1 Ethical breeders show you mum, dad ( if on premises) and other relatives .They show you genetic testing results and the kennels .If you don't see the kennels you can't report poor conditions to the RSPCA .There is NO valid excuse for not showing you .What are they hiding? .
2 Ethical breeders give you a written guarantee regarding genetic problems that can be tested for, and illnesses .They state in writing what they will pay for in regard to genetic problems and illness in pup when you first take it home .Under consumer law you are entitled to replacement, refund, or repair ( vet bill). You will probably have to go to court to get vet bill paid. A breeder who balks at this before you pick pup up is a red flag. Ensure the contract isnt full of bogus conditions - eg " agree not to walk pup on concrete because it causes hip dysplasia." It doesnt ,but it gets them off the hook for the vet bill .
3 How do the dogs react to the breeder ? Fearful or happy ?
4 ANKC, Dogs SA, Cat and Dog Management Board etc are just registering bodies and do not enforce codes of conduct or genetic testing or other health care . Dont rely on them to help you against the breeder .
5 Don't agree to breeder co- ownership without a written contract stating EXACTLY what it entitles the breeder to. This has been used to take pets from owners by breeder or to send them interstate to shows or for breeding and they are never returned . Don't rent the dog . Make sure you have the controlling interest.
6 Don't only take the pup to the breeder's vet if there is a health problem . The breeder is their client,not you. Get a number of neutral and specialist opinions .
7 Don't view the pups and fall in love with them before seeing mum, kennels, testing, contract , etc .
8 Reviews- if there arent any , what don't they want you to see? Where there any problems ? What did the breeder do ? Are any complaints reasonable or petty ? Reviews that just say pup sweet and cute are worthless. They all are.
9 Older pups- why havent they sold? Were they returned ? Why ?
10 Arrive early . Catch them unawares . See what it's like when they aren't expecting you .
11 Google them . Ask around shows and other breeders. However be aware there are some petty and untruthful people in the show world- so get a feel for the consensus of opinion.
12 If breeder doesnt question you about your knowledge of the breed or educate you about it or ask about how you will manage pup, they only care about the money . And research the breed before you buy . If you don't know how to train your dog, factor in the cost of a trainer for the genetically driven behaviour you may not like.
13 Multiple litters , mixed breeds ,or lots of dogs may be a breeder for profit.
14 Breeders should take back their dogs if you cant keep. Contract should say so.
15 Breeders are not qualified trainers. I have heard some appallingly bad training advice given to puppy buyers from breeders . NO breed "needs a firm hand". If they talk about " alpha" " pack leader " etc, RUN .
16 What does breeder supply in way of puppy pack ? Comforter toy, mum's fur , blanket smelling of mum, food , initial insurance, written advice re puppy problems, detailed pedigree , copies of health and parents' genetic tests ?
17 Are puppies being raised in the house ? If not they wont be socialised or house trained . Breeder should be house training them . If puppy is older it should be leash trained and socialised .
See pinned post on my facebook page for more details.
