What questions should I ask a breeder?

Question

please include explanation of questions

Answer 1

Questions to ask and answers to look for....

1) What breeds do you breed?

(They should only breed one, two max)

2) How many dogs do you have?

(Not too many or they won't get enough attention. ALL their dogs should be pets first, breeders second.)

3) How many litters do you breed per year?

(Not too many - only a couple per year)

4) How old are females when bred, and how many litters do they have?

(Should be over 2, never bred on first season or consecutive seasons, or after the age of about 6)

5) Are they registered with the Kennel Club, members of the breed club, and do they show?

(Show breeders are more likely to be bettering the breed and have high quality pups. Look for success at shows, eg champions)

6) Do they do all necessary health tests?

(They should test for EVERY disease known to affect their breed. They MUST have the certificates to prove it. Make sure you know what "good" results to look for - eg know the breeds average hip score etc.)

7) Can you view the puppies in their own environment?

(Always view pups in the home with their mum and littermates. Pet dogs should be born and raised in the home. Make sure the female seems healthy and has a good temperament)

8) What socialisation do you do?

(Good breeders take special care to ensure pups are well socialised, eg with other pets, kids, being handled and groomed, going in the car, household noises etc.)

9) Do you have a contract?

(Should include a spay/neuter contract)

10) What do you provide with the pup?

(Look for info pack, sample of diet, insurance etc)

11) Are the pups microchipped?

(They should be)

12) Will you take a pup back if for any reason I can't keep it?

(They should do)

13) Can I meet the sire, or find out about him?

(Most breeders won't own the sire themselves, but can put you in touch with his owner)

14) Can you verify the abilities or temperament of the mum?

(Look for temperament testing, competition titles eg obediance, Canine Good Citizen scheme etc)

15) Will they be happy to give you advice any time you need it throughout the dogs life?

(They should be)

16) Will they deliver a pup to someone they have not met in person, or sell to pet shops or dealers?

(A good breeder NEVER sells through a third party, or to anyone they have not met personally and approved of)

17) Expect them to ask YOU questions

(A caring, responsible breeder will only sell puppies to homes they think are excellent. Expect them to ask things like why you want a dog, why you chose this breed, what experience or knowledge you have, who else lives in your household, how big is your home, how long will the dog be left alone etc. Avoid any breeder who doesn't give you the spanish inquisition!)

Answer 2

Are your dogs health tested by OFA, CERF, or Vetgen? Any other genetic testing done? May I see the papers?

Do you show your dogs? Are they at least pointed? Why not if no?

Why did you choose to breed this particular litter?

Do you have a contract? What's in it?

Do you sell pups with a spay/neuter contract?

If I have problems of any kind wioth my pup, can I contact you for advice?

If something were to happen, like I died, and none of my family could keep my dog, would you take it back?

Do you have a health warranty on your pups? What does it cover, and why?

There are lots more questions you can ask depending on your circumstances and the breed. www.qualitydogs.com has a "Choosing a Breeder" page that gives some good ideas.

Answer 3

Research major health problems in your breed and ask if they test for them or if they have any dogs that have those health issues. Find out how many dogs they have on the property you don't want them to have to many because it likely means that they don't all get the attention they need (though for hound breeds a lot of breeders raise them in kennels because there hunting instincts are to strong to let them be running a lot). Ask if the dogs are in the house or if they have a kennel set up. I prefer that the dogs are raised in the house. Find out how much they show and what other activities they do with their dogs the more the better. Check what registries they are affiliated with AKC,UKC, CKC (canadian kennel club) are all good ones

Answer 4

Oh thank you - Great question!

Here are a few:

Health guarantees
Temperament guarantees
Spay/Neuter requirements for non-show dogs (especially if you buy a show-quality dog but don't intend to show it)
Purchase agreements (if you intend to show your dog)
Breeding agreements (if you intend to breed your dog - after earning championship of course)
Socializing - Ask to meet both parents
Socializing - Ask to see the puppies in their house...


Gosh - there are so many more questions - but these should get you to thinking...

Again, great question.

Answer 5

Here is a nice little list of things to look for in a good breeder:
http://www.dogplay.com/GettingDog/checklist.html#shortlist

Answer 6

ezinearticles.com/?questions-to-askbreeders&id=396233 is a website about questions to ask breeders

Answer 7

Hi SayWhat??,
I don't really know what you're asking here - but I think your starfish profile is real kewl.