Looking for a reputable breeder can be frustrating. When talking to a breeder, ask for the name and number of their veterinarian. Then call the vet's office.
The vet should have complete records of all the dogs the breeder owns. Does the vet "know" the breeder's dogs? If the vet's office tells you that they can't give you any recommendations, this is a hint that isn't good. If the vet informs you that they have little or no information on that breeder or their dogs, then the vet is not actively treating those dogs.
Here's the information on our veterinarian:
Trojan Animal Clinic, P.C. 415 Trojan Way Troy, Alabama 36081
Dr. W.J. Maddox
334-566-6537
Hours: M-F 8-12 & 1-5:30
Food For Thought:
Are you willing to pay $500 or $600 or even $700 for a puppy without a written Health Guarantee?
If the puppy you bought has a congenital disease that is discovered when you take him to the vet, will the breeder take the pup back? Without a written Health Guarantee, 99% of the breeders who don't have a written Health Guarantee will tell you, "It's your puppy, do what you want with it"
Are you willing to buy a puppy for several hundred dollars and not see a written Health Guarantee up front before you place a deposit, that is non-refundable?
If someone claims their dogs have lots of champions in their bloodlines, ask to see the 5 or 6 generation pedigrees. (3 generation is not good enough) If they can't produce any and the dogs are AKC, look on AKC website, as it is public record. (You shouldn't have to do that, they should provide it) You would need the dog's registered name or registered number.
If a pedigree is provided, does it list the name of the registry on the document such as : American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club? It could be a well listed name of dogs. Does it list each of the dogs registered numbers with it?
Beware of breeders who claim that they have been breeding dogs for 15, 20, 30 or more years. If they have been, they should have a written contract/health guarantee by now that should be on their website for you to read over so you know what you are getting into. If you don't see one, they could be hiding something that they don't really want you to know until they get your money.
Will the breeder allow you to visit their kennel? Can you see where the dogs and puppies are housed? Can you meet the sire and the dam? Do they have shiny coats and look well fed? Are the kennels clean?
(Remember: Visiting a kennel while puppies are less than 4 weeks old can stress out mom and the entire litter. You are strangers to them. Wait for the puppies to get a little older. Also, keep in mind that some breeders may object to visiting their kennels as someone in the past may have brought in Parvo. They could have had a terrible experience due to it. Parvo is highly contagious, deadly and it is very costly to the breeder not to mention the heartbreak of losing those precious little puppies.)
