questions to ask a breeder??

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emmae

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What sort of questions should i be asking breeders??

I've got the health questions i.e. BAER hearing tests (there dallys)!

what other questions should i be asking??

what sort of socialisation should i be expecting them to have had... these pups are about 4 weeks atm??

what else should i be asking??
 
They won't have had a massive amount but I like them to have been in the house even if they don't live inside.

I asked about mum and dad, they're temperaments and show records as well as meeting them both.

Can't remember what else I asked but I'll pop back if I remember anything.
 
Ask why they bred them, if they say "cash for a holiday" or "because she is lovely and we wanted a litter and she needed to have one" run like the wind:rolleyes:
if the age they are willing to let them go sounds ludacris again run:rolleyes:

Mother should be happy and friendly when away from the pups, pups should be well handled and not squeal like piggies when you pick them up, and they should be nice and clean, not covered in ****, nice weight and condition, and check the bitch is not fed on breeders special, something u have never heard off in a clear bag with no name:rolleyes:
Ask about worming and what she will be using, just to make sure they will actually have a worming programme and ask what food they will be weaned onto and prey to god it's not bakers or asda spesh:p:D and check there is not 10 other breeds of dog on site.
If they are all sleeping off a feed, ask to visit again when u can see them a bit more lively.
Ask to see all health tests on paper, and make sure all tests in realtion to the breed have been carried out.
 
A good line of questioning is "which one are you keeping?"If they are not keeping one of the litter you need to know why - we wanted a pink bitch and only got purple dogs is acceptable as is "the only male is not show potential" and why is explained but breeding with no plans to keep a puppy is reason to find another breeder IMO.

Another good question is "How did you come to choose that stud dog?"

Unless the breeder has been in the breed for some years it is unlikely that the best male for their bitch will be on site.
 
Pay careful attention to the questions they ask you as well :) They should want to know if you've had dogs before, what types, why you chose this breed, what you intend to do with him or her, where he/she will live etc. The nosier they are the better imo. If they seem happy to keep you talking about their dogs all day long it's a good sign, but keep in mind health tests and common sense. It's one things to waffle on about just how lovely the bitch is, it's quite another to do the same whilst attempting to surreptitiously grill you on what kind of owner they think you will be. Again just my opinion though :)
 
Very valid point Pix, good breeders should be VERY fussy about where their pups go imo. Another good thing is to ask if they have photos/letters from owners of pups from previous litters, obviously if they have bred a litter for. Whilst not every new owner keeps in touch with the breeder, many do, and a good breeder will have lots of feedback they can show you.
 
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