Good German Shepherd breeders will ask questions. They want to know why you want a German Shepherd and will ask you for a veterinary referral to investigate how well you can care for your other pets. But you also have to be curious.
Check out your breeder by visiting their home, where most good breeders keep dogs and treat them like members of the family. The dog’s environment must be clean and well maintained. Dogs should be happy to meet people and not shy away from visitors. You should also breed only one or two types of dogs and be well versed in “breed standards.” Breed standards are a very complex set of physical and mental characteristics that kennel clubs believe make up the ideal specimen of a particular species. Standards vary wildly and usually depend on who you ask. What matters when you talk to the breeder is that he or she has their own set of opinions about what makes a good German Shepherd and what doesn’t.
Most importantly, a good breeder encourages you to make several visits to get to know the puppy better, before taking him home.
A good breeder will also require proof from the landlord or condominium board that you are allowed to have pets in your home. And he will want to know which family member will be responsible for the care. Finally, he will ask you to sign a contract stating that if you are unable to keep or care for your dog, you will return it to the breeder. If his breeder meets these standards, he is in the right place to find his new friend.