Breeder Referral:Questions to Ask
Questions to Ask Your Breeder
Questions to Ask Any Breeder compliments of Courteous
Companions
-by Chris Conklin
- Please give me more information about your breeding program?
- Are both parents ’ hips OFA certified?
- Do the parents originate from reputable breeders? (Kennel names)?
- Do the parents meet the breed standard?
- Do you show your dogs, or do obedience, agility, or other training with them?
- Do they have hunting titles?
- Do at least three or four dogs in the last three or four generations have titles?
- Do you offer a written health guarantee of at least two to five years?
- Do you limit your breeding of each female to a maximum of once a year? (Has the female reached maturity, and again, OFA hip certified?)
- Are your puppies raised in the house and socialized with adults and children, and has their housebreaking and crate training begun?
- Do you belong to your National breed club?
- If the dog doesn't work out, do you require that it come back to you?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, say "thank you for your time" and run!!
If you are looking for a house pet, I advise not to buy from a breeder who raises their dogs or puppies outside. It may be difficult to acclimate them to proper indoor behavior.
If you think you can save a dog or puppy by purchasing it from a poor environment, you are dead wrong. First, you will just make that "breeder" want to make more money by breeding more puppies, who'll be again sold without proper screening or extended responsibility. I can't begin to tell you how much the overall quality of this breed has dropped in the past five years due to people who "just want a pet", and perpetuate irresponsible breeding.
If you care about this breed, as it truly sounds like you do, carefully research your options so you can make a wise decision. And, if you're not going to buy from a responsible, respected breeder, a Rescue Weim is the best option.