A reputable breeder is someone who has been involved with the breed for several years and knows everything about it. Here are some characteristics of a reputable breeder:

• A good breeder shows his dogs in conformation classes or competes with them in field trials so their conformation and working ability can be evaluated by breed judges.

• A good breeder is knowledgeable about the breed's history and health, genetics, and breed type.

• A good breeder doesn't breed his dogs until they're physically mature — at least two years old.

• A good breeder tests his breeding stock to ensure that they're free of hereditary diseases before breeding, and submits the results to health registries.

• A good breeder monitors his dogs' health through hip evaluations, eye exams, and other observable expressions of genetic conditions.

• When he breeds a litter, a good breeder handles pups frequently and accustoms them to the sights and sounds surrounding them.