Choosing A Breeder

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
• 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
• Going Home

• Age 
• Pick up
  • In-person or will they fly puppies
• Paperwork
• Vaccinations
• Wormings
• What is included in the go home packets