1.  What are the negative issues of the breed you are inquiring about? (All breeds have them, for the Poodle, grooming can be a big issue.)

  2.  What health certifications do you perform on your breeding dogs, to ensure the health of your puppies (as much as possible)? Do not take emails to be "proof" of health testing.  Ask to see the actual issued certifications.  A Vet exam that says the dog is "healthy" is also not sufficient. 

  3.  Will the breeder provide you with health certifications verification before you purchase the puppy?  Or if not, can the breeders health claims be verified by checking the Puppy's parents names with the OFA Database?  If not, why not?

  4.  Will a breeder provide you with references or referrals of previous puppy buyers?

  5.  How often do you breed?  How many litters a year?  Why do you breed?

  6.  How many champions/titled dogs has the breeder produced?  Weigh this number against the amount of breedings produced.  (Some breeders will have a smaller number of champions because they don't breed quite as often.)  Performance titles are also just as important.  If the breeder doesn't show in conformation, do they have other titles on their dogs?  If not, why not?

  7.  What are the health concerns of the breed you are currently looking into?  i.e. Hip Dysplasia, Eye Disorders, Thyroid Disease, Skin Diseases...etc.

  8.  Is the breeder a Hobby Breeder, Puppy Mill, Pet Shop, Back Yard Breeder?   If you don't know what these terms mean, please visit our Purchasing a Puppy page for more details and information.

  9.  Does the breeder show in AKC or UKC Competitions?  

  10.  Is the breeder involved in any breed or parent clubs such as the Poodle Club of America, United Poodle Breeds Association, or the Multi-colored Poodle Club of America?

  11.  Will the breeder provide a WRITTEN contract at the time of sale?

  12.  What types of guarantees will the breeder provide on your new puppy?