You have made the decision you would like a puppy from a breeder. Now you need to decide which breeder you would like to buy your puppy from. Many people will buy from backyard breeders simply because they do not know any better, so here's what to look for to make sure you have a responsible breeder.
A responsible breeder will focus on only one or two breeds and be very knowledgeable about that breed's history, temperament, conformation, and common medical issues. They should be willing to answer all of your questions as well as ask you many of their own questions to make sure your lifestyle aligns with the breed's temperament. They should personally screen everyone who buys their puppies.
You should be able to visit the breeder's home to meet your puppy's parents, or at least the mother. They should be friendly and not display any kind of anxiety or aggression. Preferably, the parents should be titled in the conformation and/or performance world. Please know that just an AKC registry does not guarantee health or temperament. The breeder should be willing to share your puppy's lineage back a few generations. The dogs should not be bred under the age of two and should not be bred every year. A reputable breeder will only breed their females every few years. The puppies should stay with the mother for 8 to 12 weeks before they allow you to take the puppy home.
The puppy's parents should be thoroughly health tested prior to breeding. Tests include OFA (hip x-rays) scores, SAS (subaortic stenosis, a heart defect), PENN-Hip (hip/joint laxity), and vision/hearing tests. Your breeder should offer a lifetime, written guarantee covering genetic medical and temperament problems.
You should have to sign a contract before you take your puppy home. The contract should include a return clause stating that the breeder will take the dog back if you ever, for any reason, can no longer keep him; no matter the age of the dog at that time. It should require all pet-quality puppies be spayed/neutered by a designated age (usually 18 months). Breeding rights should be discussed and written in the contract for show-quality dogs.
Responsible breeders work hard to improve their breed and do not breed for-profit. Many lose money as it typically costs more to provide puppy care than what they charge per puppy. If you are buying a puppy rather than adopting, take the time to make sure you are buying from a responsible breeder and not funding a backyard breeder or puppy mill.
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