A responsible breeder is one who has spent a number of years studying and learning about their breed and is active in one or more breed clubs or similar groups and is in regular contact with other people in their breed.

A responsible breeder will know their breeding stock inside and out for several generations back and only breeds for the betterment of the breed. Not for profit.

A responsible breeder will have an "eye for a dog" and has developed a detailed picture of the type of dog they're breeding toward.

A responsible breeder will almost always compete in some in some sort of activity with their dogs (conformation, working activities, obedience etc.) so as to have a realistic idea of how their dogs compare to others of the same the breed.

A responsible breeder is knowledgeable about the hereditary problems that occur in their breed and has the appropriate tests done prior to breeding in order to decrease the likelihood of their occurrence in their pups.

A responsible breeder will consider temperament important.

A responsible breeder is knowledgeable about the mating and whelping of dogs in general, so as to minimize the chances of injury or death to the breeding dogs.

A responsible breeder is extremely concerned with the quality of the homes that their puppies are destined for, to the point of not performing a breeding if they don't feel good homes will be available for the pups.

A responsible breeder will never have more dogs of their own than they are properly able to care for.

A responsible breeder is willing and able to educate and build a relationship with their puppy buyers that will continue tough out the dogs life span.

A responsible breeder is honest and will not say what you want to hear to sell the dog.

A responsible breeder uses spay/neuter contracts and/or limited registration to prevent the casual breeding of their puppies.

A responsible breeder will always give a health guarantee and will have a health certificate from a certified vet verifying the puppy or dog is in excellent health.

A responsible breeder is ALWAYS willing to take back a dog of their breeding if a puppy buyer cannot keep it for any reason.