Before deciding to buy a puppy from someone, ask these questions:

Q.  How long have you been involved with this breed?

A.  The answer should be many years.

Q.  How many breeds are you involved with?

A.  The answer should be one. Some good breeders might handle a couple breeds, but they should be related perhaps two herding breeds. People who handle many different breeds likely have little interest in any of the breeds, and are quite likely breeding solely to make money.

Q.  What types of health problems is this breed prone to?

Q.  What are you doing to screen for these problems and eliminate them from the breed?

A.  Nearly every breed is prone to some kind of health issue. The breeder should know what those issues are and be willing to share certificates from registries that show that his dogs are free of the disease. For example, Australian Cattle Dogs could be prone to hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals issues certificates that show whether a dog is free of this or other diseases. A breeder should have and be willing to show you records that indicate his dog is free of such problems.

Q.  Can I meet the dam? The sire ?

A.  The breeder should be willing to have you meet the mother. Since sires are sometimes out of the area, meeting it might not be possible. But you should be able to arrange to talk with the sire's owners and get the same information from them that you will get from the mother's owner.

Q.  Can I visit the pups once they are born?

A. The answer must be yes. The breeder should encourage or, ideally, require you to do so. Some good breeders won't allow you to pick a puppy until the pups' personalities develop a bit, so that they can make the best dog-owner match.

Q.  Do you require a signed contract? What does it include?

A.  A contract that stipulates several things is a * must *. You should be required to spay or neuter the dog if you are buying it as a pet. The contract should also stipulate that you will contact the breeder first if you are going to give up the dog. Responsible breeders take lifelong responsibility for the lives they bring into the world.

Q.  Where do the pups live after they're born?

A.  Pups should spend the first weeks with their mother. Preferably in the house instead of outside. They should be a part of the breeder's family and be treated as pets.

Q.  What kind of health care will the mother and pups receive?

A.  The mother should have regular vet checkups before, during and after her pregnancy, and the pups should be seen by a vet once or twice before they're sent to their new homes. You should have a complete shot record to go with your puppy.

Q.  What kind of socialization will the pups receive?

A.  This is key. Expect the breeder to tell you that he and his family will handle the pups routinely. Children should be handling the pups. If the breeder has none, ask if friends' or neighbors' kids are used to help get the pups used to children. This is non-negotiable if you have children or children visit frequently. Your dog must get used to children from the earliest possible time. The pups should get lots of human contact and be around other dogs, as well. Again, this is vitally important for their ability to get along with others as older dogs.

Q.  Can you give me names and contact information of other people who have
 bought your puppies?

A.  The answer should be yes. If the breeder is unwilling to provide references, it's likely he has something to hide.

Q.  What kind of titles do your dogs have?

A  It isn't necessary that the dogs be champion this or that, but titles indicate that the breeder doesn't exist in isolation; he is actively participating in the world of dogs. Titles also indicate that the dogs are trained and have experience dealing with people. While this isn't a heritable trait, per se, brainpower and learning ability can be.

Q.  How do you stay educated about your breed?

In addition to participating in shows such as conformation, obedience, agility, flyball and herding for herding breeds, the breeder should routinely attend seminars, talk with professionals, and have a well-established network of professionals and colleagues upon whom he draws for support and information.