Selecting a Breeder

It is worth waiting for the right puppy.

We encourage prospective owners to visit the breeders they contact if at all possible. You will have a much better idea what to expect from their puppies after such a visit, and will also get a better feeling for the integrity of the person you are dealing with. The following may help you make such a determination.

Reputable breeders do not always have puppies for sale because they follow certain guidelines before breeding each litter. Most wait until their breeding stock is old enough to have proved itself in the conformation, obedience, and/or working ring(s), and to be checked and cleared for genetic and health problems. Reputable breeders do not breed very young Bouviers, normally waiting until they are old enough to be sure they are sound. Most reputable breeders also screen prospective buyers carefully and generally wait for advance reservations before actually breeding the litter. You may have to wait for your puppy, as the better breeders generally have a waiting list of prospective buyers for each litter they produce.

1. Look at the prospective parents, both the sire and the dam. Their conformation strengths and weakness will be reflected in their puppies.
2. Evaluate the temperaments of the prospective parents carefully, especially that of the dam. The puppies will learn from their mother how to relate to people and the world around them. Shyness or viciousness in either parent should be avoided.
3. Be sure both parents are AKC registered (or registered with any acceptable foreign registry, if imported). Ask to see the registration papers and pedigrees. Exercise extreme caution if the owner cannot furnish this information.
4. Ask about the accomplishments of the parents. Are they AKC or Foreign Champions? Do they have Obedience, Tracking or other Working titles? Breeder involvement in these activities indicates dedication to the betterment of the breed.
5. Ask about the hip status, elbow status, eye status (CERF and glaucoma), thyroid status, heart status (SAS), and vonWillibrands disease status of the prospective parents, other dogs in the pedigree, siblings, and offspring from previous litters. Where applicable, are the parents OFA-certified?
6. Ask the breeder about potential health problems in the family tree. While it is unrealistic to expect breeders to give a stranger a detailed listing of every problem in their bloodline, reputable breeders do not deny the existence of health problems in the breed and will discuss their methods of avoiding or controlling them.
7. Are all dogs on the premises healthy and clean? This will give you an idea of the kind of care your puppy will receive. Take a close look at the premises themselves. Quality operations may be large or small, but the facilities should be adequate to comfortably house the number of dogs present. Above all, the place should be clean.
8. If there is a current litter of puppies, watch them to see how they react to stimuli in their environment, how they respond to each other, and their response to people. Are they clean and healthy? Dull coats, runny eyes, and pot bellies are indications of sloppy care. If there is more than one litter on the premises, what provisions are made for keeping them separate? (If litters are not separated, you cannot be sure you are getting a puppy from the parents you have chosen.)
9. Find out what health care the breeder gives to all puppies before placement.... what shots the puppies will have, worming, ear-cropping, etc. What health records will be furnished? In some cases you may want to talk to the breeder's veterinarian.
10. Ask about sales terms, not just prices, but also about any refund or replacement policies a breeder might offer. What is your recourse should the show prospect turn out to have major conformation faults? (This happens, in spite of careful selection!) What if the show or pet puppy develops a hereditary disorder that affects the quality of its life? Breeders should be willing to put their terms in writing, and you should review them carefully before reserving a puppy to be sure they are acceptable to you. You should also be sure that the written terms agree with any verbal promises made by the breeder.
11. You probably want to check with other owners from this Breeder, and obtain some referrals to get further input from other Bouvier people. A responsible breeder will have no problems with supplying you such information

As mentioned earlier, responsible breeders screen prospective Owners carefully. You should be prepared to answer questions about yourself, such as your occupation, your family situation, and the appropriateness of your house and yard for a dog. You will certainly be asked why you want a Bouvier and what you plan to do with it. The breeder will pay particular attention to your past history with dogs - how many you have had and what happened to them. You may be asked for references, and, if you have dogs currently, the name of your veterinarian. The breeder is not being nosey, but is trying their best to place Bouviers only in appropriate loving homes.

Often, reputable breeders will include provisions in their Purchase Agreements for the health and welfare of the Bouvier Breed. You may find some restrictions stated, which the Breeder should explain to you: Altering Agreements. To be sure that only suitable Bouviers from their kennel are used for breeding, a breeder may ask purchasers of a pet puppy to sign an agreement to spay/neuter the puppy at the appropriate age. AKC registration papers may be withheld until proof of altering is obtained. This is the mark of a conscientious breeder. It is not the same thing as buying from someone who can't furnish registration papers. Limited Registration Agreements. The AKC has introduced a registration format where a dog is formally registered with the AKC, but has a "limited" status placed on it which restricts the dog's ability to be shown in conformation events and restricts/prevents any offspring of the dog from being registered with the AKC. This status is designated by the breeder, and can only be removed by the breeder's notifying the AKC in writing that they agree with lifting the restrictions. This is also a mark of a conscientious breeder, as they are trying to limit breeding of only acceptable stock.

Buying Out of Your Area - Prospective owners may be attracted to some of the long-established, "name" kennels out of their own area. It is best not to buy sight unseen from any breeder, especially if you want a show/breeding prospect. However, it you a truly interested in their dogs, ask the breeder for names of clients in your area who have bought dogs from them. (This is a good procedure to follow with local breeders as well.) Visit these owners, examining their dogs for adherence to the standard, good health, and temperamental soundness. Also ask the owners how satisfied they were with the breeder's terms and assistance. Be sure that the distant breeder understands what you want, and that you understand what they have to offer before you buy.

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