I know this is an old thread - but I always get twitchy about the perception by prospective owners that the breeder will own both parents - when in fact - they seldom do. Occasionally, one of the breeders own dogs may turn out to be the most suitable for a bitch - but often - we travel many miles to use the right dog. Some people seem to think it is wrong not to own both parents, when in fact - owning both parents can sometimes be the easy option rather than the best

I would agree that you should be able to see photos of him and copies of his health certificates

How old is the dam -
Many breed clubs now are stipulating a minimum age for Accredited Breeders - I like to see the dam being at least two before she has a litter.

The sire is a different story - it matters not really whether he he is 12 months or 12 years if he is still delivering the goods and has the required health tests - unless again, there is breed specific reason why a dog should not be used above or below a certain age. It is useful to note that most joint related tests cannot be undertaken until dogs are AT LEAST 12 months old (in the US - this is 2) - DNA tests can generally be done anytime.

========================

Before talking to any breeder do the research into your chosen breed yourself - it's useless advising on specifics to ask a breeder about health tests because they can vary so much between breeds. Do this before seeing the litter - otherwise the heart can and does rule the head for a lot of people.

It's all very well asking the breeder what health problems the breed has - but you shouldn't take their word for it - you should do your own research so you know what answers to expect. The large majority of joint and DNA testing are a one off test valid for the life of the dog, eye certificates are an annual affair.

Prospective owners should know what health tests are required and this should always be the first question - and a requirement that the breeder has the proof there for you to check (know what you should be looking for).

On a par with health tests is temperament - although in truth of the parents -although in most instances you will only meet the dam and probably the other dogs in the household - so you should be able to make a good determination from that - let's face it - few breeders are going to say the mum is a cantankerous old gnat at they?

====================================

I now microchip my pups before they leave - I don't routinely vaccinate - but if a pup is going to be with me past 8/9 weeks, I always offer the new owners that I will get them done if required.

===================================

Check the paperwork for any breeding endorsements and ask the breeder to fully explain them - and under what circumstances they will agree to lift them - I prepare a separate contract for this listing exactly what I require for them to be lifted FREE (I've heard of breeders trying to charge owners to lift restrictions and the KC will not get involved in disputes).

Some breeders also endorse their pups as "not eligible for Export pedigree" - this doesn't actually mean you can't go and live abroad with the dog - it does mean however that you cannot get full registration with overseas Kennel clubs.

It can be useful for protecting dogs from being sold overseas by new owners.

============================

If the breeder gives you a puppy pack - please read it - they often contain invaluable information such as when the pup has been wormed, what jabs (if any) it has had, whether it has been microchipped and / or tattooed, it's dietary patterns, tips on how to settle it during the first nights etc - factors which can easily be almost ignored in the excitement of picking up your new puppy.

Don't EVER feel sorry for a pup - this sounds appalling I know - but if you are unhappy with any aspect of the breeders setup - walk away.

Some people breed irresponsibly and see it as a licence to print money - when done properly, there is very little money in it - by buying such pups, you are simply licensing the breeders to produce more puppies