Questions to Ask Breeders Before Committing to a Puppy

German Shorthaired Pointers near Sacramento, CA. (20 mins. east of Sacramento off Hwy. 80) in Loomis, CA.

Winter Creek German

Shorthaired Pointers

AKC Breeders of Merit

A BREEDER MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THEY ARE PROVIDING A NEW, SPECIAL LITTLE BEING AND THE OWNER MUST REMBER THAT IF THEY RAISE AND CARE FOR THIS SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER CORRECTLY, THE PUP WILL GIVE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, JOY AND LAUGHTER TO ITS HUMAN FAMILY FOR AS LONG AS IT LIVES!

Why do you breed German Shorthaired Pointers and what are your goals?

  1. How old is the BREEDING PAIR (DOG AND BITCH) you’re currently breeding?
  2. Are both dogs old enough to breed and have they “at least” been cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation Association (OFA) (hips) with an ISSUED number including the letters of either E, G or F?
  3. How many times have you previously bred this bitch?
  4. How many litters do you breed per year?
  5. Do you also lease bitches to breed? If so, how many per year? And why?
  6. Do you always use the same stud dog or it’s half siblings?
  7. Do you inbreed, line breed or out cross?
  8. Do you test for temperament (aggression toward other dogs or people) before selecting dogs for breeding?
  9. Health Clearances

  10. How many dogs in your line have had Cancer?
  11. How many dogs in your line have had or died from Bloat or Gastrointestinal problems?
  12. How many dogs in you line have had Heart problems?
  13. How many dogs in your line have had Thyroid problems?
  14. How many dogs in your line have had Epilepsy? This usually occurs with only adult dogs.
  15. How many dogs in your line have had Hip Dysplasia?
  16. What is the incidence of Allergies in your dogs?
  17. How many dogs in your line have had Eye problems?
  18. How long do most of your dogs live?
  19. Are both the sire and dam LD Normal or are they carriers?
  20. Are both the sire and dam Cerf Tested?
  21. Are both the sire and dam CD Certified?
  22. Are both the sire and dam Cardiac Clear?
  23. Are both the sire and dam Thyroid Clear?
  24. Are both the sire and dam DNA tested?
  25. Do you offer a health and temperament guarantee on you pups?
  26. Do you require spay / neuter agreements on your companion dogs?
  27. Are you willing and able to answer any question for the life of the dog?
  28. Will you ask me lots of questions to determine if I am, in fact, the right kind of person for one of your dogs? Will you supply a pedigree, health record and instructions on how to properly care for my new puppy?
  29. Can you provide references from other Breeders or Associations.

AS OF 2005, IT IS A CA. STATE LAW THAT PUPPIES CANNOT BE SOLD UNTIL THEY ARE 8 WEEKS OLD. “PUPPY MILLS” SELL EARLIER TO AVOID EXTRA EXPENSES!

Call several breeders to find someone you feel comfortable working with before committing to a puppy. An emotional puppy buy can result in heartbreak.