult. If you are interested in purebred dogs, American Kennel Club puppies may be the answer. AKC puppies can be bred with other registered dogs and can compete in shows. To find an AKC puppy, start by looking through classifieds on the AKC website, search for a reputable breeder with AKC puppies, or search other online websites.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Searching through the AKC

  1. The AKC marketplace is an online site that contains postings about American Kennel Club certified puppies for sale. The puppies for sale are from AKC registered parents and are eligible to be registered with the AKC. [1]
    • You can search through the pages on the website, which list all the puppies available for sell. This can give you a sense of what puppies are available.
  2. The AKC marketplace allows you to filter results by breed. When you filter by breed, it will list all the available litters of that breed. The page will also give basic information about the breed if you are interested in a dog you have never owned. [2]
    • To filter the search, go to the AKC marketplace website . At the top is a white box that reads, “Breed.” Click on the down arrow, which will reveal a pull down menu. You can browse through the different breeds or type the breed name into the empty box.
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  3. If you don’t have a breed in mind, there are other details you can use to filter your search. The website allows you to filter by gender. You may also want to filter by dog size, such as small, medium, and large. [3]
    • You may also want to find a breeder near you. To do this, just enter the zip code, the city, or the state into the white box at the top. You can also limit the scope by selecting the distance radius from your search area.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Researching Puppy Choices

  1. Many people will get any dog because they are cute. However, not all dogs fit with your lifestyle. Some dogs require a lot of physical exercise or mental stimulation, some do better in certain climates, some come with specific health problems, and others are not good with small children or other pets. Ask yourself these questions as you search for a puppy:
    • Can I financially support a dog?
    • Do I have size limits, such as yard space or the size of my home?
    • Do I have the capabilities to pay for extra veterinary bills, such as treating hip issues in golden retrievers?
    • Are there any laws against the breed I am looking at?
    • Can I cope with extra expenses, such as new carpeting or new furniture? Can I afford vet bills and food for my dog?
  2. If you have never owned a dog, or you are interested in a breed you have never owned, you may want to start with the breed selector offered by the AKC. After answering a few basic questions about your lifestyle, the AKC offers breed selections that will fit with your family. [4]
    • They ask your zip code, how many children and other pets you own, whether you live in a house or an apartment, how physically active you are, and how neat your house is.
    • The selector gives you five matches they think will fit your lifestyle. However, you may also read about all the breeds on the AKC breed page.
  3. No two breeds are the same. Each breed has their own strengths and weaknesses, health problems, temperament issues, activity level needs, and other needs. This means not every breed is for you. As you decide on a breed, make sure you research it to make sure you understand what is required of you as the owner. [5]
    • The American Kennel Club has a list of dog breeds with information to help dog owners learn more about their breed. It covers everything you will need to know to get you started.
    • Breeders of certain types of dogs won't allow you to buy the dog unless you understand the needs of the breed so you can properly take care of them.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Finding a Breeder

  1. The AKC marketplace provides info for breeders who do not have litters available right now but will in the future. The breeder profile gives you information about the breeder so you can determine if you would like a puppy from the breeder. [6]
    • The profile provides a breeder or kennel name, a location, and a phone number.
    • You can also fill out a form on the breeder profile containing your contact information and a message stating you would like to be discuss buying a dog when the breeder has a new litter.
  2. Almost every dog breed that can be AKC certified has their own parent organization, such as the Dachshund Club of America, Inc. or the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club. These clubs are dedicated to helping the owners of specific breeds and showcasing respectable breeders. Visit the parent organization of the breed you are interested in and find their list of approved breeders. [7]
    • If you cannot find breeders on the parent club website, contact the parent club. Speaking to someone can help you find breeders.
  3. The American Kennel Club provides a list of breeder referral officers. These people are located in your area and may be able to provide you with information on breeders who specialize in the breed you want. [8]
    • You just have to select which breed you are interested in and your state. The search engine will provide you with a list of breeders who you can contact for information.
    • Be aware these breeders do not necessarily specialize in the breed you want. They may refer you to a different breeder.
  4. The AKC also provides a list of breed-specific rescue organizations. These organizations may have puppies along with older dogs who have been given up, found, or rescued and are in need of a home. [9]
    • The rescues are listed in alphabetical order by breed. Some breeds have multiple breed rescues you can consult.
  5. There are other websites, like PuppyFind where breeders place ads for their puppies. They list the sex, age, price, and additional information. Many of the dogs on these websites are listed as AKC are registerable. [10]
    • Be careful buying dogs off websites. You should always see the dog before you buy it.
  6. Before you buy from a breeder, you should make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Your breeder should do all medical checkups recommended by the AKC, and they should provide all documentation of those tests upon request. The puppies should be brought up in a clean, nurturing environment, and you should be allowed to visit the mother and where the puppies live.You should make sure the breeders can provide proper documentation on the following:
    • All DNA tests that are recommended by the AKC.
    • All genetics certification to show the particular line is free of genetic disorders.
    • Proof of Purchase in case you decide to purchase from that breeder.
    • Documentation of vaccines and shots, and of spaying/neutering if applicable.
    • AKC registration papers, if you decide you want to register your new dog.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://marketplace.akc.org/puppies
      2. ↑ http://marketplace.akc.org/puppies/dachshund?breed=263&gender=&location=&_t=1483504924191
      3. ↑ http://marketplace.akc.org/puppies
      4. ↑ http://www.akc.org/find-a-match
      5. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
      6. ↑ http://marketplace.akc.org/puppies
      7. ↑ https://webapps.akc.org/breeder-referral/#/
      8. ↑ https://webapps.akc.org/breeder-referral/#/search
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/akc-rescue-network/
      1. ↑ http://www.puppyfind.com/

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To find an American Kennel Club puppy, start by going to the AKC marketplace website to look at postings for certified puppies for sale. If you know what kind of puppy you’re looking for, you can filter your results by breed. Alternatively, filter results by gender, size, or breeders near you. When buying from a breeder, make sure they can provide documentation of recommended medical tests, AKC registration papers, and DNA tests. You can also use the AKC website to find breed-specific rescue organizations that have puppies and older dogs who are in need of a home. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to use the AKC website to match a puppy to your lifestyle, keep reading!

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