A truly responsible breeder cares where their puppies will grow up.
They will keep any puppies they cannot place in suitable homes and will question prospective buyers closely to determine if this buyer really deserves one of their precious puppies.
A good breeder is trying to find the best homes for the puppies, and want to ensure that you are going to be a responsible, intelligent owner.
They will evaluate you as carefully as you evaluate them.
Some typical questions you may be asked...
Do you have any dogs at present, if so, what are their ages, and breed?
What is your experience with this breed, and what are your expectations on the temperament and behaviour?
Do you work, if so, how many hours a day are you out of the house?
Do you have a secure garden?
What type of boundary does your garden have?
Do you have children or visiting relatives/friends children and what are their ages?
Do you have any other pets?
Is the puppy going to be a family pet, or do you plan to do obedience/show?
Do you intend to breed from this pet in the future at any time?
Have you given any thought as to what would happen to the dog if you were no longer able to look after it - all puppies bought from a reputable breeder will be returnable to them at any stage in their life, for whatever reason.
Rough Collies need to be groomed weekly, although the grooming isnt as onerous as people believe it to be, and can be done in 30 minutes with the right tools and equipment - are you able to commit to keeping the puppy's coat well maintained?
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Can I see the puppies mum? - Be aware that a bitch that has just whelped a litter of puppies may not be looking her best but you will be able to see her temperament and how she interacts with the breeder and her puppies.
How long have you been in the breed. Are you involved in other breeds as well? - You probably want to avoid anyone who has switched breeds every couple of years, from popular breed to popular breed. Looks for someone that has experience with the breed in which you are interested. Be wary of people who have multiple breeds. It is not uncommon to find breeders with several breeds, but a breeder producing litters of many different breeds of dog is generally not going to be your best source of help and advice.
Will the breeder take the dog back at any time, for any reason, if you cannot keep it - This is the hallmark of responsible breeding.
How old is the puppies mom and has she had a litter before?
When were the puppies wormed?
Do you provide a diet sheet, and food to take home for first few days?
Is the puppy KC Registered?
Will the puppies be eye tested?
Ask where the puppies are kept - For example, is this inside the house in a busy kitchen where lots of people come and go and interact with the puppies?
You may want to see the puppies sire, but this is not always possible if the breeder doesnt own him, but it doesnt stop you asking questions about the sire, finding out what other puppies he has sired and contacting the sire's owner.
How often do you breed and how often has this bitch been bred - Breeding every heat cycle is too often and may indicate that profit is the primary motive for the breeding.
When you visit the litter do not be offended if the breeder does not allow people before four weeks of age to see them. Please tell the breeder if you have been around an ill dog as they may wish to defer the visit to avoid germs being passed on and you may be asked to remove shoes and wash your hands before handling the puppies.
Note if the puppies surroundings are clean, are they bright eyed and look fit and healthy.
DO NOT buy a puppy from a pet shop, anywhere advertising for sale more than three different breeds or if you have any doubts about the breeder or situation – even if you want to rescue it.
You may also be asked to leave a deposit for the puppy of your choice if he/she is not ready to leave the rest of the litter (which is usually around 8 weeks of age). |