Questions Responsible Breeders Ask & What You Should Ask Them

Questions a Breeder Will Ask You

Do you have a home with a fenced yard? If not, are you willing to safely exercise a dog on a leash every day?

The responsible breeder discourages ownership to anyone who wants to turn a dog loose and let it run free. A dog running loose is an invitation to disaster, which is why good breeders are intent upon finding out whether you have a fenced yard or if you will walk the dog on a leash.

If you have children, how old are they? Are they educated in the proper way in which to treat a pet?

Many breeders will ask at some point that the entire family visit with them, so that they can see how all family members interact with the dogs.

Do they require that you will spay or neuter your dog if it is pet quality?

If the animal has not already been spayed or neutered, many breeders will sell a puppy with an AKC Limited Registration which means none of its offspring can be registered and/or a spay/neuter contract which dictates spay/neuter as a requirement for registration papers.
Responsible breeders will explain their policies on spaying and neutering. Everyone should be concerned about the unwanted pet population, and breeding is best left in the hands of those who are experienced and serious. Therefore, you should be as concerned with the topic of spay/neuter as the breeder. Every pet-quality dog should be spayed or neutered. Not only does it lower the dog's chances of developing cancer, but for males there's less of a tendency to want to roam and to mark territory, and for females there's none of the bother and mess of the heat cycle.

Questions help the breeder determine whether their breed, and moreover, a particular puppy, will match you and your family.

But you need to ask questions too. To be certain you've not only got the right breeder and the right breed to suit you, your family and your lifestyle, you should bring your prospective puppy's or older dog's breeder a few key questions of your own before you take that puppy or older dog home. Below are some common questions that you should ask your breeder, courtesy of Cheri Faust.

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Questions You Should Ask a Breeder

In addition to breeding, do you engage is other dog-related activities, such as, conformation shows, field trials, earthdog tests, agility, obedience, etc.?

If they are involved in activities with their dogs, it is less likely that they are breeding solely to turn a profit and more likely that they value their dogs as thinking, working, and loving companions.

How many dogs do you own and how often do you breed them?

They should not have so many dogs that they cannot give each one individual attention, and they most certainly should not be churning out puppies with no regard to the health and well-being of the dam.

Are they enthusiastic about arranging a visit to their facilities?

(Most good breeders will insist on it). Once you have arrived, take a good look around. Is the facility clean and neat? Are the dogs healthy? You should meet at least one of the breeding pair on the premises. Observe their behavior and physical condition.

Have the sire and dam (and puppies, in some instances) been tested for any genetic diseases that are prevalent in that particular breed? Are you shown the health certificates?

Certification is a source of pride for breeders. They will openly discuss the disorders (all breeds have them) common in their breed and what they are doing to prevent them.

Will the breeder guarantee the health of the puppy to a reasonable age?

A two-year guarantee against genetic and congenital defects is becoming more and more the norm. Not all disorders can be predicted and prevented, but a good breeder will stand behind the dogs they produce and offer assistance if a problem arises.

Will the breeder be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the lifetime of the dog?

In essence, when you purchase a puppy or dog from a responsible breeder, you should also be gaining an invaluable source of information. Morning, noon, or night, they will be there to answer your questions and help guide you through the trials of dog ownership.

Will they take back the dog in the event that you are no longer able to keep it?

All responsible breeders should have a take back or buy back policy which insists that you contact them at any time for any reason you are unable to care for the dog.

Do they use a sales contract to spell out the terms of the sale and allow each party to define their expectations of the transaction?

Ask for a copy of their contract and talk about the terms therein. A good contract can help you avoid misunderstandings, but remember that a contract is only as good as the two people that sign it.

Now you are ready to purchase that new puppy or dog. All the phone calls and visits will pay off in a sound and healthy puppy and a breeder who might just become a new friend as well. Hard work does pay off.

(Courtesy of Cheri Faust)

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Last modified:
00-08-10

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