Consulting:

BUYER BEWARE...

The best Rule of Thumb is: meet the breeder, see the mother, and see the conditions under which the pup has been raised and socialized.

Beware of claims that the "hips have been checked"; "Wheatens (for example) don't have hip problems; or "my lines are clear of hip Dysplasia." demand an OFA certification number or a copy of the preliminary OFA evaluation
(animals under two years.) on both the sire and dam.

Do your research so you know which disorders inflict the breed you are interested in. Every breed has some health issues. Some more serious than others. Careful discretionary breeding can help to insure it is not passed on. For example vonWildebrandts [vW] a form of canine hemophelia, is recessive in many breeds. Some breeds, such as Bernese Mt. Dogs, have a DNA test to determine if the parents are clear of the disease; carriers of the disease, or have the disease. Breeding 2 carriers or a carrier and an infected together will produce infected puppies. If the test is not done, you may wind up with an infected dog. An infected dog may bleed out when being spayed/neutered.

(Breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets are not OFAed. Hip Dysplasia REALLY is NOT a factor for this breed; and they are also highly sensitive to anesthesia)

Beware of the seller/breeder who is unaware of the need for regular eye examinations (CERF) of breeding stock and cannot provide current eye registry numbers.

Beware of claims of "home raised" or 'privately bred" pups unless you can see for yourself where the pups were born and raised.

Beware of the seller who claims to be selling a litter for a friend or relative. commercial breeders frequently send "litter lots" on consignment to middlemen who in turn sell the pups from their homes. -Why would a conscientious breeder not want you to meet them, or know where their puppies are going?

Beware of anyone selling dogs who will only identify him/herself on a first name basis.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling or unable to provide the registered names and AKC numbers of the sire and dam of the litter.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling or unable to provide the name and address of the breeder of the puppies or will provide them only when you buy the puppy.

Beware of the seller who has a "no return/as-is" policy.

Beware of the seller who does not have a copy of the puppy's pedigree for your inspection prior to buying the puppy.

Beware of the claims such as "uncompromisingly clear of inherited diseases" or "proven clear" or "guaranteed clear" of inherited diseases since there is no way to prove these claims. Read the fine print- what are the conditions for such a guarantee?

Beware of "guarantees." -Most genetic problems do not appear until a dog is over 2 years old. The best guarantee of a healthy dog is a careful, well planned breeding program. The best guarantee is proof of screenings of the sire and dam, grandparents, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc.

Beware of anyone who says they will get you any breed.

Beware of anyone who would rather meet you on the side of the road or in a parking lot, with the new puppy, rather than at their kennel.  Your self-inspection of where this pup was born and raised and socialized is well worth it!