I have finally found an AKC breeder within a 3 hour drive, what all should I ask?

Question

I asked all the questions from the AKC website, but am sitting here thinking that there may be something I have missed.

From personal experiance what are some questions that should be asked but are normally forgotten.

So far this breeder has shown me the webpage and her dogs and avalible puppies. We have been talking on the phone and she is so knowledgable!

She said when I come to visit (she likes a visit prior to purchase) that we can have some coffee and "talk shop". I would love to have some awesome questions to ask her.

THANKS

and here is a link to my other question...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnOLw5CcRfWGm5tSfXF32MLsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071015120348AAgQNGu

She has told me there is a health guarentee on the puppies, she had scored a 98 on her last inspection from the AKC people, and that the points off were for improper paperwork during the sale of a puppy...she has been doing this for 25 years...

She e mailed me the pedigree... there are a few champs on the moms side and a whole lot on the dad's side.

What is the difference between show and pet quality?

She said that her puppies have been shown too.

Answer 1

Make sure they aren't on here. These are at least some that have been caught being bad breeders and AKC will not accept their pets. However; I found this via forged akc papers.

http://www.barkbytes.com/suspend/suspindx.htm

Answer 2

If you want a good quality dog you should get the Pedigree Papers along with the AKC. If the breeder does not provide the Pedigree Papers then I would look else where.

AKC is just a registry & it doesn't mean that you are getting a quality dog just because they are registered.

To get a quality pure breed dog you will pay the price for one, a couple of thousand. Pet quality (which should not be bred) will run a few hundred & should be spayed or neutered so they don't pass negative traits down to pups. Many AKC breeders are back yard breeders or Puppy Mills & the quality of the pups will be very low.

As a dog groomer I saw many AKC registered dogs that were very poor examples of the breed. Over bites, under bites, poor conformation, bad temperament, some didn't even look like what it was suposed to look like.

I would suggest you check out the breed standards of what you want & ask the breeder for a health certificate, X Rays, & confirm the standards with the breeder. Don't let some shyster pull the wool over you eyes. Educate yourself with all there is to know about the breed you have chosen. If you are unsure as to what to ask take someone with you that knows more than you.

Things like ear set, bite, color, conformation, temperament, what ailments are those particular pups predisposed for. What was off with the parents that might be passed on to the pups?

Just remember that AKC papers don't mean you are getting a quality dog. Another thing, there is no such thing is a stupid question.

Answer 3

Here are some suggested questions one can use to determine if a breeder is truly responsible:

1. Is she an AKC registered breeder of good standing and an active member of her breed Parent Club?

2. Are there AKC Champions listed on the pedigree, showing that the breeder spends her time & money to prove the quality of her breeding stock through competition?

3. Are all the animals kept in clean, comfortable, healthy, loving circumstances?

4. Did the breeder conduct extensive interviews with you and every member of your family?

5. Have the sire & dam received all available health clearances, (eg. OFA Hip & Eye, Thyroid testing, THESE VARY FOR EACH BREED)

6. Is she willing to honestly discuss any possible genetic defects that may exist in her line?

7. Does she have a Sales Contract?

8. Does the contract contain a clause stipulating that you spay or neuter the puppy before it reaches a certain
age?

9. Does the contract contain a clause stating that if at any time in the puppy's life, you can no longer care for it, it must be returned to the breeder? (This ensures that no animal bred by this breeder will ever end up in a shelter).

10. Will the breeder maintain contact with you for the life of the puppy to answer questions and help in general?

Answer 4

Good for you!

I've heard some breeders will try to talk you out of getting the breed - ask her why you should NOT get a Maltese.

St. Lady had some questions about this kind of thing... here's some links:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgP8J1UyApoVVerbt6nYIfXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071015040920AAqnflb
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ak8mgqW43HoWldWPjhraXJDpy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071015114111AAWQZTK

They're more from a breeder perspective, but they should help you think of some good questions.

Talk to the breeder about if you want breeding to be an option - will she be a resource to you and tell you exactly what your pup's faults are?

Good luck!

Answer 5

I would look at her dogs and pups in general- a good breeder won't have very many at one time. Especially not puppies. She should also require some sort of interview/questionaire, and a contract. Most decent breeders will require you to either pay full price for full breeding rights/showing rights, or agree to spay/neuter the dog and sign a separate contract for that. A good breeder won't sell you a pet quality dog with the option of breeding. Even if that's what you want, you should stay away from breeders who offer it. The best breeders also show their dogs for conformation. With a toy breed, she should not be offering pups younger than 12 weeks of age for sale. She should also talk to you about proper feeding, crate training, and grooming.

General questions to ask:

-How long has she been breeding/showing Maltese?
-Were the dog's parents champions?
-Does she do all health tests for eyes, hearts, hips, knees, etc.?
-Does she offer a health guarantee?
-Is the pup fully vaccinated for her current age?
-Is the pup show or pet quality? Will a show or spay contract be required?
-What is she feeding the pup now? What are her reasons for choosing that brand? (Avoid any breeder who uses crappy grocery store foods like Purina or Alpo; dogs suffer enormously from bad nutrition).
-Have any genetic health problems emerged in her bloodlines? Is there any chance the pup she's selling might come down with a problem? An honest breeder will tell you outright if there has ever been an issue with the bloodlines.
-Does she provide lifelong advice and support for you and the pup? Is she willing to take him back at any time for any reason?
-What does she suggest in terms of vet care? Toy breeds specifically are in danger of damage caused by overvaccinating; has she adopted the new and safer method of only vaccinating dogs as puppies, and then maintaining rabies vaccines only? (Adult dogs, especially sensitive ones, should not be given yearly updates on distemper, bordatella, etc. It's not necessary.)
- Is she planning to match you with the pup that suits your lifestyle, or let you pick your own? Many breeders prefer to show you the pup or pups that have a personality they think is best for you, as opposed to having you pick out the cutest one that may be too shy or bossy for your tastes.

Keep her talking as long as possible. If at any point you notice that she doesn't seem to know much about the breed, breeding in general, dog care, etc., you might want to reconsider. Please don't buy the pup anyway just because you're there and it was a long drive- you want the best companion you can find, and sometimes that takes a while.

Good luck in your search!

Answer 6

So far so good. Glad she wants a visit - it should be REQUIRED. Look how clean and healthy the puppies look. Observe whether she uses good sanitation practices (makes you wash hands before handling pups). Are there any signs of fleas? Do mom and dad look happy and healthy? Does she offer a health guarantee? Use your eyes, ears and instincts. If something seems wrong, don't be afraid to walk away.

Answer 7

Ask about their Tempermant, if they have a health guarantee, if you can see their parents ( generally the puppies act the same way as the parents), and maybe some requierments to see if the breed is right for you.

Answer 8

Once you have all the other questions out of the way... ask which breed books show dogs that are ancestors of your potential puppy.

Be sure to bring a photo album of you, your family AND all your pets.

Ask her for references... she should be only too happy to provide you with them.

Ask if she minds being a resource person when you have dog questions.

Ask what she feeds and why. (I'm big on the why... but I raw feed).

Good luck!!

Answer 9

Make sure you ask to see the health certificates of both the sire and dam. If their hip ratings are anything less than "Good", walk away.

Ask to see where her dogs live and about their daily routine. If she refuses to show you, there's a problem.

Ask how many hours a day she spends playing with the pups.

Make sure you see both the dam and sire if he is onsite.

Answer 10

Ask:
-her purposes for breeding
-if she tests for genetic conditions
-how long she has been breeding
-vet references and references in general from buyers
-is she involved in any dog clubs or dog events
-how many litters she breeds a year
-how many breeds of dogs she has