A buyer’s checklist
You want to buy an Aussie that will be a wonderful companion for the next 12 to 15 years. By asking the right questions, you will be able to determine whether or not you are purchasing a dog who has the best chance of a long, healthy life and who has a good disposition. Here is a list of questions every person should ask before buying a puppy.
All 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?