What questions TO ASK a breeder when looking for a puppy?

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by RoxyLuv

What answers should we expect for questions 1, 3, 4?

Question one can vary, it can be any length of time, from this is my first litter to 30 or 40 years. However, what is really important is to listen carefully on how long a person has been in yorkies, or whatever breed of their chosing. How well versed they are, how much knowledge they have behind them.

3. Question 3 should be at the very least bile acids. However, as stated before there is no guarantee that your puppy will not develope any life threatening genetic problems. As parents can be prove clear, but still be carriers.

4. This is very dependent on the breeder. There are those that are wholesale breeders, bybers, and puppy mills that breed dogs repeatedly. Then there are exhibitor breeders that have larger kennels that have more breeding dogs and can whelp 5, 6, 7 litters a year.....the question really is how often do you breed your females.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkielady06

Spay/neuter contract?
Health guarantee?
Parents? Grandparents?
Vet reference?
Satisfied puppy owners?
General knowledge of the breed? Gives info freely and accurately on the breed.
But just like a breeder...trust your instincts...do not set out to RESCUE a pup...big pitfall for buyers. The puppy you adopt should be coming from a clean, healthy, and happy breeder in order to fit into your clean, healthy, happy home.

Great questions, and I think it's also important to ask them WHY they are breeding. If the answer doesn't include something about improving the breed, I would look elsewhere. If you don't understand what the term "improving the breed means" please look it up, I don't want to make it too easy for the backyard breeders to learn how to talk the talk. If you support a breeder who is doing their best to improve the breed, you are supporting the future of the Yorkshire terrier, and the betterment of the breed.

[mkbartz]

Originally Posted by Darlene68

There are certain health questions you should ask to correct? The health is one of the most important things to me. It is very unlikely that I will be able to visit the puppy, I live to far away and the puppy would have to be flown in.

Where in Canada do you live?

[RoxyLuv]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Question one can vary, it can be any length of time, from this is my first litter to 30 or 40 years. However, what is really important is to listen carefully on how long a person has been in yorkies, or whatever breed of their chosing. How well versed they are, how much knowledge they have behind them.

3. Question 3 should be at the very least bile acids. However, as stated before there is no guarantee that your puppy will not develope any life threatening genetic problems. As parents can be prove clear, but still be carriers.

4. This is very dependent on the breeder. There are those that are wholesale breeders, bybers, and puppy mills that breed dogs repeatedly. Then there are exhibitor breeders that have larger kennels that have more breeding dogs and can whelp 5, 6, 7 litters a year.....the question really is how often do you breed your females.

What answer do I need to hear from the breeder as to how often they breed each of their females to know they aren't overbreeding? Every heat, once a year, longer?

During what ages are good for breeding?

Thanks for your help.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by RoxyLuv

What answer do I need to hear from the breeder as to how often they breed each of their females to know they aren't overbreeding? Every heat, once a year, longer?

During what ages are good for breeding?

Thanks for your help.

You don't ask simple questions do you?

Breeding age for a female is not before 18 months or 2nd Season. Now my practice is not to breed after 5 years of age. However, some breeders will breed till 6. Now, males....very experienced breeders will prove a male at 7 months of age (this is when his get can legally be AKC registered) and not use him again until he's Championed.

A responsible breeder will only breed a female when she has been checked completely by a vet. Making sure that she is healthy to breed. So, breeders will make their decision based on consulting with their vet. Some breeders will breed back to back litters (if thir girl healthy) and rest, then breed again, others will be breed once and skip one. Now many repro vets tell you that a pregnant uterus is a healthy uterus and females are born with only so many eggs. What you need to keep in mind does that mother/dam look healthy is she well cared for, etc.

[RoxyLuv]

lol! Sorry, I thought they were simple questions. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[Ladymom]

This is an excellent comparison between backyard breeders and reputable breeders:

Backyard Breeder vs. Reputable Breeder

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by RoxyLuv

lol! Sorry, I thought they were simple questions. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

No problem, finding the right breeder takes a lot of research. It isn't an easy process and the only way to insure that you are making the right choice is asking questions and educating yourself.