1. Cleanliness.
Normal dog odors are unavoidable, but dogs and facilities should be clean.
Ask about sanitation practices. A sanitary environment is usually a healthy environment!
2. Attitude.
Happy, healthy, well-cared for animals are bright-eyed, energetic, and curious
about strangers. Lethargic, bleary-eyed dogs that hardly look up when a stranger is present is
likely a sign of ill-health.
3. Appearance.
Are the dogs clean? Well-groomed? Remember that puppies can be quite
messy, but extensive filth on the dogs is a sign of neglect.
4. Behavior.
Also a health factor; unhealthy or injured animals will always behave differently
than the rest of the litter. Don't select the puppy that is "sweet" and "quiet". If the rest of the
litter is wrestling, romping and vocalizing, a non-participant may not feel well. The breeder
should already have noticed and be willing and able to tell you about each puppy.
5. Information.
The breeder should supply all information on the puppy's pedigree, not just
show a display of ribbons. The mother should not be overbred; find out how old she is and how
many litters she's had. Reluctance to provide this type of information may be a warning sign.
Make sure the breeder provides you with written feeding instructions and a feeding schedule.
The puppy should also come with a pedigree of past three or more generations. The breeder
should provide you with the puppy's immunization record and schedule, listing the dates and
types of vaccines used. Remember that a pedigree and registration papers do not guarantee
health or quality.
Here is a list of questions you should ask the breeder.
References.
Ask for a list of other families who have dogs from the breeder. A reputable
breeder should gladly give you several names and numbers. Call all of them. Ask if they would
purchase another dog from the same Breeder or Kennel.
Written Contracts
The written contract should include names and addresses of parties involved, price, terms and
breeders support, date of transaction, signature of buyer and seller and witnesses if required
by state law.
Be sure to ask what are the terms of the contract?
What guarantees do they offer?
What penalties are imposed for violation of contract?
The pup may come with AKC registration (but this varies upon breed - the puppy you are thinking about purchasing may be a breed that is not recognized by AKC) The form should be completed and signed. Some breeders will only give you this slip/papers after all fees have been paid, or once spaying/neutering is proven, etc. This depends upon the contract. Find this out in advance!
What are the conditions of the sale? Do you only get the dog's papers after spay/neuter obligation fulfilled? (If dog is sold as a pet)
A reputable breeder will allow some time (min. 48 hours to 30 days) for return of pup/dog, in the same condition as time of sale, for any reason with full refund of purchase price. This allows you time to have your pup examined by your own vet, too. Some will allow 24 or more months for OFA certification. (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, or OFA, is an organization that provides interpretation of x-rays for dysplasia evaluation.)
1. Carefully interviews prospective buyers and has specific requirements that prospective owners must meet, such as spaying and neutering pets, housing the dog in an enclosed yard, agreeing to never let the dog off lead in an unenclosed area.
2. Sells by written contract.
3. Sells puppies with a health guarantee.
4. Insists upon getting the dog back if the buyer is no longer able to keep the dog.
5. Does not have more litters than they can keep well groomed and well socialized.
6. Does not have more litters than they can keep housed longterm if unable to sell the puppies.
7. Spends individual time with each dog under their care every day.
8. Tests her breeding stock for known hereditary diseases and breeds with the aim of decreasing the incidence of such diseases.
9. Is very concerned with producing puppies with excellent temperaments and health.
10. Can identify each puppy and chart its growth and development from birth.
11. Is willing to help educate the novice buyer and happily answers any and all questions about his or her breed and his or her individual dogs
12. Is willing and able to show the prospective buyer the health certificates and test results on the sire and dam of the puppies.
13. Wants to be informed of any health or temperament problems that his or her puppies develop through out the lifetime of each puppy.
14. Is available for help, advice, and education to the buyer throughout the life of the puppy.
15. Is willing to allow a minimum of 48 hours for you to return the puppy, for any reason, and give you a full refund of the purchase price. This time allows you to have the puppy examined by your own veterinarian.
