Top 10 Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Dog

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Top 10 Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Dog

Author: Brent Goodman

1. Have the parents been shown? What type of shows? What titles have they earned (conformation, obedience, agility, field)? Are there pictures of the sire if he is not on the premises?

2. What is the temperament of the dam? Meet and interact with the dam. If she is shy and nervous or, worse, aggressive around people, her offspring have a greater chance of being the same way. Watch how the dam and puppies interact.

3. If other dogs are on the premises, are they friendly and outgoing or kept penned up out back because of aggression and bad behavior?

4. Which clearances do the parents and grandparents have? What about previous litters from these or related dogs? Necessary clearances vary between breeds, discuss them with your veterinarian before choosing a breed and breeder.

5. Have the dewclaws been removed? If not, why not? Remember, some breeds are required to have them to show.

6. What was the reason(s) for breeding this litter? Preferable for the breeder to want to improve the breed and keep one of the puppies for showing/hunting.

7. Have the puppies received a health exam from the veterinarian or when will they? Any health problems found? What type of treatment is needed for any health problems?

8. What type of guarantees do you have for the litter? If the hips are guaranteed, does it mean you get your money back but the breeder gets the puppy back (some medical conditions do not show up for 2 years)? Do you get another puppy from a future litter and how will you know that puppy will have any better hips?

9. What is the price? Show quality (conformation) puppies may be higher priced than the pet quality puppies. Who determined which are show quality?

10. Have the puppies been temperament tested? Has their desire to retrieve been tested? What were the results for the litter?

With few exceptions, no puppy should be seen, bought, and taken home on the same visit. The breeder and the prospective owner need time to judge each other. This may be done over the phone but the questions need to be asked to ensure a safe, loving home for each puppy. Impulse buyers rarely have thought through what a puppy needs over the next 12-15 years. People need to be aware of the time, energy, and expense bringing a living animal into a home requires.

About the author: Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

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