The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs and its member clubs provide this resource to assist you in your search for the right dog and to provide a useful resource to help you get started in responsible dog ownership, discover fun things to do with your dog, get started in dog sports, learn a new dog sport and/or refine your skills. The individuals and companies listed have provided their information for this directory. Neither the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs nor its member clubs are responsible for the actions of anyone listed in this directory.

Before you get a dog:

You should:

• Evaluate your own circumstances and lifestyle.
• List the traits you consider essential in finding the perfect canine match for you and your family.
  Visit the AKC’s website to research breeds.
• Every breed listed has a parent breed club that sets the standard for that breed. Additional information on the breeds can be found on each parent club’s website, including information on health, temperament, and exercise needs.
• Also, check out some of the many books published on finding the right dog for you and books devoted to individual breeds.
• Consider taking this quiz to find the right dog for you.

This research may save you from falling in love with a breed you find attractive but that might be inappropriate for you. You might even discover that dog ownership is not the answer to your companionship needs.

If the responsibilities of raising a new puppy seem overwhelming, you might consider adopting an older dog from one of the purebred rescue services listed in this directory. “Rescue” dogs include strays, dogs surrendered to a shelter or pound or those turned over directly by the previous owner to the rescue service. These dogs normally are evaluated by the rescue service prior to being matched with the best possible home. Many wonderful dogs are being adopted annually and you may just find your next best dog waiting for you there.

These adopted purebred dogs are eligible for a listing number from the American Kennel Club.  This number entitles them to compete in obedience, rally, agility, and tracking.

If you acquired your dog from a purebred rescue group, you can enroll your dog in the AKC’s Purebred Alternative Listing PAL.  Enrollment is easy.

But what if my dog is a mixed breed?

No worries, your mixed breed dog can participate in AKC companion events (e.g., agility, obedience, rally, trick dog).  In order to participate in these events you just have to enroll your dog in the AKC’s Canine Partners program.

Not sure if your rescue is purebred or a mixed breed, you can DNA test your dog.  While the DNA test results are not taken into consideration by the AKC, the results of the test may provide you with direction on which path to AKC dog sport participation you want to pursue.  Whether or not it matters to you, depends on what activities that you would like to pursue with your dog and how involved you want to get.  Purebred dogs enrolled through PAL can participate in companion events at Breed Specialties.  PAL listed herding breeds can participate in herding events not available to mixed-breed Canine Partners.

What does that mean?

If your dog is purebred, it can participate in breed-specific events that showcase what the dog was bred to do.

Regardless, of whether your dog is a purebred or mixed breed, it can participate in a wide variety of dog sport events.