DeCaC's American Eskimos-Breeder Questions

IAsk up-front about his experience, reasons for breeding these two particular dogs, explaining what he expects to accomplish? If it's all show wins and brags, dig deeper. Is he breeding to feed an ego, pay for showing, or to improve the breed? Do you feel comfortable with this person, or are you kept at arms length? Do you feel he's answering your questions honestly? Could you consider this person a friend you can call with a really DUMB question? We all have dumb questions now and then.

Does he use a written contract that spells out his guarantee in detail and what he expects you to to do take care of the dog properly? Always ask for a copy of the contract. Beware of breeders that don't use one or use a contract that doesn't "say" anything. A contract that is not specific is a useless one. A contract that will only guarantee against a health problem if the dog is returned is like not having one at all. Will you really want to give up your beloved pet if it became dysplastic at two? Probably not! Many breeders won't guarantee "pet quality" puppies at all - at least they're honest about not having one.

Where does he raise the puppies? Go see for yourself, it may be different than you imagined. Eskies & Malamute puppies should be raised with lots of social interaction with people. The facilities should be clean. The pups should be clean, alert, clear-eyed and eager to meet you. Will he choose or help you choose the puppy? If he lets you "pick", do you know what you're looking for? A dominant puppy can be a handful, and a shy puppy can grow up a fear biter if not handled properly. Do you have the experience to choose and raise a puppy like this?

Will the breeder let you see ALL the puppies? The Mom? The Dad if on the premises? Dad may not be available if he lives some distance away, but you should be able to meet as many of the breeder's dogs as possible. When are the puppies taken from their mother? When do they go home? Puppies that get to socialize with adult dogs and don't go home too soon will be less dog aggressive and better socially adjusted. Does he do all the recommended health checks on the parents?

Will the breeder take his dogs back? For ANY reason? No excuses here! Has he done it before for someone else? Sure, you know you want this puppy forever, but...what if your circumstances changed drastically and you had to give him up? (People die, divorce, lose jobs, move ...). Can you depend on the breeder to give your pup (even at an advanced age) a good home or find him one? The breeder will have better resources and more experience in finding good homes for your dog than you, especially if your life is in turmoil at the time.

Does he abide by theNAEDA, AMCA code of ethics if a member? How many litters does he have each year? How often does he attend dog shows? Are surplus litters financing his showing? If there are more than 4-5 litters a year, how does he find time to socialize the pups properly? Especially if he works all week and is gone every weekend to a show. On the other hand, if he never shows - how does he know if he is producing quality dogs? It's not because of winning and losing. Breeders that don't show don't have the benefit of others' experience, opinions and suggestions to improve the line pf the breed.

Have you met his Eskies or Malamutes and had the opportunity to get to know them? Do you like the personalities of your puppy's relatives? What THEY are, is often what HE will become in temperament as well as looks.

Can you call the breeder after the sale and expect answers to your questions? Is each litter special in some way? Will he help in training and grooming if you need it? Will he show you how to clip nails, brush out the coat properly, make a correction to an uppity puppy if you need that kind of help? This is why you are paying more than the "newspaper price" for your puppy from a reputable breeder - you are paying for his help and expertise. Ask for references. Are others that have his puppies happy with the breeder and his support after the sale?

Will you get the AKC/UKC papers when you take your puppy home. If they are not available now, when will you get them? Is it in writing - preferably in the contract? Does he require you to spay/neuter a pet puppy? Also, no litter is ALL show quality.

Don't let the cost be the determining factor in which breeder you choose. A breeder sets his price based on expenses and no more than a quality home will be able to afford. Health screening, quality food and vet care are expensive. With a properly done breeding and properly raised litter, expenses may go way beyond the price obtained for the puppies - especially in a small litter.

If you are searching for puppies on the internet try to visit the breeder in person and see how they are REALLY raised. This sometimes is impossible to do, in that case you must trust the breeder. Photos can be deceiving, easily altered and of a totally different place - how would you know? Looking at the backgrounds (mud/feces?) and foregrounds (cages, uncombed puppies?) tells you more than anything said about how the dogs are raised and maintained. Anyone can insist they socialize properly - but do they? How can you socialize through bars? Would YOU trudge through deep snow on a freezing day to play with puppies in a garage or barn on a cold dirt floor? How long would you stay? Would you play with them several times a day? If puppies always seem to be available you can bet it's become a lucrative business and the puppies are just merchandise.

Last of all, and maybe most importantly, are YOU honest with the breeder? Have you told him your expectations, doubts, lack of experience or knowledge in certain areas? Have you tried to educate yourself about your chosen breed? Have you been honest about where and with whom the dog will live? Breeders hate nothing more than to sell a puppy to someone with "all the right answers" only to find out they know nothing and won't abide by their word. The biggest loser is the dog that goes to a situation it may not be suited for.

On delivery of a puppy how will it get to you. Air ship, meet you or you pick up. We prefer not to air ship, depending on where you live we may meet you. We have driven ourselfs 16 hours one way just to pick up a puppy. You can fly in to our area and fly back with the puppy in the plane with you as it will fit under the seat , not all airlines will allow this so check with your airlines.