About Breeders

Not all Breeders are the same...

Types of Dog Breeders

Buying a puppy is like buying a car.  Do you pay $200,000 for a custom ordered Lamborghini or impulse buy a Ford off the dealer’s lot?  Craigslist or newspaper ad? Consider that where you buy your puppy from matters.  Be prepared that you may have to wait for a puppy from a Breeder of Merit or NEAA member hobby breeder.  

AKC Breeder of Merit

Has bred 4 or more Champions and adheres to health testing and code of ethics. Committed to the future of the breed.

NEAA Member Hobby Breeder

Breeds to better the breed. Shows to championships to prove worth. Health tests and member of breed club. Litters usually home raised. Great resource.

Commercial Breeder

Breeds to supply demand. Sells to brokers and pet stores. Open to state inspections. Some participate in education and litter socialization. AKC is working with some commercial breeders to improve their practices.

Puppy Mill

Breeds any stock available regardless of health. Advertises heavily on internet often with false registry paperwork or sells guaranteed health. No concern for breed improvement.

Backyard Breeder

Often rescues to attain more breeding stock. Interest is financial only. Lack of knowledge of breed standard or health.

Looking for an Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (NEAA) provides “Find a Dog” referral as a resource to puppy, rescue, or rehome buyers to help locate breeders and breed members who belong to the NEAA and/or a local NEAA member club. NEAA takes no responsibility for any puppies/dogs that you may acquire through NEAA referral, or that are sold by any breeder on the referral list. NEAA is not responsible for any breeder’s sales practices or sales contracts, and NEAA will not be involved in any manner in contract disputes between puppy/dog buyers and breeders. Most importantly, the NEAA referral list is not an endorsement or advertisement of any of the breeders on the list. The list is used solely to identify member breeders who have litters or dogs available for sale or adoption to the public. Buyers are encouraged to take as much time as necessary to locate a reputable breeder from whom they feel comfortable purchasing a puppy. Every potential puppy buyer should thoroughly investigate breeders and their puppies before committing to a purchase or adoption.