How many
of the
dogs in
the
pedigree
have you
actually
seen &
put your
hands
on? Tell
me
everything
you know
about
the sire
and dam.
(You
want to
know
more
than
just
what can
be found
on the
pedigree.)
What is
the
incidence
of
dysplasia,
allergies,
thyroid
problems,
epilepsy,
etc., in
the
pedigree?
Were
their
any
temperament
problems
in the
ancestry
of the
puppies?
What are
the
sire's/dam's
worst/best
trait/fault?
How much
time do
you
spend on
planning
the
litter &
rearing
the
pups?
Do you
temperament
test?
What
test do
you use?
How do
you
evaluate?
(Ask to
see the
results.
Have the
breeder
explain
them. If
they
can't,
what
good is
the test
to
them?)
Are the
sire &
dam
O.V.C.
Certified?
vWD
tested?
Do you
have
evidence?
What
about
farther
back in
the
pedigree?
(Learn
about
OVC, OFA
and vWD
results.
The
answer
"Oh,
they're
okay."
is *not*
good
enough.)
Do you
offer a
Health/Temperament
guarantee
on your
puppies?
What is
it? If I
have a
problem,
will I
have to
return
my
puppy?
(This is
emotionally
traumatic,
though
with
some
health
problems,
it is
necessary.
You want
to find
a
breeder
who is
not just
committed
to their
litter,
but to
the
breed as
a
whole.)
Are you
able &
willing
to
answer
my
questions
for the
life of
the dog?
Do you
require
a
spay/neuter
agreement
on
companion-quality
puppies?
(This is
Good.)
Are you
knowledgeable
about
GSDs?
Can
you/will
you
answer
my
special
medical,
food &
training
questions?
Will you
tell me
when you
don't
know a
answer?
Do you
have
access
to
resources
when the
questions
stretch
beyond
your
knowledge?
What are
the most
important
things
you are
striving
for in
your
breeding
program.
(Temperament
should
be first
along
with
health!)
Why did
you
breed
these
particular
dogs?)
Will you
supply
at least
a 4
generation
pedigree,
the
puppy's
health
record &
instructions
on how
to
properly
take
care of
my new
dog?
What
titles
(conformation
&/or
working)
are in
the
pedigree?
How far
back?
How many
dogs?
What
titles/degrees
are you
currently
working
on?
May I
see and
visit
with
both
parents?
What is
your
philosophy
on
breeding
in
general
and with
respect
to
German
Shepherds?
Why did
you
breed
this
pair of
dogs in
particular?
How did
they fit
into
this
philosophy?
What
clubs
are you
active
in?
What
references
can you
give me
of
previous
purchasers?
