When you buy a puppy, you’re not only buying a dog, you’re buying a long-term relationship with the breeder. Here are some questions to ask to help you decide on a dog breeder.
1. Is the Puppies’ Living Area Clean and Well-Kept?
Sure, there are puppy toys lying all over the house. But does it smell badly? What about the dogs? Busy breeders don’t have time to groom and bathe dogs daily (and puppies do take priority). The living environment and the dogs shouldn’t be filthy, however. Be sure to check out some of the other dogs there, particularly the mother of the litter.
If the dogs are kept in kennels, do the runs look like they’ve been cleaned in the past few hours? It’s also a good idea to see where the puppies are kept. Puppies potty often so, in all likelihood, you’ll see evidence of that. That being said, their area shouldn’t be encrusted with it, and it shouldn’t smell so bad that you’re gasping for air.
2. Does the breeder make time for you?
You should feel comfortable calling your breeder frequently for advice, especially during the first couple of weeks. In the long run, he should make himself available when you need the benefit of his experience, whether your dog has medical issues or behavioral concerns.
If the breeder doesn’t make the time to answer your questions before you sign the check, he sure won’t after the money spent!
3. Does the breeder show sincere concern for the dog?
Does the breeder demonstrate that she cares about the welfare and development of the dog? Does she encourage you to take classes and to enter the dog in shows? Ideally, she should suggest a club to join for information and camaraderie.
Responsible breeders provide medical records for their dogs. These consist of inoculations, past medical problems (a healthy pup shouldn’t have any) and a list of future veterinary needs. She should also welcome you to stay in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Does she ask you how you’ll provide for the dog and who your vet will be? Does she require her dogs to be spayed or neutered? Questions like these demonstrate that she is sincerely concerned for her dogs.
4. Do the breeder’s adult dogs have the qualities and temperament you’re looking for?
Most puppies are sturdy and outgoing (if they’re not, don’t even think about buying them). The adults however are a true show of the breeding program. Do they exhibit the characteristics you want in a dog? Individual personalities notwithstanding, the breeder’s adult dogs should give you a good idea of what a new puppy will be like in a couple of years.
Do the adult dogs have healthy coats? A healthy coat is a good measure of overall health. Do consider seasonal shedding though. Do they move normally? Do they have a good weight? Are their eyes shiny and alert? These are all things to consider when checking out a breeder’s dogs.
5. Does the breeder love his breed?
Watch for subtle signs of love while you’re talking with the breeder. Does he accept the dog’s foibles, whether it’s drooling on his hand or knocking stuff off the coffee table? Does the dog lovingly press its head into his hand?
People who love their breed leave signs of it all around: breed magazines, themed clothes, art, mugs, etc. If you see things like this, you can be sure that his dogs have touched his heart. People like this do everything they can for their dogs.
6. What are her goals as a breeder?
Ask the breeder what she hopes to accomplish with her breeding and what her goals are as a breeder. She may be surprised by the question, but an enthusiastic breeder will have an answer. The answer should be related to the dogs themselves (not for the money or glory). It’ll be about wanting to raise dogs with good temperaments and bodies or improving the breed itself. Being able to talk about goals is a good sign that the breeder takes his craft seriously.
7. What is the breeder’s knowledge and experience?
Can the breeder tell you the history of the breed? This shouldn’t comprise of a list of dates. Have him tell you why the breed was developed, where, how long it’s been around, etc. Is he a member of the national organization for the breed or perhaps a local club?
Though it’s not an absolute requirement, long-term involvement in the breed shows dedication. Newcomers can be good as well though, especially if they’ve had a long-time breed owner has a mentor.
8. Are there any loopholes in the paperwork?
The breeder will give you a contract, registration slip (or application). In addition, you’ll also receive a stack of papers that should include: a guarantee, a pedigree, medical records, and specifics about the breed, vet care, and feeding info. It may also contain a club membership application and various other reading materials to help you get through the first couple of weeks.
Be sure to read through all the papers the breeder gives you in detail, especially the contract and guarantee.
9. What are the breeders references like?
References are only as good as the people who give them, the same as guarantees. Of course, a breeder won’t give you a name of a client who is likely to say bad things. Still, it doesn’t hurt to look into her references anyway. Breeders need to be willing to provide them too. Ask if there are any repeat buyers – a sign of being a truly content owner.
The breeder may in turn ask you for references. As a first-time owner, you can give neighbor’s names. Or if you’ve already talked to a veterinarian or trainer first, you can use either as a reference as well.
