health history. The fact that a puppy is healthy at the time of sale is no guarantee that genetically based problems won’t surface later.
If possible, arrange to visit in person. Reputable breeders and adoption services will also want to meet you if they are considering placing one of their puppies in your home. Keep in mind that for most of them, this is a hobby, not a profession. Be reasonable. Arrive on time. Do not bring a contingent of friends, relatives, and other pets unless this has been agreed upon in advance. Do not overstay your welcome.
Prepare a list of questions. It is easy to become distracted visiting the dogs and forget to ask important questions: What kind of grooming equipment, food, toys, crates, fences, and gates are recommended? What are the grooming requirements (including recommended tools)? Do any special training or behavior issues commonly arise in puppies or adolescents, and what training method does the breeder prefer? Are there any behavior differences between male and female puppies? Does this breed have any known problems with vaccine reactions or allergies to common medications? If the breed is normally screened for certain health problems, make sure the parents have been tested and ask to see the results. If you plan to have the puppy neutered, when does the breeder recommend doing this? Does the breed have any special dietary requirements? Don’t hesitate to ask about the breeder’s return policy. Reputable breeders are always willing to take their puppies back under any circumstances—but this does not always include a refund.
A group of corgis plays with the breeder. Affection between a breeder and her dogs is a very good sign.
Check out all the breeder’s dogs—not only the parents but any dogs the breeder has kept from previous litters as well. The adults should appear clean, healthy, and well fed, signs that the breeder takes proper care of the animals. They should also be relaxed and affectionate with the breeder (even breeds naturally shy or wary of strangers), signs indicating that the breeder properly socializes the puppies.
Your exhaustive research may lead you to a particular breeder or a puppy outside your local area. A long-distance purchase complicates matters a bit, but don’t let it dissuade you from going with the right choice. Before finalizing the deal, be sure to have some phone contact with the seller; don’t rely solely on e-mail. Request pictures of the puppy and, if possible, the parents and other related dogs. Ask for references from sources such as local veterinarians and dog clubs as well as from people who have previously adopted or purchased puppies from this source. The breeder should be prepared to furnish all the usual documentation that accompanies a puppy placement, including certification that a puppy is healthy at the time of sale, a sales contract, pedigree (family tree), and health records. The breeder should have ongoing records showing that the puppy’s family has been tested for genetically based disorders commonly affecting the breed, such as hip X rays or eye checks; the puppy’s individual health records detailing health exams, vaccinations, deworming; or special testing if appropriate.
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