Questions To Ask When Looking For A Breeder.

source: yahoo answers

If you can't find the dog you want at your local shelter or breed rescue, then here are some questions you can use to determine if a breeder is truly responsible:

1. Is he/she an AKC registered breeder of good standing and an active member of his/her breed Parent Club?

2. Are there AKC Champions listed on the pedigree, showing that the breeder spends her time & money to prove the quality of his/her breeding stock through competition?

3. Are all the animals kept in clean, comfortable, healthy, loving circumstances?

4. Did the breeder conduct extensive interviews with you and every member of your family?

5. Have the sire & dam received all available health clearances, (eg. OFA Hip & Eye, Thyroid testing, THESE VARY FOR EACH BREED)

6. Is he/she willing to honestly discuss any possible genetic defects that may exist in her line?

7. Does he/she have a Sales Contract?

8. Does the contract contain a clause stipulating that you spay or neuter the puppy before it reaches a certain age?

9. Does the contract contain a clause stating that if at any time in the puppy's life, you can no longer care for it, it must be returned to the breeder? (This ensures that no animal bred by this breeder will ever end up in a shelter).

10. Will the breeder maintain contact with you for the life of the puppy to answer questions and help in general?

These are questions that are very important. I have stated over and over in posts on this blog about the importance of researching a breeder before buying. Remember, no responsible breeder sells to a pet store, flea market, Internet or classifieds.