Questions for Breeder

[Katrina02]

Hello,

We are going to see 2 breeders in the next 2 weeks and were wondering what kind of questions I should ask them.

Ive already written a few down like, whether they have been tested for Fanconi's and if there is any family history. and also if there is any family history of any other medical issues like hip problems etc
also whether the pups withh be fully immusnised and tests such as eye tests

Any other questions you guys have would be very helpful.

btw i wasnt sure if this was the right topic to post this in as im new.

Thanks for your help in advance:)

[lvoss]

Here is a good place to start:

http://www.basenji.org/learn/ScreeningBreeders.htm

[sharronhurlbut]

Lisa has the best info, Pat as well. I would sure listen to what they share with you.

[lvoss]

Since you already know who you are going to be visiting, I would recommend you do some homework before you go. Check the OFA website and see if they have done Fanconi testing. You can search their kennel name and see what comes up. If they have a website, surf it, read their breeding philosophy, see if they are showing their dogs, look at what breedings they may have planned. That way when you ask the questions, you already know some things about them.

[tanza]

Who are you visiting if you don't mind saying? Those of us that are breeders know most all breeders around the world if they are responsible… The link that lvoss provided about questions to "ask" your breeder, while based for the US.. are good around the world.

I know many of the Australian breeders as I have offspring from a Aussie import (as does lvoss)....

[Katrina02]

One breeder we are going to is Kay from Jebelmarra, she seems verynice and has asked up to her stud to meet and greet the mum and dad. They dont have a personal website.

the other breeder is Effi from Bazoom. they are not hvaing a litter this year however one of her boys is mating with a friend of hers so we are off to a show next weekend to meet dad.

[Katrina02]

oops i meant Helen from Gaelifrey not Bazoom. Sorry

[lvoss]

Right now there are no dogs with Jebelmarra nor Bazoom in their names listed on the OFA website. So be sure to ask about health testing. There is no excuse for not testing. Many breeders who thought they were "safe" from Fanconi Syndrome found they were sitting on a powder keg once they did the test.

[Maya]

When i was first in touch with Maya's breeder i asked lots of questions about health testing. I knew the temperment of Maya's mum (which is fantastic!!) as i had met her several times, so i asked all about Dad. Having witnessed some horrific temperments around the ring over here, health and temperment were a priority for me…

I also would have been concerned if the breeder hadn't asked LOTS of questions of me. She wanted to know if i'd researched the breed, if i knew they weren't necessarily easy to live with (and explained!) and just lots of questions about me to make sure she knew if i would be a responsible basenji owner. I think with such a unique breed you need a responsible breeder who is looking for a permenant home who has done their research

[sherryclarke]

@Maya:

When i was first in touch with Maya's breeder i asked lots of questions about health testing. I knew the temperment of Maya's mum (which is fantastic!!) as i had met her several times, so i asked all about Dad. Having witnessed some horrific temperments around the ring over here, health and temperment were a priority for me…

I also would have been concerned if the breeder hadn't asked LOTS of questions of me. She wanted to know if i'd researched the breed, if i knew they weren't necessarily easy to live with (and explained!) and just lots of questions about me to make sure she knew if i would be a responsible basenji owner. I think with such a unique breed you need a responsible breeder who is looking for a permenant home who has done their research

This was totally my experience as well. I was very aware that it wasn't just us interviewing a breeder, but the breeder getting to know us. I was really grateful to see that our amazing breeder took the time to make sure that we knew what we were getting into. It would make me exceptionally leery if a breeder handed over a Basenji, no questions asked.