In today's age of technology and the world wide web, one of the first places to check is the internet. More and more people have computers, and breeders are becoming aware of the marketing ability the information on the web can bring to their breeding programs. Dogs who live across the globe from each other are making puppies - not by shipping the dogs, but by transporting the frozen semen. People are able to search and locate breeders around the world using key words in search engines, and choose puppies from bloodlines they are interested in. Those who cannot afford to import a puppy (generally $4000 and up) or who want to buy from a breeder who will be nearby for assistance can research bloodlines using the internet and trace them to dogs who may be relatively accessible (ie. within the same province or state) to discuss future breeding possibilities.

The Dogs In Canada Annual magazine is another good resource, available in pet stores and retail or grocery stores that sell large selections of magazines. This magazine is an all-around great publication for people thinking of getting a new dog. Breeders across Canada advertise in it (although it is very costly, so not everyone uses this magazine), and there are also breed clubs listed, so one who is looking for a puppy could contact a Provincial or National club to ask for referrals to local breeders (highly recommended). This magazine also has many articles on feeding and health care, training a new puppy, what kinds of products to use, grooming tips, information on nutrition...and a lot more.

A good place to look for a local breeder is at a veterinary clinic. Vets are not likely to give out a referral of a breeder that runs a puppy mill, has chronically ill dogs,  or is difficult to deal with. A vet should also be consulted to ask health questions about the breed, as they are the ones that end up treating any problems! Due to client confidentiality, a veterinarian should not give out information about a specific breeder's dogs (unless of course it is all good), but can offer general health information such as what types of diseases and ailments can affect the breed in general.

Most towns and cities have dog fanciers clubs, either all-breeds, or specific breeds. Contacting people associated with these clubs (by asking at vet clinics, grooming shops, and boarding kennels, as well as searching in the local newspapers for training classes) can lead you to breeders in your local area, or provide more in-depth ways to find a good breeder farther away. Look in the phone book in the pet section! Breeders will not usually advertise here, but pet shops, dog-related businesses, and trainers should gladly provide referral services of those they have dealt with or heard of. 

Remember: once you find a breeder, do your homework! Ask lots of questions relating to the breed and its required care, health issues, grooming, exercise and nutrition. Find out what clubs the breeder is affiliated with (if any), and ask for at least 2 references of past puppy buyers.

Make sure to get a written contract (signed by both parties) that you are willing to fulfill the terms on, and request a health guarantee for a specific amount of time. It is best to contact a minimum of 2 breeders (preferably as many as you can), to be able to compare the quality of dogs, how they are raised, and the details of the contracts. Some breeders may be flexible on their contracts, but if you find that you do not agree with the breeder's philosophy or contract terms, then don't buy a puppy from them. You must be comfortable with who you choose to buy your puppy from, and your breeder must be able to trust you completely with one of their carefully bred babies.