Today in a Lagotto email list I responded to a request for the 5 must haves in selecting a breeder.
- Someone who is passionate (but realistic) about the breed and just as passionate about the well being of their own dogs i.e., actively competing, hip-tested, JE tested, 3 generation pedigree
- Ability to handle an international transaction with integrity, knowledge, and utmost care for the puppy
- Fairly priced
- Solid references
- In-house dogs as family pets and in-house raised puppies
Here are some of the off-putting practices I’ve seen with some of the breeders I’ve ran across:
- Overwhelming contracts that seem to be in the interest of the breeder rather than in the interests of the breed, the puppy, or the buyer
- Poor communication, slow responses