What important questions to ask the breeder?

Question

I'm going to be putting in an application to a breeder for a Labradoodle. I've received lots of information already on how they determine which dog you get (based on your preference in the litters, color, s*x, etc.), when they spay/neuter, the dog's diet, coats/shedding/allergens and their standard of care. What other questions should I ask that would not be so obvious? For example, I was talking with a friend who told me it's best not to get a fall litter because trying to train the puppy in the snow is hard, as they can't smell the grass. Anything else?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Why not ask what - if any - health tests they do on their breeding stock before they breed them.  Ask what health guarantees they give with their puppies - if any.  Ask if they take back their puppies like all reputable breeders do if you can't keep the dog for any reason.  You know, the standard things that reputable breeders would do.

Answer 2

Heres an excellent tip:

DONT BUY A MUTT FROM A BREEDER.

No offense, but a Labradoodle is a MIXED dog. Not purebred. With the overpopulation of animals in shelters, 9 MILLION dogs are euthanized every year. Not only do you have all the mixes in shelters, like "labradoodles", but 20% of shelter dogs are actually PUREbreds!

If you do decide to buy a dog from a breeder, make sure it is a RESPONSIBLE breeder that only breeds purebred dogs to better the breed. That is the only reason dogs should be bred. Until the number of dogs being killed becase there are not enough homes for them goes down, mixed dogs should not be bred.

A responsible breeder will have proven well bred dogs. They will have points and/or championship titles in showing, agility, obedience, protection, or some other sport or dog competition.

Both the mother and father will have health tests including hips and joints.

The lineage should be known for at least 4-5 generations back, and every dog in the lineage should of had health tests, as well.

EDIT: Wow, what a world we live in, with irresponsible owners not caring about millions of dogs dieing because of their stupidity. Whatever...

Answer 3

I would make sure the parents have had their hips certified.  In big dogs (I'm assuming this is a full size labradoodle) they are more likely to get hip displaysia.  With the training it doesn't matter what season it is, it would be more inconvenient in the winter for obvious reasons, but as long as you are consistent with it the dog wont care.  

Most breeders that guarantee the health also count of the fact that you will grow to love your little doggie after you have had it and will never return it.  What would they do with it after the fact?

Answer 4

Well, the grass bit isn't true, no offense to your friend. Especially on a part labrador, who are known for their sense of smell and even hunt with it in winter months. These dogs are used it for search and rescure year round.

I personally like training in winter because puppy does the buathroom chore then hustles back inside where it's warm. Dogs noses can smell grass or anything else under the snow.

Ask:

Why did the breeder chose this breed?

How much do they know about the bloodlines of their own dogs?

Meet both parents of the puppies, if at all possible, to judge if you like the temperment. The stud may dwell elsewhere, and that would be ok, but if a stud dog is unhandlable and acts wild that is unacceptable. Go somewhere else. The female may be slightly protective of the puppies and that's fine. But she should otherwise be well mannered.

Ask how much the breeder knows about this specific litter. Which puppies are more hold-able? Which are more playful? Some breeders don't pay attention (although all should it isn't always practiced) but those who do can help you match the right puppy to what your needs are.

Don't judge your puppy choice on what you see immediately. The puppies might have just napped and are rambunctious or they may have just played and are sleepy.

What foods are fed? What shots do the puppies have?