Questions to Ask a Breeder

Provided as a courtesy of the FSCA Breeder Referral Liaison.

Choosing a Finnish Spitz is a two-way conversation. A responsible breeder will screen you to be sure their puppy is going to a good home — and you should feel just as free to screen the breeder. A responsible breeder has nothing to hide about their dogs, their pedigrees, or the conditions in which their dogs live. When both sides communicate honestly, you and the future four-legged member of your family get the best possible start.

Questions to Ask a Breeder

Communication

Is the breeder clear in their answers?
Do they make sure you are familiar with the breed and that it is right for you?
Are they concerned about whether you can provide a good home?
Do they seem more interested in the money than in the kind of home and family the dog is going to?
Can you contact them with questions after you bring the dog home — and for how long?
Will they email you photos of your puppy as he or she grows and gets ready to come home?

Kennel Environment

Can you see the environment and conditions all their dogs live in — not just the puppies?
Are the kennels cramped? What kind of flooring is used (is it wire suspended over dirt)?
Are the kennels clean?
Are the dogs exercised, and is there an area where that can actually take place?
Is fresh water available in clean bowls for all the dogs?
What food is provided for the dogs and puppies?
Is there proper shelter from hot sun or rain for all the dogs?
If there are many dogs, how many people care for them?
Is there a special, clean, quiet area for the dogs when it is time for the puppies to be born?
At what age is it safe to let puppies go to new homes?

Health and Temperament

Part of your dog’s health is beyond his or your control — he inherits a genetic makeup from his parents that shapes many aspects of his health and temperament.

What veterinary care have the mother and puppies received?
Who is the veterinarian who cares for the dogs and puppies?
How do you handle sick puppies?
What shots, worming, or flea/tick prevention do you use?
How can you tell which puppy would be best suited to my home versus another?
What is the difference between a “show quality” puppy and one that is not?
What training, if any, is provided to the puppies before they go to their new homes?
What new situations have the puppies been exposed to, to help them feel less stressed in a new home?

Parents and Pedigrees

Finnish Spitz litters can be as small as 1–2 puppies or as large as 7–8, but average around 3–5. Females can produce litters as often as every six months, but responsible breeders are cautious about breeding too often, preferring to let a female’s body rebuild her health between litters. A pedigree is the record of the parentage line your dog inherits — health and temperament tendencies included. Responsible breeders register their breeding dogs with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

How often has the mother been bred in the past?
Has the mother had any health issues during pregnancy?
What kind of mother has she been since the puppies were born?
Is the father healthy? How old were both parents when they were bred?
What is the pedigree for my puppy or adult dog — and do I get a copy?
How many generations of the pedigree can you show me?
Are the parents registered with the AKC? Should I register my puppy?

Traveling

With a rare breed like the Finnish Spitz, there may be travel costs to bring a dog into your home. It is an expense the buyer bears, but one well rewarded by a wonderful family member for years to come.

If my puppy has to travel a long distance and fly, how does that work?
How much does it cost to ship my puppy or adult dog to me?
What is needed for my Finnish Spitz to fly safely? Which airline is best, and is it a direct flight?
What happens if there is bad weather?

Costs

A puppy from a responsible breeder costs more than a few dollars — but price alone does not reflect a dog’s quality. Responsible breeders carry real costs: quality food and supplements, veterinary care, breeding to an excellent male, and weeks of care for the litter and mother.

How much is a puppy?
Why might there be a price difference between puppies from the same litter?
What costs can I expect over the first year while the puppy is still growing?

Contracts

Expect to be offered a contract when you purchase a puppy or dog. It will contain assurances to you and from you, in the best interests of the dog. Read it thoroughly and discuss anything you are unsure of before signing. Many responsible breeders include a “right of first refusal” clause: if your circumstances ever change and you can no longer keep your Finnish Spitz, you agree to contact the breeder so they can take the dog back or rehome it responsibly.

Reasons to Pass on a Breeder

Unclear communication.
Poor living conditions for the breeding stock or puppies. Feeling sorry for the animals is never a good reason to buy — it only encourages a bad breeder to continue. If conditions look too bad, a call to your local animal-welfare agency does more good.
Undocumented pedigrees and lack of AKC registration.
“The price is right.” If you are simply looking for inexpensive, visit your local animal shelter and adopt.
Infestation of fleas or other pests, which can carry diseases that affect a dog’s health.

Questions a Breeder May Ask You

Responsible breeders want to know their Finnish Spitz will have a permanent, safe, happy home. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

Have you owned a dog before? If so, what breed, and what happened to that dog?
Why are you choosing a Finnish Spitz, and how familiar are you with the breed?
Do you have a preference of gender, or for a puppy versus an older dog? Would you consider a rescue?
Have you raised a puppy before?
Do you have other pets in your home (breed, age, gender)? Are they spayed or neutered?
Do you have a regular veterinarian?
Do you have children? What are their ages?
Do you live in a house, mobile home, townhome, condo, or apartment — and do you own or rent? If you rent, do you have the landlord’s permission for a dog?
Do you have a fenced yard that completely encloses an area for a dog?
Will anyone be home during the day? Where will the dog stay during the day and at night?
Are you interested in showing, agility, obedience, rally, or hunting — or in a companion pet?
How many hours a day are you away, and how long will the dog be alone on average?
Who will be primarily responsible for the dog’s care (walks, feeding, training)?
Do all family members want a dog? Is anyone allergic?
How will you exercise your Finnish Spitz?
How soon are you hoping to get your Finnish Spitz, and how long a commitment are you willing to make?