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How to choose a kennel — what to check with the breeder

Chovka does not verify breeders. Chovka’s catalog shows signs of activity from public sources, including litters, websites, and dog shows. Always check breeding quality, health, and litter availability directly with the breeder.

Browse the kennel directory

What to do next

From searching the catalog to visiting a breeder.

  1. Find a nearby kennel by name or breed

    Start with the kennel catalog based on the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) register. You can search by name, breed, or location.

  2. See where the kennel is based

    The location is approximate, not the breeder's address. The distance is approximate; arrange the meeting place directly with the breeder.

  3. Treat “active” as a sign, not a guarantee

    Active and possibly active labels are estimates based on public sources, not guarantees. Always check directly with the breeder whether a litter is still available.

  4. Check the rest directly with the breeder

    Chovka does not arrange or assess the visit, the mother, health tests, or the contract — these are for you and the breeder to handle.

What to ask the breeder

Can I see the mother and where the puppies are raised?
The only way to check is to visit in person — photos in a listing aren't enough.
What health tests have the parents had?
Ask for specific test results, not just a general assurance that “they're healthy.”
How long do the puppies stay with their mother, and when can I take one home?
Usually no earlier than 7–8 weeks; an earlier pickup is a warning sign worth checking.
What will I receive when I pick up the puppy—a contract, pedigree documents, microchip details?
Without a written agreement and documents, you have little to rely on if something goes wrong.

Warning signs to check

Check these details directly with the breeder.

  • You can't visit the puppy — you can only pay a deposit remotely and have the puppy brought to the gate.
  • Puppies from several unrelated breeds are always available “right now.”
  • No contract, cash only, no proof of pedigree.
  • They won't show you the mother, or the puppies are kept apart with no human contact.
  • Pressure to pay a deposit today or lose the puppy — a reputable kennel will wait for you to visit.

Common questions

How can I tell if a kennel is active?

Signs of activity—recent litters, dog show participation, an updated website—are clues, not guarantees. Check whether the litter and kennel are still active directly with the breeder.

What should I ask the breeder at the kennel?

How and where the puppies are raised, which health tests their parents have had, how long the puppies stay with their mother, and how you can stay in touch after taking your puppy home. See also the questions in the First Puppy Guide.

What are the warning signs when choosing a breeder?

You can't meet the puppy, puppies are always available immediately, there's no contract, you can't see the mother, and you're pressured to buy quickly without visiting. See the full list in the First Puppy Guide.

Does Chovka verify kennels?

No. Chovka does not verify kennels. We bring together public data from the Czech Kennel Union (ČMKU) register and show signs of activity only. We do not assess breeding practices, health, or quality. You are responsible for choosing and checking a kennel directly with the breeder.

Further reading

Back to the kennel catalog