“What questions should I be expecting from the buyers?”
Informed buyers are going to want to know about the background of their puppy. Be prepared to not only discuss everything you know about the sire and dam, but also everything you know about the other dogs on the pedigree. Since a good breeder has done her/his homework prior to breeding, answering those questions should prove no problem.
1. Can I see both the sire and dam of the puppies? If you don’t own the sire (and this is the normal case), am I able to visit the sire’s owner and see him also?
2. Tell me everything you can about the sire and dam. What are the sire’s worst and best faults or traits? What are the dam’s worst and best faults or traits?
3. Has this dam been bred before? When and how many litters has she had? What are the dogs from that litter(s) like?
4. How long have you had this particular breed? How knowledgeable do you consider yourself?
5. What testing has been performed on the sire and dam for genetic problems? Have they both been examined for hip dysplasia and do they have certifications? Have they both had their eyes examined and certified? Have they both had vWD testing (a blood disorder)? What about other testing? Do you have evidence of the findings of the testing and can I see the certifications? (An informed breeder will have checked about genetic problems in the breed and the answer of “Oh, they’re just fine.” is not appropriate or good enough.
6. Do you have certifications on any of the dogs further back in the pedigree?
7. How many of the dogs in the pedigree have you seen and examined personally? Tell me everything you know about them. (Be prepared to discuss more than what is found on the pedigree – a good breeder will know about the temperaments, health, workability, etc. of the dogs in the puppies’ pedigree.)
8. What can you tell me about the types of titles (conformation, working, obedience and/or agility) are in the pedigree? How far back in the pedigree do these titles occur? How many of the dogs were titled? Are you currently working on any titles, degrees or certifications with the dam and/or sire? What about with your other dogs?
9. Why did you decide to breed this particular dam to this particular sire?
10. Tell me about the incidence of dysplasia, eye problems, vWD, epilepsy, allergies, thyroid problems, growth problems, cancer, etc. in the pedigree.
11. How many puppies were born in the litter? Did any have congenital problems? If so, what were the problems?
12. How much time have you spent planning the litter? How did you determine what stud to use? Had you seen him and examined him prior to taking your bitch to him for breeding?
13. How much time have you spent with the puppies? What is your normal day like with them?
14. Has your veterinarian examined the puppies? Have they been inoculated at all? If so, for what?
15. Do you perform any temperament tests? How do you evaluate your puppies? If you temperament test, which test do you use? Did anyone temperament test the puppies? (An informed buyer will ask to see the results and you should be prepared to explain those results. If you can’t explain the criteria used to evaluate puppies, what good are the evaluations?)
16. Do you have a puppy contract that I will need to sign? May I have a copy before I come to see the puppies? What does it entail?
17. Do you offer any health or temperament guarantees? What are the terms? If there is a problem, does the puppy/dog have to be returned? (While returning a dog may be very traumatic, it may sometimes be necessary. A good breeder is one who is concerned about not only their dogs and their puppies, but with the breed on a whole.) If there are any health or temperament problems, will any of my purchase money be refunded or will I get a replacement puppy from another breeding (with another sire or dam)?
18. Do you require that any companion (pet-quality) puppies be spayed or neutered? Will there be an endorsement on the registration? (Most people who want a dog for a pet will understand that a good breeder wants to ensure that only the best (those conforming to the standard and with a minimum of faults) dogs are bred.)
19. Will you be available throughout the life of the dog to answer any of my questions and concerns? Can you answer any training, food, exercise, medical questions? If you don’t know an answer, do you know who I can go to for answers?
20. What documentation will I get with my puppy? Will I get a four- or five-generation pedigree? Are any medical testing results for dogs on the pedigree listed? Will I get information on how to take care of my puppy and what I should expect? Do you provide the puppy’s health record? Will I get any helpful information on helping my puppy adjust to a new home and training?
21. What do you consider to be the most important facets of a breeding program? What are you striving for in your breeding program? (A good breeder will consider the entire standard, including not only the physical aspects, but also the purpose for which the breed was conceived, health and temperament. A good breeder doesn’t concentrate on any one part of the standard to the exclusion of others.)
22. Tell me about your philosophy on breeding dogs in general and how it relates to this breed? Why did you breed this pair of dogs? Does this breeding match your philosophy on breeding?
23. What dog-related clubs or organizations do you belong do? How long have you belonged to them? Are you active in these clubs or organizations?
24. Do you work your dogs? Do you show? Do any of your dogs have temperament degrees (such as PAT dogs or good citizenship testings)? If not, can you explain why?
25. Can you give me references of any people who own dogs from your previous litters? May I call them?
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