I am in the process of acquiring a puppy in the Spring and currently have made some initial contacts with potential breeders. I would appreciate any advice as to the kinds of questions I should put to the breeder to ensure that they know what they are doing, they are reputable and they will produce sound healthy puppies( or their bitches will)

Janet.

Are dam and sire KC registered ?
Will pups also be registered ?
How many litters their bitch has had ?
How often she is bred ?
Is she shown ?
How and why did she choose that particular sire ?
Are both dam and sire available to see?

Just a few to start with

Yes they are good questions to ask. I made sure that when people brought my Babies (Pups) I made a Welcome to your new Puppy Card with the time their pup was born the weight colour and any markings I also included what they started to eat and what I would like them to continue to feed their Baby...I also included a Photo of their Pup in the Card I put down my phone number and address so they could contact me any time they needed to....I also wrote out a form so they could put down a down payment and on this form was the colour of the Pups Collar this way when anyone came down to look at the pups we could say any pup with a Collar on has already found a new home...if you don't like the look or how the pups where living then just walk out, there will always be puppys. If I didn't like the Look of the person I wouldn't let them buy one, I couldn't live with my self if any of my Babies where miss treated...:)... So when you go an your search for a Puppy Please make sure that the owner is like this, this way you know that the pups have been cared for and have been to the vets for their check ups and immunisation...

Also, find out what health tests are applicable to your chosen breed, then ask breeders too! Assuming some tests are needed and armed with your knowledge you can immediatley eliminate any breeders who try to fudge the issue, say tests not needed etc etc.  then ask the rest if their dogs have pass certificates etc as needed.   Also ask about health issues for which tests are not available, but which may still be prevelant in the breed.  Ask about guidance and back-up.  Any specialist advice needed re: grooming etc.

bye
Gwen

Ask what support the breeders will give you once you leave with your puppy - will they be at the end of a telephone 24/7?    Maybe, more importantly for the future - do they have any intentions to move in the next couple of years??

If things go wrong and you are unable to keep the puppy - can you rely on them to help you find a "forever home" for your puppy?

Margot

Search the net high and low and be well informed about the breed standard and relavent health checks,your breeder should have a good knowledge of health problems in the breed, bloodlinesect..
all stock should be KC reg
you should always see the dam and at least pictures and pedigrees for the sire.
check a correct flea and worming program is being used
check a good socialisation plan is being used
and you could always ask for a reference! good breeders can usual pass you on to one of there happy puppy owners!
good luck and may i suggest you register this forum can be a god send for someone with loads of questions to ask!!
:)

I'll be a wee bit more practical mind and ask before you go to pick the puppy up what it is being fed on.
Nothing worse than bringing a puppy home & having the wrong food Give yourself plenty time incase you have to order from a pet supplier.

Jean

But of course a good breeder will have already offered this information .
With a good breeder the majority of information should be offered to you - you shouldnt have to interrogate them :)

It was just I bought a westie a long time ago & the breeder didnt tell me till I went to pick the puppy up what she was fed on. So now I ask & I dont feel i'm interogating them after all I just want to be sure the puppy does not get an upset tummy with the wrong diet.

Jean

Jean
please dont think I meant interogating was a bad thing :(
Of course it isnt !  I just meant that a good breeder should have told you lots of answers to your questions before you even ask them . :)