Online Breeder Classified Brings Puppies and Buyers Together

The American Kennel Club’s new AKC Online Breeder Classified service is now available. The new web-based service is intended to help people seeking a purebred puppy locate breeders of AKC-registrable dogs in their area. Potential puppy buyers may search the database by breed, state or zip code and contact the breeder directly via phone or e-mail for more information. The listings include the breeders’ contact information and details about the litter, such as birth date and the number of males/females.

While searching the listings, visitors to the site will find information to help them make informed decisions about finding the right breed for their lifestyle, identifying and choosing a breeder and the responsibilities of being a dog owner. In addition, a list of questions that prospective buyers should ask the breeder will automatically be included in the listing report when the user prints the search results.

To assist potential puppy buyers in making informed decisions and to allow breeders to showcase the quality of their breeding programs, each listing will feature a “Breeder Profile.” Breeders may indicate if they:

• Are a member of their breed’s AKC Parent Club/local specialty club or an AKC All-Breed club.
• Conduct health screenings and guarantee the puppy’s health
• Provide a written bill of sale
• Accept puppies back if any issues arise
• Have breeding stock DNA certified by the AKC
• Provide puppy buyers with important information like advice on socialization, exercise, training, feeding, immunizations and vet care at the time of sale.

Only breeders in good standing may list their litters with AKC Online Breeder Classifieds. The AKC is committed to monitoring and enforcing accurate record keeping and the humane care of dogs, and is the only registry in the world with significant inspection and quality control programs. The AKC conducted approximately 4,800 inspections of dog kennels, individual breeders and pet stores in 2003.

“AKC Online Breeder Classifieds can bring potential puppy buyers together with breeders of AKC-registered litters,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “In addition to locating breeders, puppy buyers will find important information to help them make well-informed choices when selecting a breed and a breeder. The AKC is an invaluable resource for dog owners, from beginning to end and throughout the life of their dog and this is just one more service we are pleased to offer.”