Be an informed purchaser
Things to ask before you buy
Even if you don't buy a puppy from us we would like you to know the questions to ask, and what you should expect from your breeder, so you get the healthiest puppy for your money.
*A responsible breeder will follow these guidelines as taken from AKC's Responsible breeding steps.
* Does the person you are considering purchasing a puppy from prepare themselves for breeding?
Breeding a litter should begin with knowledge. Responsible breeders devote lifetimes to learning as much as they can about their breed, about canine health.
Read, read, read! Your library and bookstore are invaluable sources of information about canine health and breeding.
* Do they breed to improve the breed?
The motto of the responsible breeder of purebred dogs is "Breed to Improve." Responsible breeders do not breed to make money-because they know they won't. Responsible breeders do not breed to show their kids the marvels of reproduction and birth-because they know that breeding can be a difficult, and sometimes heart-breaking, process. Responsible breeders do not breed their dog just to produce some cute puppies - because they know that each of those cute puppies will require many hours of care, and must be placed with a responsible owner who will continue that care even when the cuteness of puppyhood is over. Responsible breeders do not breed unless they are convinced that their knowledge, experience, and devotion to their favorite breed will result in a mating that will produce an exceptional litter of puppies, with qualities that are as near as possible to the ideal for that breed. They breed to preserve and to enhance the characteristics that make their breed unique. In short, they breed to improve.
* Do they understand the commitment of a breeder?
Responsible breeders know that raising puppies is a full-time job. During the first couple of weeks the dam normally takes care of the puppies' needs, but complications, such as a dam with no milk or an orphaned litter, may arise. It is the breeder's responsibility to provide a safe, warm, dry place for the puppies and proper food and water for the dam.
Breeding is not a profit-making activity. From the genetic screening and health tests before breeding, to the extra food, supplies, and medical care required after the puppies are born, the cost of whelping and raising puppies can be very high, especially if complications arise. These costs are rarely, if ever, recouped by the sale of the puppies.
* How do they select a breeding pair?
Do they choose a dog who's bloodlines will strengthen the other dog's weaknesses and emphasize the good qualities? A responsible breeder will breed for temperament and health. Do they know what the hereditary defects of the breed are? Some may be potentially crippling or fatal.
* Do they know the genetics of their dogs?
A good breeder will have a basic understanding of the science of genetics. Everything about the prospective puppies-health, soundness, looks, temperament-will be determined by the genes passed on by their parents, and by their parents before them. Therefore, the selection of a mating pair should not be made on the basis of the dog's or bitch's looks alone, but should be based on an understanding of how the animal's genes contributed to its looks, and of how those genes are passed on and expressed. That is why it is essential to study the pedigrees of your mating pair. Do they even purchase pedigrees?
* Do they perform pre-breeding health checks?
Good puppies start long before breeding ever takes place. Both parents need long-term care-what dog people call conditioning-to produce the best offspring. This means regular veterinary care, screening for genetic problems, pre-breeding tests, and regular exercise and good nutrition. Bitches especially should not be overweight and be in good muscle tone before breeding. Additionally, a bitch that is in good mental condition will make a better mother than a bitch that is insecure, snappy, or has an otherwise unstable temperament.
* Do they keep the puppies and the area the puppies are in clean and dry?
Good breeders will check their puppies many times a day to make sure that they are clean and dry. They will take daily weights of their puppies to assure they are growing properly. Once weaning takes place they will make sure the puppies are eating well and have regular veterinary checkups as needed. Shots will be given on time and records will be available for you to see.
* Are the puppies registered?
They should be able to provide the new owners with a registration application at the time the puppy is sold.
* Do they commit to the puppies for life?
Responsible breeders know that their responsibility doesn't end when their puppies leave with new owners. They make sure their puppies' new families know they can turn to them with any questions or problems that arise throughout the puppies' lives. As a breeder, they should be there with advice and support for all situations. They should answer questions, provide resources, and assist with any problem. They should be willing to take back any dog they have bred, at any point in its life, for any reason. They should have a commitment to the puppies they brought into the world for the whole of their lives.
* Will they allow you to see their adult dogs?
You should be allowed to see both the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering purchasing. You should also be allowed to view the place where these dogs as well as the puppies are kept.