BREEDERS – MAKING A RELATIONSHIP
When researching breeders, it is important to keep in mind that not all are the same. Just because an individual calls themselves a breeder does not mean they are the right fit for your family. Make sure to find a responsible breeder by doing your homework.
MEET THE BREEDER
PHONE SCREENING
- How long have they been breeding?
- Does the breeder have references?
- Vet
- Prior families
- Which training methods do they believe in?
- Is it in the contract certain tools CANNOT be used for training?
- Friendly?
- Informative?
- Open?
- Do they screen interested families?
- What is the application process like? Do they even have one?
- Contract upon approval?
- QUESTIONS TO ASK:
- How many breeding dogs do you have?
- What do you feed the puppies as they are raised and weaning?
- Will you accept a puppy or dog back if a family comes into hard times?
- With behavioral issues?
- Health issues?
- Written in contract?
- Do your puppies come with a health guarantee from all genetic defects?
- What is your goal when breeding?
- Temperament
- Structure
- Soundness
- Breed standard
- Quality pet
- How many litters do you breed for each year?
- At what age do you start breeding females?
- How many litters does a specific female have before retiring?
- Do all adults have their clearances?
- OFA
- Elbows
- Eyes
- Heart
- Genetics
- Embark
- Paw print genetics
- Do you “pet out” retired breeding dogs or keep them as pets?
IN PERSON/VIRTUAL TOUR OF FACILITIES
- See the parents
- How do they react to you?
- Friendly?
- Aloof?
- Are you allowed to interact with them?
- Does the breeder know their personalities?
- Training certifications?
- CGC
- CGCA
- CGCU
- TDI
- How do they react to you?
- Raising puppies
- Where are the puppies raised?
- How clean is the whelping area?
- Early neurological stimulation?
- Puppy culture?
- Volhard Puppy Aptitude test
- Choosing process
- Families choose vs breeder choosing
- If families choose, can a trainer come along to help?
- Deposit order?
- First to inquire?
- Age of choosing
- Families choose vs breeder choosing
- Going Home
- Age
- Pick up
- In-person or will they fly puppies
- Paperwork
- Vaccinations
- Wormings
- What is included in the go home packets