What Questions Should You Ask a Breeder?  

There are many questions possible.  What you are trying to do is find out, to the best of your ability, how professional and ethical a breeder is.  While this sounds like it could possibly be offensive to the breeder, it will actually let the breeder know that you are looking for a responsible breeder, just as much as they are looking for a good owner.  

Be prepared to go through some sort of an interview process to allow the breeder to confirm you have the proper expectations of your future puppy. 

From your side, you should start out by having a general conversation with the breeder.  Are they easy to talk to?  Do they answer questions openly?  Are they a person you could see staying in contact with for the next fifteen years?  You want to have a good feeling about the breeder, and not get the impression that they are just out to make money from breeding an “unusual” breed. 

1. Why have they chosen these two dogs to breed?  What were they attempting to achieve?

• A breeder should have a reason to breed, other than making money.  Are they trying to create a taller dog? Better head? Active in performance sports? Bring in new genetic lines? It should not be simply to sell puppies. 

2. Do both dogs have their CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) health clearances?               

• If yes, the CHIC numbers should be readily provided to you.  You can actually look up the results on a website if you have the number.  If the answer is “no”, this is a huge red flag!  Reputable Kooiker breeders know that there are hereditary diseases out there that can be avoided through proper health testing.  Without a CHIC #, you have no proof that this has been done.  

3. What sort of socialization will be done/has been done with the puppies?  

• Socialization is key in this breed!  Puppies should be properly introduced to any environments (surfaces, noises, and situations) that they may encounter in their future life. Perhaps even more important, is the effort to provide the puppies interaction with various people – of all shapes and sizes, so that the pups are not concerned with strangers.  Just knowing the regular family members is not enough – this breed really needs to be socialized as much as possible while young, and as an owner, you need to continue doing so throughout their first year or more. 

4. Have the puppies been vaccinated? Dewormed? Had vet visits? 

• Reputable breeders will provide you with the veterinary history of their puppies.  They should have had their first vaccines and been dewormed before they leave the breeder.  

5. Is there a contract that has to be filled out?  

• A contract will provide you with the expectations that the breeder has for you, and outline their requirements for their puppies.  The contract may require you to have the pup spayed or neutered by a certain age.  It may specify that certain training is done.  It should cover the majority of issues that may come up for discussion.  Make sure that you are clear on the terms, and discuss any issues you may not be clear on.  If you are hoping for a “show dog”, what happens if the dog is unsuitable for the show ring? If you are looking to become a breeder yourself, what part does the original breeder have to play?  They may ask to be allowed to provide input on potential mates.  Genetic health testing of the puppy as it matures may be required of you; some tests can’t be done until the dog has reached two years of age. 

6. How do I get my puppy? 

• You may need to travel a fair distance to find a Kooiker puppy.  Are you able to fly to pick up the pup, or does the breeder require you to travel by car?  

7. Am I guaranteed a puppy? 

• The answer may disappoint you.  If the litter is still in the planning stages, the bitch has not whelped yet, or there are more potential buyers than puppies, you may find yourself on a waiting list.  Who gets the puppies is a decision entirely up to the breeder. Various things can affect their decision:

  • Do they have more people looking for one sex than another?

  • Are there people looking for a “show” puppy instead of a pet puppy? If there is a potential show prospect, the breeder may want to ensure the pup goes to a home where it’s full potential can be reached. 

  • If there are a few “stand-out” show prospect puppies in the litter, the breeder may decide to keep one or more of them to see how they develop.  They will not know this until the pups are closer to 8 weeks of age. 

8. Can I pick my puppy?  I have decided I like the one with the pink collar. 

• As unfortunate as it might seem, the answer is most often “No”.  The breeder is the one that decides which puppy goes to which home.  They have been watching the puppies from the day they were born, and have an idea of their temperaments and conformation.  If someone is looking for a partner to do agility with, the breeder will match them with a puppy with a confident attitude. If they are looking for a show prospect, they will get a puppy with good conformation.  If they are looking for a best friend to go on walks with, the choice will be dependent on a whole different set of criteria.  The important thing to realize is that you will fall in love with whichever puppy the breeder decides is the best one for you.  Colour patterns and markings become unimportant once you have your very own puppy in your arms and you start developing your own bond together.   If you have the opportunity to watch the puppies grow as a litter, try to fall in love with them all.  Your perfect partner is going to be one of them!