Choosing a Breeder

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Questions to Ask Breeders

Not quite sure what to ask a breeder?

Here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling:

 

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Why and how did you become involved with Spanish Water Dogs?

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Are you a member of the Spanish Water Dog Club or any other breed clubs?

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What are the pros and cons of owning a Spanish Water Dog?

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What is the general character and temperaments of your dogs?

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How much grooming is required or recommended for the breed?

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What does your written contract of sale include?

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Does your contract include health and other guarantees?

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Will you send me a sample of your contract to review?

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What is the health status and certifications of the sire, dam and puppies?

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Will you send copies of the health certifications to me?

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Why was this particular breeding done?

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Are there any known concerns about the health and temperament in the pedigrees of the sire and dam?

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Will a pedigree be made available to prospective purchasers?

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What kind of socialization and training (crate training and house training) do the puppies receive before leaving for their new homes?

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What age do your puppies go to their new homes?

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What is the purchase price of a puppy?

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Will the puppies be evaluated for structure and temperament prior to placement? Will copies of the evaluation be made available to purchasers?

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Will I be able to choose my puppy or do you match puppies and purchasers based on the evaluation of the litter?

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Do you provide feeding instructions, including advice on the type of food and supplements to use?

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Do you recommend training methods, reference materials, obedience schools, veterinarians, etc. for your puppies?

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Will you be available for advice after I take the puppy home?

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Will you provide references of those currently owning puppies from your prior breedings?

Ask the breeder to let you meet the dam, sire (if available, and any other dogs that are related to the litter that are with the breeder or near where you are located. The general appearance and temperament of the adult dogs may indicate what can be expected from the litter. If you are interested in specific activities for your puppy, such as obedience, agility, tracking, water or hospital therapy work, be sure to tell the breeder since it may help the breeder to select a puppy to suit your interests.

 

Breeder Referral List

The SWD Club Breeder Referral List is in development and should be posted soon. Please check back!

 

Copyright © 2005 Spanish Water Dog Club
Last modified: 03/01/08