[khyorkies]

17. A good breeder will also have run the proper genetic health tests that are available to ensure the breeding dogs are free from genetic defects, and thereby (hopefully) so are their puppies. A certificate is issued when the dog passes these tests, and the breeder should provide a copy of these certificates to you. The tests that are most common for Boston Terrier's is CERF (eyes), OFA- LP (luxating patella), BAER (hearing), and OFA (hips). Keep in mind that the majority of these tests are only valid for a one year period (BAER testing is once in a lifetime). Just because a female was tested 2 years ago for juvenile cataracts, does not mean she doesn't have them today. Check the date on the annual certificates. They should be no less than a year old. These genetic problems can cost thousands to correct, and unless you have some type of guarantee in writing, YOU pay the vet bill. Granted, these tests are NOT a guarantee that your puppy will never develop these genetic problems, but they DO greatly reduce the risk of them ever showing up.

18. Many breeders will make a sweeping statement regarding their dogs health. Their "vet says the dog is healthy", the "vet says they are wonderful Boston's", their "friend says they could be show dogs". These are all examples of excuses a backyard breeder makes to help justify the breeding of their pets without the proper genetic tests. Ninety nine times out of one hundred, the vet has no clue what a properly bred Boston should look like, nor does their friend. Most of the genetic tests cannot be performed by a regular veterinarian, so he cannot certify that the dogs do not have a genetic problem.

19. Get references from the breeder. Most reputable breeders will have a list of several people who have purchased puppies from them. Call the references, and ask about the health of their puppy and satisfaction with the breeder.

20. Why is the breeder breeding? Because they want to scatter Fido's good looks and charm around? Did they just want to educate their children? Do they state they only want to provide nice "pets" for their friends and family? Did they never bother to spay or neuter, and an "accident" happened? Or do they truly care about the Boston breed, are trying to better the breed, and are striving to breed for the PERFECT Boston?

21. Find out who the breeder's veterinarian is, and CALL THEM. Most Vet's will be able to tell you yes or no if the parents are generally healthy and if they're brought in for regular care. They also should have seen the puppies at least a couple times, and would know if the puppies are healthy. They are also another ideal contact on "who" has any puppies available.

22. Do you feel comfortable with this breeder, or are you kept at arms length? Do you feel they are answering your questions honestly? Could you consider this person a friend you can call with a really DUMB question? We all have dumb questions now and then. Can you call them after the sale and expect answers to your questions? Is each litter special in some way? Will they help in training and grooming if you need it? Will they show you how to clip nails, brush out the coat properly, or make a correction to an uppity puppy if you need that kind of help? Are they willing to take the puppy back if at any time you are unable to keep it?

23. I have noticed a recent trend towards some breeder's releasing puppies to new homes before they are 8 weeks old. Some even at 5 weeks. This is a VERY important period for puppies. Puppies of that age are still learning to eat solid food, and are learning socialization from their mother and littermates. Many good breeders won't release puppies to new homes until they are at least 10 weeks, and quite often even longer. Use caution, as frequently, their desire for you to take the puppy earlier than 8 weeks is an indication that they are a puppymill, or at the very least a poor and uncaring breeder. They either need the room for the next batch of unfortunate puppies, or all too frequently they are just tired of the mess and smell. A good breeder does not EVER tire of having puppies around their house! I would really question a breeder who requires you to take a puppy prior to 8 weeks old. More and more states are initiating laws making it illegal to release a puppy prior to that age, and some are even making it illegal to purchase one that young. Check the laws in your state before removing a young puppy from its mother.

24. Most reputable breeders will only sell a pet quality dog on a spay/neuter contract and/or a limited registration. A spay/neuter contract requires you to have the dog spayed/neutered by a certain date. Occasionally the breeder will ask for an additional fee that is refunded to you on proof of the spay/neuter. A limited registration means that the dog could potentially be bred, but any resulting litter is ineligible for AKC registration. Because of the increase in sub-standard registries, and the fact that the majority of them will register a dog whether it's purebred or not, the extra fee spay/neuter contract is becoming more popular than the limited registration. There are even some breeders that are requiring both the extra fee PLUS the limited registration simply to help ensure that their dogs are not bred indiscriminately. Do not be surprised if the breeder withholds any registration documents until proof of spay/neuter. A good breeder has worked many hours and often invested years of pedigree research in their breeding program. Holding the registration papers is merely their way of protecting the puppy and their bloodline.

25. If you are buying a pet, PLEASE have your pet SPAYED OR NEUTERED! Statistics show that spayed/neutered pets actually live longer, and have fewer health problems than intact dogs.

26. Consider a rescue Boston. They do sometimes come with emotional or health issues, but more often than not, they just need the opportunity to have and be a part of a loving family that cares about them. Contact the Boston Terrier Club of America or your local Boston Terrier or breed club for a rescue contact, or check with your local Humane Society.

27. Don't fall for that "someone else is looking at this puppy" spiel. If they're willing to let that puppy go to the highest or fastest bidder, they are not someone you want to deal with. A good breeder will care more about where their puppies go than how fast you can pull out your wallet.

28. Don't make a snap decision. Talk to the breeder, view their dogs, discuss any questions you have, then leave. Allow yourself at least a day to think it through. Did they answer your questions with confidence and knowledge? Did they question you as much or more than you did them? Make a list of everything that you thought was good about the breeder and their puppies. Then make a list of what you didn't like or had more questions about. Which list is longer? Call the breeder and if they can't answer the questions on your list, avoid some of the questions, or give evasive answers to them, look for another breeder.

29. Last but most assuredly not least, be absolutely sure that you will be able to care for a puppy. Who will care for it? Bathing, feeding, loving, playing, training, health care, etc. are all important factors to consider. Don't expect your 5 year old to take over complete care of this new addition to your family. Children frequently get bored with a puppy after the newness wears off. If YOU aren't willing to take on the above responsibilities, you may want to reconsider getting a puppy. This is a LIFETIME commitment, you are not just borrowing a puppy for a few weeks or years. Boston's have an average life span of 12-14 years. Be SURE that this is what you want. Shelter's are full of puppies that are no longer wanted, please don't add to the problem.

I have hopes that this will help promote more responsible and better informed puppy buyers. Please keep in mind, that these are questions that I have asked, and been asked, and only you can tell if the right answer has been given. The choice in the end, is of course yours.

One last word of advice... if you contact a breeder via email, it would be in your best interest to include more than the 5 word phrase "do you have any puppies". You don't need to give a 10 page essay about yourself, but you will receive far more responses if you give at least a little information about your family and your search for a puppy. Your name at the end is also a nice touch. At least then the breeder knows who they're talking to