Buyer's ChecklistAll of the questions below should receive a "Yes" response, and a responsible breeder will be very happy to answer these questions for you. If you receive negative responses, or if a breeder is unwilling to answer, look elsewhere for a puppy.TEMPERAMENT ____ Has the puppy been well socialized and exposed to a variety of new experiences? ____ Is the puppy outgoing and friendly toward strangers? ____ Does the mother of the puppy have a friendly, confident personality? ____ Does the breeder of the puppy require him to stay with his littermates until 7 weeks old? ____ Has the breeder discussed with you the high activity level of an Aussie and their exercise needs to avoid destructive behavior? ____ Has the breeder discussed with you the strong herding instinct in Aussies and how that can result in heel nipping, pants leg biting, herding of children and chasing cars? HEALTH ____ Was the puppy raised in a clean, safe environment? (Preferably in a home.) ____ Has the puppy received at least one "puppy shot"? ____ Has the puppy been de-wormed once or preferably twice? ____ Is the mother of the puppy at least 1-1/2 years of age? ____ Have both the sire and dam of the puppy had their hips x-rayed for hip dysplasia, and has documentation been provided to you? ____ Have both the sire and dam of the puppy had their eyes examined by a board-certified ophthalmologist to check for hereditary eye defects, and has documentation been provided to you? ____ Has the entire litter had its eyes examined for hereditary eye defects, and has documentation been provided to you? ____ Has the breeder discussed with you other potential health problems in the breed such as epilepsy, cancer and allergies? CONTRACT ____ Have you been provided with a written contract which clearly states whether the puppy is of show/breeding quality or if it is required to be spayed or neutered? ____ Does the written contract guarantee the puppy or dog is free of debilitating hereditary defects including hip dysplasia and blindness? ____ Have you been provided with a written health record that describes shots and worming completed and any further shots, worming, and heartworm medicine that will be necessary after you take possession of the puppy? ____ Have you been provided with a 4 or 5 generation pedigree of the puppy? ____ Have you been provided with the registration certificate (or application) at the time you take possession of the puppy? |