I want to get a dachshund puppy to show and possibly breed. How do I find a reputable breeder and choose the best puppy? I've done a lot of research on the Internet but I'm still not sure what to look for and how to find pedigree history. I don't want to jump in to this without doing all the research.

If you want to find a champion then finding a reputable breeder is the first step. Sadly I can't help you with that, there are too many backyard breeders and puppy mills passing themselves off as breeders nowadays.

One thing to be weary of is a lack of "papers" on the dog. But, not all dogs with papers are champions, heck, not all dogs with papers are even purebred, there are many ways for an unsavory person to get papers for a dog that shouldn't have them.

A reputable breeder will ask to meet with you, will allow you to see the parents of the puppy, their living conditions and they will give all the information on both parents. A reputable breeder may even ask for a home inspection before allowing you to adopt one of their dogs. Also, the majority of breeders will make you sign a contract saying that you will have your dog spayed or neutered and will not breed them, this contract is a legal document and will hold up in court if you fail to meet it.

There's more to breeding then just putting a male and female together. Anyone can get their dogs to have puppy's, but the majority of people out there have no idea what they're doing. Breeding dogs is an expensive if done properly, you won't be coming away with a lot of profit if you do it right.

Why are you so intent on breeding?

As I'm sure you are probably aware, champion dogs are expensive. If you want a real show quality dog you are probably going to have to get it from a long ways way. If you then wish to breed it will also cost even more in tests and certifications. Make sure you ask yourself, am I willing to and can I afford to spend thousands of dollars at this moment. If you are then you can always find claimed reputable breeders online and in magazines such as dog fancy and newspapers, but remember, any person can claim their dogs are "loved, home raised champions" on a website, even take a cute picture or two of a puppy, and still be running a puppymill. You are going to want to heavily look into any breeders you may consider.

Why don't you start by telling us everything you do know so far?

This is a LONG topic to cover just in this thread. Actually, it's pretty much impossible. I do recommend you start proactively researching through books and the AKC to gain a thorough understanding of what needs to be involved on your part. You should also go to dog shows, meet breeders, meet champions, and meet other wonderful, just not champion, dogs.

Most breeders want to keep the champions for themselves. Within professional breeders, when a litter is born, they will at times keep a couple of puppies to see if they grow into potential champions. If they don't fit the standard at around 4 to 6 months, they will frequently rehome them to make room for other potential champions. A champion is both born and built. You can have super champion parents with no champion pups. Also, it's not really a champion unless it wins titles. Do you know anything about the world of showing dogs? It is not at all easy, it is very expensive, and it takes years to really become good at showing potential champion dogs.

Yes, you will need to meet the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or as many as you can, for the puppies. You will need to see how and where they're raised and understand the significance of all of this as well to judge the situation. As has been stated, it's most likely that you will be obligated to sign a contract promising that you will have your dog fixed. The only ones that aren't are the true champion types.

I found a very reputable breeder when I got my English cocker, who is now 9 months old. She and her father have been breeding top quality cockers for 37 years. This is her life. His father is the reigning agility champion of Italy. I have seen the paperwork for 5 generations back, plus in cousins, and the champion list is pages long. It's unbelievable. It turns out that our pup is an exceptional representation of his breed. What are we going to do about it? Well, we will be going back to the breeder for grooming, and if she wants to show him, we would consider it. She would be the one in charge.

Here's the thing about breeding puppies. Professional breeders only breed from champions. If yours is not a champion, and if his or her genetics don't match with their dogs, they will not use them for breeding their dogs. You want the best of the best, which is why a pretty but not champion dog will almost never be used. They will also need to get expensive and extensive genetic tests done beforehand.

Disposition is a very important part that many people with their eyes on a pretty pup forget. Some less capable breeders will breed for physical traits. Total health through old age is very important. Great breeders breed with EVERYTHING in mind, disposition included. A beautiful but untrainable or aggressive dog should not be bred from, period.

To find a reputable breeder, contact the AKC. They should have a list of people who have been accepted because they have met their standards. You will still need to do all of your homework.

Don't even think about breeding unless you have a 1000% understanding of what you're doing. My recommendation is that you find a breeder who is willing to take you under their wing to teach you everything they know. Finding someone like that is not a guarantee.

At this point, do you know anything about genetics? Care for pregnant mothers? How to handle the birthing process?

Finally, you need to remember that professional breeders are in the field because of their love for the breed, NOT for money. You will almost certainly lose more money than you will be investing, period.

This is not something to be taken lightly or a "wouldn't it be cool if..." scenario. It's hard and it's serious. We have not even begun to scratch the surface of the most simple basics. If you still want to learn, then do every ounce of the research required.