Dog Breeder Checklist - Questions to Ask When Choosing
Your Puppy
Please first consider dog adoption from a German Shepherd Rescue.
If you do decide to visit a breeder, use this checklist
when choosing your puppy. This should help you avoid a backyard
breeder when you hear of puppies for sale.
Ask to see the litter's sire and dam.
In many cases you will only see the dam. The sire
usually belongs to someone else.
While this is somewhat of a trick question, it will
allow you to evaluate the following:
- temperament of the parents
- health and happiness of the dogs (and possible flaws)
- how many litters are produced in a year
- are the puppies on site (if not where were they
raised)
- type of kennel (if outdoors, look for a
climate-controlled area)
- cleanliness of the kennels
- breeder interaction with the dogs (both in and out of
the kennel)
- how much interaction and socialization the puppies
have experienced
- amount of time the dogs are in the kennel
- whether or not the dogs are allowed into the
breeder's house
- breed clubs the breeder is associated with
- if the parents are competitively shown (and any
titles
they have)
- pedigree of both parents
- how long has the breeder produced the German Shepherd
breed
- has the breeder worked with other dog breeds
Find out about genetic diseases that affect German
Shepherds or determine any ongenital defects.
- what is the breeder doing to suppress common defects
in the lineage
- are both parents registered with OFA (Orthopedica
Foundation for Animals) Hip Dysplasia Registry - get numbers and
ratings for both sire and dam
- is there paperwork for tests on both parent's hips
(OFA or PennHip), eyes (CERF), and thyroid
- proof of puppies' vaccinations to date (or schedule
for first set of puppy shots)
- will the breeder allow your own vet to examine the
puppy before making a firm commitment
Learn about the contract and any guarantee.
- ask about the contract and any related details
- are there terms that address the puppy developing a
genetic disorder
- what happens if the puppy dies or must be euthanized
due to illness or disease
- is there a spay
or neuter clause
- are there guidelines for potential German Shepherd
breeders on testing and show requirements
- is the AKC registration regular or limited
- is there a return policy
Get references from past puppy buyers.
- names and phone numbers of previous buyers
- does the breeder still talk regularly with any
previous buyers (and how many)
Determine if the breeder will help in choosing your
puppy.
- pick the right puppy for your lifestyle
- find out when the puppies will be ready for placement
and how old they will be at that time
- will the breeder assist with questions or concerns
after taking the puppy home
- will you receive any calls to check on the puppy
- will you be notified if a littermate develops
unexpected temperament or disorder
Not all of these questions will apply to every
situation. But, it will give you a good idea of what important things
to look for when seeking your new best friend.
Take time in choosing your puppy. This is an important
and long term decision. So, don't rush this step. You (and your new
puppy) will be much happier in the long run.
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