SHOP AROUND. Don't buy the first pup from the first person you talk to. You may, after speaking to several kennels decide the first was the best, but SHOP AROUND FIRST!

If a Breeder says they have a whole litter of pups available. BE VERY VERY CAUTIOUS. Most GOOD breeders will have all of the pups spoken for BEFORE they bred their dogs.

If there is no waiting list. BE EXTREMELY Cautious. Again, most GOOD breeders, with good reputations have a waiting list. This means being patient, as some waiting lists mean a couple months to a year or more waiting time. (Remember Patience is a virtue) But at the end of the wait, you will often be MORE than pleased with the results.

Expect to be interviewed. Most good and careful breeders will send out questionnaires to prospective owners. Some conduct phone interviews, and still others do both. If there is no interview or questionnaire...be leery.

WISE breeders never sell “Breed/Show Quality,” Pups…they sell “Breed/ Show Potential” pups.

ASK QUESTIONS! Most breeders are more than happy to answer questions. If they have an e-mail address available, they more than likely will happily answer questions. Ask how long they've been breeding dogs, what breeds, how many litters a year, do they BAER test (for hearing) other tests, etc. Ask their opinions on things like Males vs Females...or whatever you can to get feedback from them. If you prefer to make phone calls, do so. If you get "bad vibes," from the breeder, or they seem to be generally not knowledgeable, move on. There are plenty of breeders out there who ARE knowledgeable, and will likely provide you with a better pup.

ASK if they provide a contract and health guarantee with their pups. Ask to view the contract BEFORE hand…READ IT COMPLETELY. *Note, Most good breeders will also have a clause in their contract stating if the owner of the pup is unable to care for the Dogo any longer, that the breeder will take back the pup...responsible breeders will do this willingly and happily.

Check our board and others for PHOTOS of what BREED/SHOW Potential looks like. READ THE BREED STANDARD. Ask questions on message boards, where people who own Dogos frequent. For instance, if the breeder sends you a photo of the pup they’d like to sell you. Post it on a message board…Ask if this pup would be considered breed potential, or Pet/companion quality. ASK the members of those boards to give you names of kennels or breeders that they had GOOD experiences with. Word of mouth from those who’ve had a good experience with a breeder is always a good thing!

Do all you can to protect yourself from "being taken," by KNOWING the breed, BEFORE you put down a deposit, or pay for a puppy that may or may not live up to the your standards, much less the breed standards. Do all you can to familiarize yourself with the breeder. Don’t limit yourself to Breeders that are within driving distance from your home. Dogo pups can be shipped via commercial airlines fairly inexpensively, and causing little to no discomfort or stress to the pup.