1. Contact a breeder or a member of a recognized Breed Rescue. Steer clear of Pet Shops for
this is often where Puppy Mills send their dogs to be sold.
 

2. Be ready to ask the breeder tough questions, like how long have they been a breeder, where
did they acquire their stock, what kind of problems have they had with stock, such as ill or
injured dogs over the past five years and what were the circumstances; are they required to be
licensed or inspected in the city/ state where they reside (if they are you can get the last report
on them from the agency doing the inspection or licensing). Also be ready for a reputable breeder
to ask you hard questions, such as who are you, where do live (city/state) do you live in an apartment
or house and do you have fenced yard, do you have other pets and what are they, do you have
children and their ages, how did you become interested in this breed and what do you know about
the breed, are you looking for a pet or a pet who is also show quality?
 

3. Check with the authorities such as local or state animal care, shelters, etc., to see if the
breeder or rescue person have any negative reports on file. A good breeder may also do the
same thing concerning you.
 

4. In addition to asking about any health issues of the breed, ask the breeder if the parents
have had Baer, Cerf and Pennhip or OFA testing. These are all very common health related
testing for eye and hearing problems. The Pennhip and also OFA tests are for hip problems.
OFA also has other tests such as for patellas (dog’s knees) as well as heart
testing and certifications.

There have been some of these problems reported in this breed from time to time. Ask
if the parents have been on routine medications such as Heart Worm and had current vaccinations.
There is no place in the United States that is not prone to heart worm and other worm problems.
These can have unseen disaster for puppies while developing the uterus if pre-pregnancy
precautions are not taken.
 

5. Make sure the price being asked for the animal is reasonable. High prices for puppies or
adult dogs which have nothing to show for a large asking price should be a red flag. Pedigrees
alone are not always the best way to judge quality, however,  pedigrees combined with
Conformation and Performance titles let you know that these parents have been judged by
many judges as to meeting or exceeding the basic specified standards of the breed. Titles do
not predict the health of a dog, however, there is a good chance theses are healthy dogs because
showing dogs in any venue is stressful and it takes well conditioned, healthy dogs to compete
and win. Healthy parents have a better chance for healthy offspring. If the breeder asks for
additional amounts of money for things other than shipping costs, ask why they are not included,
or bundled, in the originally stated price. Be cautious of the breeders  on the internet accepting
PayPal for making payment of your dog. It could mean they are just out to sell a dog without
any concern for it's placement. Most breeders require a deposit to insure they hold a dog for
you and most will accept personal checks, bank checks, or postal money orders.
 

6. Ask the breeder if they intend to MICROCHIP the animal before shipping it to you. This is a
good test to find out just how safety conscious and concerned the breeder is in making sure the
dog gets to you should it become lost or stolen at anytime. Most breeders will now include this
service free of charge for their clients and they will ask for specific information to be put
on the paperwork.
 

7. Make sure you have a WRITTEN CONTRACT from the breeder. Ask to see the contract in
advance of signing it so you will have time to go over it and ask any questions. Every breeder
has a different contract but there should be statements of the price and what that includes,
resolutions if genetic problems occur, so forth. Most importantly the contract should clearly
state that the breeder will be the first person YOU contact in the event that you cannot keep
the animal and that they will take  the animal back at anytime, no questions asked.
This does not mean you will get some or any of your money back, but it does mean the reputable
breeder assumes the responsibility for each and every dog they place. Don't be afraid to take the
contract to a lawyer if you have any questions and don't be afraid to ask the breeder to add any
stipulations you would like to include. After all you are taking on a huge responsibility with pet
ownership for you will be be the guardian for it and you want only the best for it.
 

8. Ask the breeder for a list of references. Contact those references before getting the animal.
Listen to how and what the references have to say about the breeder.
 

9. Ask the breeder if they have or they intend to register the litter with a recognized kennel club
such as American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). These are two legitimate organization that either have Parent Clubs or recognize the breed for show/performance events
in the United States. Ask to have a copies of the registration if they have done so. The breeder
should explain to you how to have your dog fully registered with an organization. If they do not
intend to register the litter ask why. This should be a red flag.
 

10. Beware of breeders that speak ill or negatively of other breeders or their stock. The American
Kennel Club's Sportsman Code of Ethics does not permit. Also, be aware of anyone brokering
puppies and dogs.  What this means is that it is illegal for anyone to be the middleman in
arranging for the sale of a dog or cat.  This is illegal in UKC and is also illegal in AKC unless
it is being done by a professional handler.  With AKC, only licensed Professional Handlers are
allowed to serve as a agents for breeders and kennels. If the breeder does not have any pups
but knows of other breeders who do have pups, they should give you the name of that breeder,
not say they will contact the breeder for you.
 
 

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