Purebred Collective
Educating, connecting, and celebrating the world of purebred dogs.
Purebred Collective (based in the United States) unites breed enthusiasts from various professions all over the world! A positive and diverse community, we focus on education, fostering connections, and promoting responsible practices to help preserve and celebrate purebred dogs.
by SGT Gs Photography
Latest News
AVMA publishes new study on neutering: Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs: comparison of health and behavior outcomes with gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs
The study's objective is to compare health and behavior outcomes for dogs that underwent vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy) with sexually intact dogs or dogs that had undergone traditional castration or spay.
Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) comes to North America!
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge's Respiratory Function Grading Scheme will allow ethical breeders to lower the risk of producing puppies affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
French Bulldogs top Labrador Retrievers as most popular breed in the US
Every year the American Kennel Club releases rankings of the most popular breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. For the first time since 1991, the Labrador Retriever is not in the top spot.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question for us, need assistance with something, have a suggestion, or anything else, we're always happy to hear from you.
Resources
Topics
A collection of guides and advice on various dog-related topics. Click on the image/buttons to view the topic.Note that these pages currently cannot be viewed due to the site being a work-in-progress. This site is kept up to date and new additions are added at our discretion.
New Owners
Below are some useful resources for new or expecting dog owners! While we try our best to provide the most accurate resources, it's important that you remain cautious and research further than what we have provided, as pet ownership information is subjective and can vary.
preparing your home
Before bringing a dog home, make sure you have the essentials and some non-essential but useful items.
Essentials: Water bowls, collar, leash, bed, appropriately sized dog kennel (home and travel), tooth brushing kit
Useful extras: Training clicker, child-proof locks, pet-proof trashcans, potty bell, puzzle toys/lick mats, paw wipes, cooling mat, blow dryer, ear cleaner, puppy gate.
Kennels/Crates: Dogs naturally seek den-like environments, and those that are appropriately kennel trained often choose their kennel as a retreat from overstimulation or as a sleeping area. Kit Darling, the infection control coordinator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, highlights the advantages: “Crate training assists in house training, prevents destructive behavior, offers a secure mode of transportation in a car, and provides a peaceful sanctuary for your dog during busy events like holiday meals and parties." You can read more about the benefits of crate training here.To appropriately size a home kennel, measure your dog's length from nose to tail base and height while sitting, adding 2-4 inches to each dimension for comfort. If you have a puppy, consider their expected adult size and opt for an adjustable kennel (you can use a divider on a large kennel so you don't have to buy multiple). Some breeds are not bothered by eliminating waste in their kennel, but you can help discourage it by making sure your dog has enough room to sleep comfortably inside (but not enough to play).For travel kennels, it's not uncommon for people to choose roomy kennels, however, this is a very dangerous mistake to make. Travel kennels are meant to keep the dog safe during transport, so please make sure your dog only has enough room to turn around so he doesn't bounce around and risk injury if the road (or flight) gets bumpy. Please refer to figure 1 if you are still unsure of proper sizing.
Nutrition
What brand should I feed my new dog?
We not endorse any specific brands as not all dogs do well on a specific brands, our members all have their preferred brands that you are welcome to ask about in the server. Asking your breeder (if not adopting) what they feed is usually your safest choice if you can afford it. Some frequently mentioned brands are Purina Pro Plan, Victor, Farmina, and Eukanuba. There are also dietary requirements and allergies to consider that we cannot advise you on (so if this is a possible concern then make sure to ask your veterinarian).Some specific breeds are prone to food sensitivities (ex. collies, high uric acid dalmatians) and allergies so as mentioned, please make sure to do your research in case this is not something you want to manage.Raw feeding is also an option, however, we recommend only doing so under the advisement of a board certified veterinary nutritionist and if you do not plan to make your dog a therapy dog (as therapy dogs sometimes visit hospitals and raw feeding puts immunocompromised people at risk).
DID YOU KNOW?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is one of few non-profit animal welfare organizations in North America that is unopposed to ethically purpose-bred animals via their statement which regards responsibly managed animal shows, fairs, and exhibitions of breeding and/or performing stock.
Breeders
What are the best resources for people looking for ethical breeders?
1. Kennel Clubs
Search breeder directories on national kennel club websites (e.g., American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Swedish Kennel Club). National Breed-specific clubs (e.g., German Shepherd Dog Club of America) usually have better directories than general national clubs also. For a global list of kennel clubs, see FCI.
Note: Not all breeders in these directories are thoroughly screened, so research individual breeders carefully.2. Dog Shows & Sporting Events
Dog shows and sports events are great for meeting reputable breeders and getting recommendations.
USA: AKC Event Calendar
Canada: Canuck Dogs
Global: Check local events via your national kennel club or FCI show search.3. Health Testing Databases
North America: Use OFA Advanced Search to find health-tested dogs and identify breeders prioritizing health testing.
Global: Many countries have their own health registries or pedigree databases (e.g., the UK Kennel Club and Swedish Kennel Club).
Tip: Health testing isn’t universal and may not be required for all breeds—research your breed's needs carefully.The methods above are not fool-proof ways to find an ethical breeder. Even if a breeder titles their dogs in trials/shows and completes health testing, there are a number of other factors that would make us write off a breeder.
Breeder Flags
Below is a table of traits that are considered bad or good signs in a breeder.
| X | GREEN FLAG (GOOD) | RED FLAG (BAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding Goal | To better the breed while preserving traits via a breed standard | To supply demand, make money, or other personal reason(s) |
| Breeding Decisions | (1) Selects carefully to prevent & correct physical/genetic defects or faults, (2) Does breed required health testing and/or temperament testing, (3) Only breeds completely health tested dogs, (4) Breeds a reasonable amount of dog breeds | (1) Breeds specific colors, exaggerated sizes, or sizes/colors against the breed standard, (2) Breeds dogs w/ none or incomplete health/temperament testing or titles, (3) Breeds many dog breeds or odd breed mixes |
| Activities | (1) Dogs proven in conformation, sports, and/or working trials, (2) Registered w/ 1 or more reputable national breed clubs | (1) Little/no involvement in conformation, sports, and/or working trials, (2) Is not registered w/ a breed club, or is registered w/ disreputable kennel clubs |
| Contract | (1) Health guarantee for genetic disorders & infectious disease, (2) Spay/neuter (if limited registration), (3) Dogs can always go back to breeder (return policy) | (1) Iffy or no contract at a, (2) Suspicious or lacking health guarantee, (3) Breeding rights can be bought by anyone willing to pay extra, (4) Dogs cannot go back to breeder |
| Education | (1) Can refer to a mentor, (2) Has years of experience w/ breed prior to breeding, (3) Has accurate & deep knowledge of breed's health/history | (1) Cannot refer to a mentor, (2) Little to no experience w/ breed prior to breeding, (3) Has little, vague, or incorrect knowledge of breed's health/history |
| Contact | (1) Receptive to questions, (2) Extensively screens buyers before accepting deposits, (3) Wants buyers to meet their dogs, (4) | (1) Follows up for updates and pictures, (2) Not receptive to question, (3) Accepts deposits without properly screening buyers and/or before the dogs are bred, (4) Doesn't want buyers to meet their dogs, (5) Doesn't follow up for updates after purchase |
| Litters (Puppies) | (1) Never in a rush to sell/rehome, (2) Puppies/dogs are sociable, healthy, clean, groomed, (3) Puppies go home after 8+ weeks of age, (4) Doesn't usually let buyers choose their puppy | (1) In a rush to sell & has a high volume of puppies available, (2) Puppies/dogs are fearful/aggressive, sickly, filthy, matted, (3) Puppies go home before 8 weeks of age, (4) Lets buyers choose their puppy, (5) Charges more for specific traits (color, size, etc.) |
| Papers | (1) Registration papers (w/ breed club), (2) Authentic pedigree, (3) Any necessary health & vaccination records | (1) Registration papers used as a selling point or none at all, (2) No vaccination records/Does not provide necessary health records, (3) Fake/hung or no pedigree |
| Social Life | (1) Has many connections w/ other breeders, judges, & hobbyists, (2) Willing to refer to other breeders as an alternative | (1) Has little to no connections to other breeders, judges, or hobbyists, (2) May refuse to refer to other breeders as an alternative |
EXTRA TIP
We do not recommend bringing up price with an ethical breeder until either in a follow-up contact or at the end of the first contact (if successful & there's a connection with them).
Dog Sports
Dog sports are a lot like human sports in many ways, however, not every sport is the same. Dogs have been used as working animals for humanity for hundreds to thousands of years, and over time many of those jobs for dogs have disappeared. Although their jobs have left them, the instincts of many dog breeds used for those jobs have not. Dog sports are a way to fulfill these instincts and for us to have fun along with them, they are an excellent way to take you and your dog's bond to the next level, and almost any dog (purebred or not) can participate!
Dog Shows
Behavior
Rescues/Shelters
DID YOU KNOW?
The NCPPSP Regional Shelter Study found that 69.7% of 1,984 surrendered dogs in 12 U.S. Animal Shelters did not know any basic commands while only 18.2% knew some basic commands prior to adoption. Additionally, the two most common reasons for surrendering a dog were bites (22.2%) and soiling the house (18.5%).
Health
Equipment
Legislation
Stop BSL (Stop Breed-Specific Legislation)
An organization that fights against breed-specific legislation which bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance and misconceived stereotypes.
Support Hershey's Bill
An organization that fights against breed-specific legislation which bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance and misconceived stereotypes.
Articles
Breed History
Contribute
Our community started off in March of 2021 with only a few members. As we've grown, we've come to recognize that Purebred Collective can be something more.Donations—even a dollar—help us take one step forward toward our mission.
Whether in cash, in-kind, sponsorship, planned giving—anything helps. Show your love and support by becoming a monthly donor or join us as a volunteer.All contributions will fund community features, educational content, our official website (which is a work in progress), and more. We have so many ideas that we can't wait to share with you.
Match Me a Breed
Get a personalized recommendation for a breed from us by joining our Discord server!You can also check out our blog post, 'How to Choose a Dog', we generally can recommend the following breeds for novice owners (depending on your activity level and commitment):Note: Size is based on weight, not height. Activity refers to how much exercise or "work" a breed usually needs to be fulfilled.
| Low Activity Needs | Medium Activity Needs | High Activity Needs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Size | Bolognese, Lowchen, Cesky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Bichon Frise | Boston Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Toy Poodle, | Manchester Terrier (Toy), American Hairless Terrier (Toy), Fox Terrier, Schipperke, Border Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog |
| Medium Size | Petit basset fauve de Bretagnev, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bulldog, | Barbet, Silken Windhound, Papillon, Miniature Poodle, Bearded Collie, English Cocker Spaniel, Eurasier, Keeshond, Finnish Lapphund | Manchester Terrier (Standard), Australian Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Brittany, Norwegian Buhund |
| Large Size | Clumber Spaniel, Greyhound | Golden Retriever, Rough/smooth Collie, Standard Poodle, | Boxer, Labrador Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Belgian Sheepdog/Tervuren, Entlebucher Mountain Dog |