So funny...I actually started making a list of questions last night to save just so I won't forget in the future. It's just a rough list that might be added or taken away based on what I already know about a breeder. I personally will only buy from reputable show breeders so that's the starting place with me...I also REALLY prefer that the show breeder be a YTCA member. Being a show breeder & a YTCA member doesn't automatically mean the breeder is reputable though so that's where I start asking my questions to determine that or not... so far they are more about the BREEDER and not so much an individual puppy. I think it's most important to find a breeder you like first and then look for the puppy. so I'll share what questions I have on my list so far..
Why did you choose the Yorkshire Terrier as “your” breed?
Why do you breed them? Can you give me your breeding philosophy?
How long have you been involved with the breed?
Do you have any other animals (other than yorkies)?
Have you ever bred any other breeds?
Do/did you have a mentor?
What lines do you have in your breeding program? Why did you choose these lines?
Are you a member of any clubs involving the breed?
What do you do so far as health screening?
Do your dogs have certification from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals?) for patellas, hips and elbows? Do you have certification for ears, heart, or thyroid through the OFA or eyes through CERF?
How well do you know the health history in your dogs’ pedigrees? How many generations back?
Have you ever had any genetic conditions arise? What did you do about it?
How many dogs do you own? How many females and how many males?
Where do you keep your dogs? Where do you keep the puppies?
How often do you breed your females?
How many litters do you have a year?
Do you require your puppies to be spayed/neutered? Do you give full registration or limited registration?
What is the minimum age you will let your puppies go to their new homes?
Have you ever been inspected by the AKC?
Have you stayed in touch with previous puppy buyers ?
Will you offer support (for questions/help) after the sale?
Have you ever have a dissatisfied buyer to your knowledge?
If one of your buyers can no longer keep the dog they bought from you, do you take the dog back? What are your policies regarding rehoming any puppies/dogs that were bought from you?
What is the price of your puppies?
What are the qualities that you look for in a new home for one of your puppies?
What is your health guarantee? What is your policy if a puppy develops a health problem?
What vaccinations/worming do you give puppies and what age?
What do you feed your puppies and adult dogs?
How do you socialize your puppies?
How do you start potty training your puppies?
What are the good and bad points of the parents? What titles to they have? How do you feel the two bloodlines compliment each other?
How would you describe the temperament of the sire and dam?
How much do the Sire and Dam weigh?
How old is the dam?
How many litters has she had?
Why are you not keeping this puppy for show? What faults does the puppy have?
What is the puppy’s personality like?
Hope that helps
