: Every breed has a "Parent Club" (e.g., the Golden Retriever Club of America ) that maintains breeder referral lists of members who adhere to strict codes of ethics and mandated health testing.

: The AKC Marketplace is a primary resource for finding AKC-registrable puppies by breed and location.

Avoid generic e-commerce marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, which are often hotspots for scammers. Instead, use established registries and professional networks.