Question to ask a breeder to help you determine if they are reputable
Sadly,
not all people professing to be reputable and responsible breeders are. A good
breeder will all but interrogate you. You should not feel intimidated that a
breeder is asking you questions as well. This means they actually care who
is purchasing their puppies.
You should also have the chance to question the breeder.
If you are not sure or uneasy with an answer, do not hesitate to ask for an
explanation. If at any time you get an uneasy feeling or just are not satisfied,
look elsewhere. Here are a few things to ask about.
Many of these questions can be adapted to ask a rescue
group as well. Do not hesitate to ask what is known about the background of the
puppies (or adult dog), what medical care they have had and has the staff
noticed anything about their temperaments that could be of concern? Ask about
the adoption agreement and have it gone through carefully with you.
At the end of the day the objective is that the perfect match between a family and the dog is made.
1. Where are the puppies being housed? In the breeder's
home or detached building?
2. Do you have both parents of the puppies? Can we meet
them?
3. Can we come up and meet all the puppies available?
4. Do you offer tours of your facility of where the
puppies are being housed?
5. What is the health guarantee? Often illnesses
and problems don't show up immediately. How do you handle genetic
disorders? (Remember that a reputable breeder should not be breeding dogs with
bad generics)
6. Have health tests been perform on the parents of the
puppies and if so what? (This will vary based on the breed, so find out what
genetics are common with the breed you are considering)
6. Can you provide me with four previous clients where
their dogs would be older now?
7. Can you provide me with your vet's contact
information?
8. What medical care will be handled prior to selling
the puppies (i.e puppies can be dewormed at the age of 4 weeks and first puppy
shot at 6-8 weeks)
9. How old will the puppies be when ready to come to
their new home (per the law puppies are not to be sold prior to 8 weeks of age)
10. What can you tell me about the breed (strengths and
weaknesses) that I should consider prior to purchasing?
11. What socialization has been done so far? Have
them been handled by people on a regular basis, introduced to the outdoors, to
other adult dogs and puppies?
12. Do you have a contract? What if things do not
work out in the next two weeks, two months, or two years from now? Do you
require the dog be returned to you? (A reputable breeder should take
responsibility of their dog and want the dog back)
13. What food do you feed the puppies? (research the
food to ensure it is not a low end dog food and that it is puppy food, not
adult. Puppies should be on dry around four weeks of age.)
14. Are you active in any breed clubs?