Your initial contact with a breeder is a two-way street, and your questions as a prospective buyer should encompass much more than just price. This is your chance to ask questions about health, experience and guarantees. Talk to a vet, and read books to discover the problems that predominate in the breed you are researching. Find out whether the breeder's dogs you are considering are free of genetic defects. If the dogs are certified free of diseases, such as hip dysplasia, un-united anconeal process, cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, you will have added insurance of a healthy pup.
Some buyers like to see copies of certifications as well as a sample pedigree.
Anyone who has bred more than one litter has had some problem. If they say otherwise, they're either liars or fools-or they should stop breeding dogs and start buying lottery tickets. Background Information Ask breeders how many years they have bred dogs, if they show their dogs, and if so, what titles their dogs hold. Some breeders participate in such activities as therapy or performance events with their dogs. Serious fanciers are usually members of at least one dog club, and because they love their breed and dogs in general, many aid in rescue operations, work on health committees or help with fund-raisers for various canine causes.