Questions to Ask Breeders

When researching breeders, it helps to know the right questions to ask. Be certain to only purchase a dog from a reputable breeder.  Unethical breeders thrive on the uninformed puppy buyer. The questions below can serve as a guideline for making informed decisions regarding your purchase of a puppy. Please remember that your choices effect the future of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 

How long have you been involved in the breed?

The length of time that a breeder has been involved with the breed is not always an indication of quality breeding practices. Rather, the individual's overall commitment to the betterment of the breed should be considered. A relative newcomer to the breed who shows their dogs, competes in various working disciplines and is active in the national or regional clubs, thereby networking with other fanciers, may be a better choice of breeder over someone who merely claims expertise based on length of time involved. Conversely, someone who has been committed to sound breeding practices over many years would certainly be a better choice than a breeder who is uninvolved with a club, does not compete in conformation or working events, and is relatively new to the breed. Interview breeders and ask them questions. If you don't get the answers that you are looking for, move on.

Do you show your dogs in conformation or obedience? Do you compete in working activities with your Swissys (such as carting, herding, packing, etc.)?  Do the sire and/or dam have championship, obedience or working titles?

Breeders that make the commitment to show their dogs are likely to be more committed to improving the breed. By competing in conformation, their dogs are being measured against the breed standard and are awarded accordingly. Breeders who have working and obedience titles on their dogs have made a significant time investment in training. Breeders who are involved in conformation, obedience and working activities have a better understanding of their individual dog's merits and weaknesses. Check the Awards Page on GSMDCA.ORG to see if the sire or dam has an AKC championship  or other title.

How many litters of puppies do you have per year?

Keep in mind that properly rearing and socializing a litter of puppies takes a great deal of time and effort. Beware of breeders who always have puppies available. Generally speaking, most responsible breeders are breeding 1 or perhaps 2 litters per year. Remember-quality over quantity is what good and responsible breeding is all about. Ideally you want your puppy to be the product of a well bred and well planned litter.

Does the sire and dam have certification from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals?) for hips and elbows? (request to see copies of these certificates)

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a registry for certification of hips and elbows. Dogs are not eligible to obtain an OFA certification until 2 years of age. Passing ratings are OFA Fair, Good or Excellent. Failing ratings are Borderline, Mild, Moderate or Severe. Be certain that breeding stock has passing ratings. Buying a puppy from OFA parents does not guarantee that the puppy will have passing hips but is the best possible chance to ensure your dog will not suffer from hip dysplasia which is hereditary.

**If the dam and/or sire do not have OFA clearances, ask if hips and elbows have been certified through another registry (such as PennHip). If hip certification was done by PennHip, ask to see the Distraction Index. This number, also known as the "DI", is a measure of joint laxity. Breeding recommendations for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog  is a DI of .55 or lower although some believe that recommendation should be lower. 

The Health Database on the National Club website, GSMDCA.ORG is a resource for checking the health clearance status of breeding dogs. Please refer to this resource when verifying health clearances for sires and dams.

If the breeder says that the dam and/or sire if the litter does not have OFA clearances, seriously reconsider purchasing a puppy from that breeder.

Have the sire and dam had CERF clearance (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) on their eyes? (request to see a copy of this certificate) 

The CERF examination checks for heritable diseases and abnormalities of the eye. Check to see if the sire and dam of the litter have been given clearance by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation.

How would you describe the temperament of the sire and dam?

Temperaments vary widely in the GSMD (see Regarding Temperament article). It is wise to meet the dam of the litter (and if possible the sire). Spend time observing her behavior. How does she react to strangers? Is she confident and outgoing, or shy and timid? Many breeders will have the Puppy Aptitude Test performed on their litter at or close to 7 weeks of age. Results of this test give the breeder insight and early indication of temperament and behavior tendencies of the individual puppies. This is a useful tool in matching the right puppy to the right home. (i.e.: that bold, confident and aloof pup may not be the best choice for a family with young children or for someone who lacks experience in training).

Has the dam had prior litters of puppies? If so, what health problems were evident in that (those) litters? This question should also be asked of the sire.

This is a good question to ask a breeder. Please remember than some problems and health issues occur in every litter. The breeder should be honest and forthright in telling prospective buyers what health problems have been produced by the sire and dam.

Do you have a questionnaire for prospective homes and what are you looking for in a suitable home for your puppies?

Breeders should ask prospective buyers MANY questions. Many breeders have questionnaires for prospective homes that may ask specific information regarding the home environment, training protocol, past experience with dogs, etc. Some of these questionnaires can be lengthy and detailed, but remember that the breeder should be looking for the best possible home environment for his/her puppies and oftentimes this information can help in the quest to match a pup with a particular person and/or lifestyle.

What is the price of your puppies?

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a fairly rare breed of dog and you can expect a high price tag. Demand is currently very high, thus adding pressure for some breeders to increase prices. The current (2003) average price Swissy is $1500 to $2000... you may find pet/companion swissies slightly lower and some show/breeding quality puppies from top winning dogs may go higher. The higher price does NOT guarantee a better, healthier pup. 

Do you require a contract for purchase of your puppies?

Most reputable breeders will sell their puppies on a purchase contract (see Contracts & Co-ownerships)

Do you sell your puppies outright or require co-ownerships?

Understand the arrangement completely before you agree to a co-ownership. Many breeders will only sell puppies on a co-ownership which means that they retain all or some "breeding rights" on the animal. If you have no interest in showing or breeding, a co-ownership may not in your best interest. (see Contracts & Co-ownerships)

Are there health guarantees and associated refunds offered in the contract? If so, what are those guarantees? (request a copy of the contract)

Most contracts offer refunds in the event of specific illnesses, diseases, and orthopedic conditions (see Contracts & Co-ownerships).

Your choice of breeder is very important. Choose someone who takes the time to answer your questions. The relationship that you develop with your breeder is one of the keys to successful dog ownership. The breeder should take the responsibility to be available to help and offer advice throughout all stages of your dog's life.