When I was looking for a Lab breeder, I was armed with a major checklist.
I agree w/GuardianPeggy, i.e., what goals does the breeder have with the breeding program and how does the breeder go about to achieve this? This was one of the first things on my list:
1)
What is their goal in breeding? Is their goal consistent with your vision of an ideal pet? If they are breeding for "health and temperament," have them explain exactly what they mean. Their idea of ideal temperament and yours may differ dramatically. If their goal is to produce their next show dog, have them explain how that will translate into a good pet for you. Ear-set and tail carriage mean nothing if the dog they produces bites your children or dies of cancer before his fifth birthday.
2)
What are the congenital defects in this breed? The breeder who says "none" or "I don't know" is to be avoided. That's a person who's not screening for what she doesn't know about, and you don't want to pay the price for her ignorance.
i) Hip dysplasia
ii) knee problems (luxating patella) is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped
iii) Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
iv) Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre.
3)
What steps have you taken to decrease defects in your dogs? You want to hear words like ‘screened’, ‘tested’ and ‘certified’.
4)
What health tests have been done on BOTH parents of the litter? In breeds with the potential for hip dysplasia - that's almost every large breed -- look for PennHIP or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification. These are expert, unbiased evaluators who know exactly what to look for. Insist on documentation on both parents. And their parents, too. Any breed should have hips (OFA or PennHip) eyes (CERF) and ideally thyroid. Then is up to you as potential buyer to know what other tests the breed you are looking at should have. The breeder should be able to show documentations of all tests. Do not blindly accept their word – some dishonest breeders will lie and say all tests have been done. Are the breeder's dogs screened for genetic health defects like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease, epilepsy, cardiac conditions, and anything else that is common in the breed? Can they provide you with proof, e.g., CERF and OFA certification and other relevant veterinary documentation? A good breeder will welcome your concerns and be glad to offer the requested information - beware of anyone who is defensive! An excellent breeder will candidly discuss the health of their line of dogs, including the problems that have cropped up. Even good breeders can produce unhealthy dogs on occasion. The difference is that the good breeder is on a mission to find and remove those genetic influences from their breeding lines. The irresponsible breeder approaches health in a haphazard manner.
5) What does the breeder feel are the strengths and weaknesses in the breed and the breeder's program?
6) Personality and/or history of breed?
7)
Do you have the parents on site? May I see them? This is a bit of a trick question. You should always be able to see the mother -- unless she died giving birth -- but reputable breeders often don't have the father on hand. That's because the best match for any particular dog may be owned by another breeder, and the female was sent away for breeding.
8) What guarantees do you provide? You want to see a contract explaining the breeder's responsibilities should the puppy develop a congenital ailment. In most cases, such contracts state either replacement with a new puppy or refunding of your purchase price. Read and discuss the paperwork with the breeder. The best breeders offer contracts that protect not only the buyer and seller, but also the most vulnerable part of the transaction: the puppy. The contract also states your responsibilities, such as neutering your pet. You may also be required to return the dog to the breeder if you can no longer keep him. Such language is the sign of a concerned and responsible breeder.
9) What does the breeder feed the puppies?
10) What inoculations have been given?
11) Can you get references of previous puppy buyers? This is a big one, especially if you're dealing with a breeder that isn't well-known.
12) Can you have your own vet examine the puppy before you fully commit?
These are just a few things to keep in mind.
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