Questions to ask a breeder

Following are some questions that you should ask of any breeder even if you "only" want a pet-quality Bouvier. If they cannot provide you with the answers, or if you are uncomfortable with their answers, find another breeder. It is recommended that you visit at least two breeders in order to get a sense of differences in goals and practices and dogs among them.

Who are the sire and dam of this litter? See the dam and at least a picture of the sire. How old are the dam and sire? Bitches and dogs should not be bred until they are at least two years old and have passed at least minimum health tests.

Have both parents been checked for hereditary problems? NO BOUVIER SHOULD BE BRED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CERTIFIED FOR HIPS AND HEART, AT A MINIMUM.  Ask to see the original certificates from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) and/or PennHip. (Photocopies can be altered.) Ask what the ratings are. Also ask if the parents have certifications on elbows, eyes and thyroid.

Why did you choose to breed these two animals to each other? What are the strengths and faults of each of them? What are the temperaments of the dam and sire? What are the overall goals of your breeding program?

How often do you breed? How long have you been breeding? Be cautious if they have never bred before or if they are constantly breeding.

Has the dam had other litters? If so, when was the last one? How often is she bred? Bitches should not be bred more than once a year.

Are both parents AKC registered? Ask to see their papers and their registration numbers. Ask to see their pedigrees. (A pedigree is a family tree of a dog's parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. It can be 4 and 5 generations back.) Ask to see a pedigree of this litter as well. If there is no pedigree for the litter, or if the same dog appears many times, be cautious.

Do the parents have any conformation or working championships? These do not guarantee a great litter, but if they do not have any qualities that have been proven in competition, the reasons for the breeding are all the more important. What titles have dogs from your litters earned? This may tell you about the overall quality of their breeding program.

At what age are the puppies available? A good breeder will not release them before 8 weeks of age.

Do you temperament test your puppies? What were the results? Tell me about each puppy, and what you see of their basic inclinations and temperaments. What kind of home do you think would be best for each one? Puppies from the same litter are not all alike. Be sure to get one that suits your own temperament and family profile.

Are the inoculations up to date? Ask to see their records. The price should include two or three sets of immunization shots against such diseases as parvovirus, corona virus, hepatitis, rabies, distemper (depending on age of pup going home; 3 sets needed by 12 weeks) plus at least 3-4 dewormings, tail docking, dew claws removed and usually ears cropped.

Will you give me a written health guarantee? A typical one would be a 2-year guarantee against hip dysplasia (of a degree that would be debilitating and painful to the dog), temperament problems and other health-related issues. If they require a second opinion from a specific vet in order to honor the guarantee, be cautious. In the event that such a problem arises, how will the breeder compensate you? Refund your money? Replace the pup with another from another litter? Can you keep the original puppy? Get it in writing.

Within 48 hours of taking your new pup home, you should get a checkup from an independent vet. If the vet finds a problem, how will you assist me?

Could you provide me with two references from other breeders and three references from buyers?

If I have questions as I get acquainted with my new puppy, can I rely on you for assistance?

A good breeder should ask you a lot of questions, too. They want to know what kind of home you will provide for one of their puppies, and what your lifestyle is, and what you expect out of your dog. You should ask yourself, "Do I feel comfortable with this breeder? Do I sense that they are trying to find the right match for their puppies or just trying to sell me a dog?

Are you thinking "I’d be embarrassed to ask so many questions!"? A good breeder will welcome all these questions and be impressed with your thoroughness, increasing the chances that they will allow you to purchase one of their pups. A questionable breeder will be irritated by your research and/or will find it difficult to give you straight answers. If you want a quality puppy with a good temperament, please ASK QUESTIONS.

Beware of Claims