Your first contact with a breeder may be via phone, fax, letter or e-mail.  It is important to assess every communication you receive from the breeder. It can indicate more about them than you might think.  Does the written communication evoke a feeling that they care about their animals, and would want to work with you? Does the breeder invite you to visit their home/cattery?

While it is often ideal to purchase a pedigreed animal from a local breeder where you can actually go see their facilities and meet them and their animals face-to-face, you can also learn much more about a breeder by talking to other people. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder for references AND check around with other breeders (maybe drop them an email) asking about the breeder you are considering.  Ask other breeders if they would buy a pet from them.