It is absolutely critical that you know to ask the right questions so you can make an informed decision. Make sure you have the breeder's name, address, telephone number and possibly e-mail. Although not a complete list, the following questions are an excellent start for you to think about what you want to eventually know about your breeder and the particular litter you might get a puppy from. DO NOT plan to rattle through every question with every breeder. Instead, use a couple of questions that are really important to you and start with them. Then, as the breeder gets to know you better, you can continue your education as well. The only wrong way to buy a puppy is not to ask any questions at all.
1. The Breeder:
Are you a member of the LCA and for how long? Do you adhere to the LCA Members Practices? Are you active in the club? Can you provide me with references for you and your dogs, ideally from previous puppy buyers, other breeders, your veterinarian?
2. Availability:
Do you have puppies available right now? Are you expecting or planning a litter? What are your future breeding plans? Do you have a waiting list and if yes how long is it? What is the likelihood that I might be able to get a puppy from you? What do I have to do regarding reservations? Do you have a questionnaire I should fill out? Do you have a reservation contract? If I place a deposit with you, under what conditions will/can my deposit be returned? Are you aware of other breeders I might contact?
3. Breeding Program:
How long have you been a breeder? How many dogs do you have? How often do you breed a litter of puppies? How many litters have you produced? How many litters have you bred this year? What is your main emphasis in your breeding program? What are your personal goals in your breeding program? Do you breed other breeds? Is breeding Leonbergers a full-time job, or a hobby? What can you tell me about the longevity background of the dogs in your pedigree? What is the oldest Leonberger you have produced? What have your dogs died of and at what ages?
4. Parents of Puppies:
Sire's stats (name, age, temperament, height, weight, etc.) and dam's stats (name, age, temperament, height, weight, etc.)? Can I see either or both parents in person? Do you have photographs of close relatives or do they even live with you? Can I have a copy of pedigrees on current and future litters? What titles (working, conformation), awards, have these dogs won/been awarded? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the sire and dam? Why did you decide to breed these two dogs?
5. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia/OCD:
What can you tell me about the orthopedic background of the dogs in your pedigree (and siblings)? Are parents, aunts and uncles, half siblings and grandparents clear (for hips and elbows)? Can I see (get a copy of) the "BACL" (Breeding Acceptability Check List) of both parents. Statistically speaking, what have you been producing as far as clear orthopedics in your litters?
6. Other Health Issues:
Have there been reported cases of cancer in your line? If so, what type(s) and where in the pedigree has it occurred? Has either of the parents been assessed for thyroid problems? Had an OFA Cardiac evaluation? Bloat? Autoimmune Diseases? Allergies? Other? Are the parents certified free from hereditary eye disease, like cataracts? When was the last CERF examination? Have any puppies you bred had any of these problems? Were there any developmental health problems with other off-springs of the parents (i.e., parvo, pano etc.)? [Remember, there are health issues in every line and every dog - there are no perfect dogs. It is important that the breeder is aware of those issues and addressed them in his/her breeding decision. A breeder who says, I do not have any health issues in "my" line, is either avoiding the issue or has not done enough research].
7. Contracts/Guarantees:
Will there be a contract? What is included? Can I have a copy of your contract to review? What guarantees are given under the contract? At what level does the guarantee come into effect, and who or what decides this? If there is a replacement puppy, what happens to the initial dog purchased? Do you and if yes how do you differentiate between pet and show quality puppies? Do you require spaying/neutering for pet quality pups? If so, what are my obligations?
8. Early Development Issues/Placement:
What type of temperaments are you aiming to produce? Do you temperament test? What do you do in raising puppies to help produce well-rounded temperaments? Have your temperaments and working ability in your dogs/line been confirmed through obedience, draft, tracking or agility competition? At what age do you let your puppies go? What training will they come with? What will you be providing me in terms of information with the puppy? How involved as a breeder do you want to be in the raising of this puppy? Will he/she be crate trained when I get this puppy? What do you recommend (or not recommend) for feeding the pups? When do you recommend switching to adult food? If the food is not readily available in a grocery store, where can I get it? How much is it? What vitamin supplements, if any, are recommended? Are your dogs kennel or house dogs? Are your puppies raised in the kennel or house? What do you do to socialize the pups? With people? With other dogs? Tell me your thoughts on immunization for this pup? X-rays? Elbow and hip certification? Will you keep a refundable deposit for health tests?
