Questions To Ask
A responsible breeder should ask you enough questions to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a puppy (including asking for references). Accordingly, you should be asking questions of the breeder. Any breeder you approach should be open and honest about their breeding program. Remember, the more informed you are, the better the decision you can make.
The following list of questions should give you a good idea of what to ask:
- Ask for references (a list of satisfied buyers). Call and ask them about their experience. The good and the bad. Any difficulties or concerns they may have had.
- Ask when puppies are expected. Ibizan Hounds are a relatively rare breed and you may have to wait a year or more for a pup. Don't be discouraged if a dog is not immediately available.
- Inspect the breeders kennels. They should be clean, with fresh drinking water in clean containers. There should be indoor and outdoor facilities, comfortable beds, toys, and fresh chew items. Fleas and ticks should not be present.
- Ask to see the dam and sire (if available). Look for general health, vigor, and temperament. Puppies should appear clean, energetic, not aggressive or excessively timid. Look for the condition of teeth, ears, eyes, and nails. Ask to see the older dogs on the property. The condition of the teeth and nails of an older dog can tell volumes about the commitment the breeder has made to the well-being of their dogs and your prospective puppy.
- Ask how the puppies are socialized. Pups should live in the house until they are old enough to go to new homes. By 8-12 weeks, they should have been introduced to children, other people and animals, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, riding in the car, etc.
- Puppies should be a minimum of 8 weeks old before leaving the litter, and should be vaccinated and wormed. Ask to see proof or documentation of vaccinations and worming.
- Ask for a copy of the contract/guarantee. Read it thoroughly before leaving a deposit or purchasing your pup. It should specify details of the sale, including a health guarantee and the breeder�s lifetime commitment to take back the dog should you be unable to care for it. The specifics of the health guarantee will change from breeder to breeder, but the IHCUS Code of Ethics requires that this should be present in some form.