What should I ask?

Tgirl · Oct 1, 2014

I was looking at some local Frenchie breeders. I found one that has a couple adults that I would love to go meet. This particular breeder does show and has some champions, but the web site doesn't say if they test the parents for anything that Frenchies may be prone to. What exactly should I ask when inquiring about these dogs? Anything that you can think of that you wish you would have asked? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Schimpfy · Oct 1, 2014

joints and hips previous surgeries how many litters has she had and how many in the litter, how well they get along with others, why are you selling
These are some of the things I would ask, sure I am missing a bunch of things but other members will fill in the blanks
Congrats on the possible new family member, we know she - he will have an incredible home

MHEINTZ · Oct 1, 2014

Tgirl said:
I was looking at some local Frenchie breeders. I found one that has a couple adults that I would love to go meet. This particular breeder does show and has some champions, but the web site doesn't say if they test the parents for anything that Frenchies may be prone to. What exactly should I ask when inquiring about these dogs? Anything that you can think of that you wish you would have asked? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

How long have you been breeding?
Are you a member of an AKC Parent Club?
How big are The parents?
Where are you located?
Does The puppy have any shots?
What would you charge for her
Are there any other guarantees you'd offer ?

Our breeder was able to answer these without a problem, hope this helps

blushy · Oct 1, 2014

I wish that I would have asked to actually see the testing on both parents for health (apparently one of your big concerns).
You forget when you're seeing all those little cuties and playing and crawling around in the floor that you're buying an expensive dog, and you need to ask these things.

I was sad that I couldn't meet the sire, but he's joint-owned, so I understood.

Also, a big thing to me is when I got there all the dogs including the mama dog were crated.
First thing I did when I walked in was put the back of my hand to the mama dog's crate. If she would have snapped, tried to bite, etc I probably wouldn't have purchased a puppy.
I was so pleased that she had an amazing temperament, and when she was let out, she was a ball of energy, and such a sweetie. I knew I needed one of her puppies.

It seems like a good thing that they have show dogs/champions.
To me they should have the papers on site, our breeder did, and even mentioned to us if we wanted to see them we could, but it went one ear and out the other, and that probably isn't a good thing.
:facepalm:

But we all make mistakes, and I'm happy either way.

Good luck!

Tgirl · Oct 1, 2014

Thanks for the replies. It's not a puppy that I am looking at, there are a couple adult females she is going to have available soon. I'm not sure I am even going to get a dog at all yet, I'm just browsing around. My heart is still broken over my little Pekingese. I've been looking at Frenchies for several years though. I just noticed these are about a 30 to 40 minute drive from me and I was somewhat interested.

blushy · Oct 1, 2014

Tgirl said:
Thanks for the replies. It's not a puppy that I am looking at, there are a couple adult females she is going to have available soon. I'm not sure I am even going to get a dog at all yet, I'm just browsing around. My heart is still broken over my little Pekingese. I've been looking at Frenchies for several years though. I just noticed these are about a 30 to 40 minute drive from me and I was somewhat interested.

Maybe you could go and meet the dogs? And then just see if it feels right?

You could also ask to bring along your current dog if it'd be okay with them, see how they interact?

Tgirl · Oct 2, 2014

I was thinking about that too. On top of questions, just meeting them would be helpful. I doubt that a breeder would want an unknown dog coming to their place, which I can't blame them for. On top of that my current dog is blind and very elderly so I don't think he would be comfortable taken to a strange place with a bunch of other dogs lol. Poor little old fellow. He gets along with everyone though..dog, cat, person..he doesn't care. He just loves 'em all.
What I mostly worry about is stuff like really bad back issues, or allergies.

bullmama · Oct 2, 2014

If they were breeding Frenchies I would surely HOPE they have no health issues ...

I think meeting them and go with your gut instinct. I'm guessing you have already spoken to them on the phone, do you have a positive feeling about them?

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Tgirl · Oct 2, 2014

No I haven't spoke to them on the phone. I was waiting to get input from everyone here before I inquired any further. I wanted to get my questions together before talking to them any more.

davidh · Oct 2, 2014

Frenchies are also prone to spinal problems. Ask if any of their offspring or current Frenchies and had any spinal issues. Once you see their kennel or home you will get a feeling if it is right or not.

Lynnie · Oct 2, 2014

I asked my breeder for a Vet reference. She happily turned over info for her current vet and one she had before she moved. I called both vet offices and asked them general health questions, ie Do the puppies seem well socialized, does the breeder seem genuinely concerned about momma's well being, any genetic health issues with any of her Frenchies, would the vet buy a puppy from that particular breeder? The vets were both very receptive and happy to answer all my questions!

blushy · Oct 3, 2014

Lynnie said:
I asked my breeder for a Vet reference. She happily turned over info for her current vet and one she had before she moved. I called both vet offices and asked them general health questions, ie Do the puppies seem well socialized, does the breeder seem genuinely concerned about momma's well being, any genetic health issues with any of her Frenchies, would the vet buy a puppy from that particular breeder? The vets were both very receptive and happy to answer all my questions!

That's a good idea, you get real medical/personal opinion that way! And it's not from the person selling the pups (although they are normally truthful, but you can never play it too safe).