California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 122300

(a) “Dog dealer” means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other association that engages in the acquisition of dogs for retail sale to the public. “Dog dealer” does not include duly incorporated nonprofit humane societies dedicated to the care of unwanted animals that make animals available for adoption, whether or not a fee for the adoption is charged, or pet dealers who do not in the normal course of business sell dogs, but who sometimes exhibit dogs for adoption.

(b) “Dog breeder” means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other association that breeds and sells dogs at wholesale or retail.

(c) “Dog pedigree registry” means any of various private agencies that serve to keep track of the breed, lineage, physical characteristics, and historical data regarding dogs that are registered with the agency.