How to Investigate
a Breeder

Included below is a list of some of the things you can do to determine whether a breeder you are considering buying a puppy from will be one that you will be comfortable in working with.

• If possible, go to the kennel and spend time with the breeder and their dogs. Spend some time with both the dam and sire of the puppy you are interested in if they are both on the premises. Make sure they are friendly, outgoing dogs who like people. Take a look at any of the other dogs they may have. Check for a healthy appearance in the dogs and cleanliness of the kennels or dog areas. Ask to see the pedigree of the puppy you are interested in and look for OFA and/or elbow numbers, Champions, CD, TD or MT titles. Ask to see the contract that they will have you sign and make sure you understand it completely. Ask them what kind of a vaccination regimen they put their puppies on, do they have a health guarantee and what will they do for you if a puppy you purchase is found unsound. Find out what veterinarian they use. Get a firm price on a puppy so you can check with other breeders in the area for a comparison. Make sure they know what your intentions are for the puppy (strictly pet, mantrailer, show, obedience or a combination).
• Ask for names of some of the people who have previously purchased puppies from the breeder you are interested in and contact them for their recommendation.
• Check with the breeder's veterinarian for any recommendations and/or concerns he may have.
• Contact The American Bloodhound Club or the Bloodhound breed club in the breeder's country for any recommendations or observations they may have.
• Contact the breed club or all-breed club in the breeder's immediate area for any information they may have.
• Get on the Bloodhound Bunch's bloodhound email list and ask questions. This group is scattered around the world and would be of great help in finding a breeder and/or information on a breeder you are interested in.

If after a thorough investigation, you are satisfied that the breeder in question is one that you will be happy dealing with, you should be relatively sure that you will have a long and rewarding relationship with him and with your new puppy.