So! You’ve done all the reading; poured over all the material and spent countless hours talking and looking at pictures, trying to decide on the breed of dog that is right for you! Now, comes the hard part – finding a “trustworthy breeder” who breeds healthy and sound puppies!. Always remember – even though you may not be looking for a SHOWDOG, you have a right to a good representative of your chosen breed – one who is healthy, happy and has a sound temperament.

The American Kennel Club recognizes a single national club or “parent club” for each breed of purebred dog. These national clubs are responsible for developing the guidelines or "standards" for their individual breed - sort of like a blueprint of what their ideal breed should be. All local AKC breed specific local clubs come under the umbrella of their respective parent clubs. Take the Norwegian Elkhound breed of dog for example: The parent club for the Norwegian Elkhound is the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (www.neaa.net). Under the NEAA, there are thirteen regional clubs located in various parts of the country. Elkhound breeders can be members of both the regional and the national club. In order to become a member in good standing of a most national and regional clubs, each prospective member must sign a document, stating they ascribe to a Code of Ethics which covers responsible breeding, proper conduct and the overall welfare of the breed.

Each parent club has a Corresponding Secretary who keeps an approved listing of breeders the club considers reputable.

Below is a complete listing of all breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club as well as some rare breeds not yet recognized. Scroll down and click on the particular breed that interests you and you will be taken to the parent club website for the breed that interests you. From there, you will be able to contact the Corresponding Secretary for information about breeders and clubs in your area.

View Parent Clubs