garydogz,

buying a dog is not the same as shopping for groceries, maybe the fact you compare the two is where your problem lies? I underwent a rather uncomfortable third degree when I bought my older girl, we still joke affectionately about her breeder calling her the 'puppy police' and my OH is largely too scared to phone her. However, Iknow wholeheartedly that she only has the welfare of her dogs and the pups she has bred at heart, and I respect her experience, so it is all fine with me. I have been more subtle with my puppy buyers, but questioned them nevertheless, and even turned down a family who drove for 3 hours to meet me as I didn't think they were suitable after all. Most website relating to puppy buying suggest you expect some questioning by the breeder, so we're not unique.

If you ask most dog groomers which dogs they have been bitten most by, they will often say Golden retrievers, yet people would imagine them one of the most biddable breeds. ALL breeds are open to damage by poor breeding and poor management and handling. Equally.