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Questions to Ask Before
You Buy
Ask these questions BEFORE you
go see the puppies. Once
you are looking at the little darlings, it is very hard to walk
away.
Know how your puppy has been raised and be certain they have been
socialized
to people and are living indoors. When you do get you puppy, be sure to
take it to your veterinarian right away. You want to make certain your
puppy
is as healthy as possible. The more you know about you puppy, the
better
off you will be. Remember, knowledge is power. ASK THE BREEDER
- How many years have you been breeding dogs?
- How many years breeding this breed of dogs?
- Is this the only breed of dog you have available?
- How many litters have you bred?
- Can you supply a customer or reference list?
- Do you show your dogs in AKC, UKC, IABCA? Ideally your breeder is showing their dogs for an objective outside opinion.
- Which dog clubs do you belong to?
- How many dogs have you bred or owned and what titles have they achieved? (For more information on titles go to UKC or AKC .)
- Some examples of titles include:
- CH (Champion in conformation)
- CD (Obedience title)
- CDX (Obedience)
- UD (Obedience)
- UDX (Obedience)
- OTCH (Obedience)
- TD (Tracking)
- TDX (Tracking)
- FH (Tracking)
- JH (Hunting)
- SH (Hunting)
- MH( Hunting)
- FC (Hunting)
- ScH I; ScH II, ScH III (Schutzhund)
ASK ABOUT THE PARENTS
- What are the AKC or UKC registered names of the Sire (father) and the Dam (mother)? Both parents should have registration papers. When in doubt, check the details with the registering club.
- Why did you chose to breed these two particular dogs to each other?
- Are there some particular physical
characteristics and
personality traits that you are attempting to improve in your breeding
line?
ASK ABOUT HEALTH
- Which of the following genetic tests/clearances/certifications did you obtain on the parents?
- OFA (Checks for hip and elbow dysplasia) If their information was sent in, you can check this on the internet.
- CERF (Checks on eyes)
- Temperament
- What is the name and phone number of the veterinarian that has seen and cared for the puppies?
- At what age will your puppies be ready to go to their new home? (Pups should stay with their mothers for a minimum of 7 weeks, this helps their social development with dog interactions.)
- What is the price based on? You may hear
any of the following
responses: Pet Quality, Show Quality, Breeding Quality. If you are told
they are show or breeding quality, ask how the breeder has determined
this. What is their experience showing dogs? Are there lots of dogs
with titles and clean health checks?
- Does the breeder require that puppies not intended for breeding be spayed or neutered?
- Do you have your transfer copy of the registration papers? (AKC puppy papers are blue.)
- Do not pay extra for registration papers, this is a violation of kennel club rules. Notify the registering kennel club if this happens.
- Is there a money back or replacement puppy guarantee?
- Do you unconditionally take back any puppy/dog of your breeding? Anytime?
- Ask specifically what the breeder will do if your puppy is very sick. Will they treat it or euthanize?
- What conditions must the buyer satisfy?