CHOOSING A BREEDER
What is a good breeder? He or she should be found at the shows or other events, exhibiting or working their best specimens. If none of the breeding stock can win a title, what does that say for the puppies? Again, if you want a clever dog, it would be just as suitable to buy from parents who are titled obedience dogs as to look for ones that were show champions. Best still are ones that are dual titled, if you are so lucky as to find them. The kennel should be clean and suited to the type of dog. While you should expect to make an appointment to visit, be suspicious if the breeder does not want visitors, or wants to sell you puppies out of the back of his truck at a dog show. You need to see both parents, if possible, and see how the puppies live, and their behaviour in a group with each other and with strangers. However, don't avoid dogs sired by champions off the property, as the breeder may have selected some important dog to improve his or her stock. Such a dog is usually well-known, and you could find out about it or possibly see it at a show.
Be suspicious of breeders who have kennels where only the show stars get groomed, or where there are no older dogs. Were there no old favorites worth keeping in old age? Is the operation just a cash cow for them? Be suspicious if they want to pyramid scheme puppies and have you whelp litters. This is not a job for amateurs with a dog limit. Be sure you understand what you could be getting into.
I would avoid two types of breeders. If there are no dogs in the house, they probably do little socialization, and the dogs may have trouble adapting to your home. If their house is a pigsty full of dirty dogs and puddles on the floor, they are probably just as careless of dog health as they are of sanitation. The breeders should look as if they enjoy their dogs, not just make money off them, and as if they can keep themselves, their dogs, and their premises in order and under a reasonable state of tidiness and cleanliness. I guess if I had to choose, loving the dogs and socializing them would have priority over 'better homes and gardens' decor. You should also have reasonable expectations in line with the breed. Our large sighthounds absolutely need to be outside running in a puppy pen to grow properly. Because of show and other considerations, they are seldom sold as tiny puppies. We socialize them with training classes and bringing them in and out of the house. When we raised Shetland Sheepdogs, they were so tiny that they did not need to be out in a huge pen, and our waiting buyers wanted them at 8 weeks. They were raised in the house usually until they left for their new home. Expect conditions to vary with the size and sturdiness of the breed. Delicate toys would be in the house most of the time. Large breeds would be outdoors to develop their muscles.
Avoid breeders who don't want to give you a contract or guarantee. They won't be there for you if you run into any problems. Expect to be asked questions about what you can offer the dog. Most breeders, if they consider your facilities unsuitable, will make constructive suggestions. You may not have a setup for a puppy, but might be a good home for a middle aged dog that can meet its requirements for exercise on a leash. Many of our clients have asked for advice on fencing and kenneling and have created excellent setups. Some who could see that the dog was not suitable for their home came back at a later date when they had moved to a different home, ready to buy one. Remember, a breeder that only cares about your money is not going to get excited if the puppy you buy dies or develops major problems. Treat it like an adoption, and expect some effort to be made to match you with the right puppy or adult.
Expect to spay or neuter dogs bought as pets. Be careful about signing show or breeding contracts, unless you understand just what can be involved in time, expense, and responsibility. A contract should be as good as a co-ownership. Read the article on co-owning dogs before jumping into one. We also recommend that couples own their dogs individually. Unfortunately divorce and separation is all too common. If you have two dogs, better to own one each.
Finally, be sure you have the time to spend with your new dog, and funds to deal with the inevitable vet bills. Private individuals might benefit from health insurance policies for dogs. Follow regular procedures for worming and heartworm treatment. New products such as Advantage are available against fleas. Work with your breeder to deal with the health and management problems that will inevitably occur. We are always most satisfied when the people we have sold a dog or puppy to come back for another...a happy customer is our best recommendation.