When you have narrowed your selection of breeders, you should expect that they will ask to conduct an interview. This discussion enables the breeder to better assess your particular situation and to determine which puppy is right for you. Be prepared to answer a number of questions, but also be prepared to ask them. This is your best opportunity to discover whether or not this is a breeder that you will feel comfortable working with for the lifetime of your puppy. The breeder should be willing to answer your questions, within reason, and should allow you to meet some of his or her dogs in the process. During this conversation, clues to the ethics and responsibility of the breeder should become evident. Here are some of the signs you may encounter:

Good Signs.

The breeder appears to have the welfare of his or her dogs as the main concern. This may manifest as a reluctance to sell you a pup. The breeder may try to steer you toward another, more appropriate breed.

The breeder asks questions designed to find out if the breed is suitable for you. This may include why you want a dog, why you want this particular breed of dog, where the dog is to live, how much training will be performed, your past experience with other dogs of this type, ages of children, whether or not you have other dogs, how long the dog will be left alone, whether you have a fenced in yard, etc.

The breeder mentions the “bad” or “not for everyone” points of the breed. This may include activity level, grooming, temperament, possible health issues, etc.

The breeder will not let the puppies go until they are at least eight weeks old.

The breeder enters his or dogs in some type of AKC competition on a regular basis.

In addition, upon purchase of a puppy, the breeder will provide you with the following:

Health guarantee
Medical Record, with at least one series of shots and a vet check-up
Pedigree
Contract or bill of sale
AKC individual puppy registration

Bad Signs.

The breeder tells you how rare and valuable his or her dog is.

The breeder tells you how much money you can make breeding the dog.

The breeder declares this is the perfect dog for you.

The breeder proclaims that he or she has never had any health or temperament problems in his or her bloodline.

The breeder who tells you that there are not any genetic problems in the breed.

The individual who sells multiple breeds.

The breeder refuses to show you a few adult dogs of his or her breeding.

Anything that sounds like a hard sell.

Anyone who will sell you a dog sight unseen (or without references).

And most important, a breeder who does not ask any questions of you whatsoever!