Questions to Ask a Breeder

Ideally a Toller breeder actively works his or her own dogs. Seeing the sire or dam or even close relatives of your puppy-to-be may give you insight into the working abilities of your potential puppy. This is especially important if you plan to train and compete in such disciplines as field work, obedience, agility, tracking, flyball or conformation.

Conscientious breeders are active across the board in their particular breed – this helps them to keep up to date on health issues and other concerns, and keeps them in touch with their breed’s entire community. Many clubs have codes of ethics and conduct that breeders agree to abide by.

Just be sure to make an appointment first – don’t just drop by unexpectedly.

You can find more information on our “Tollers/Health” page

Whole family information is very important for a breeder to know, and to base breeding decisions around. A breeder should make themselves aware of health issues in the dogs and should be willing to talk openly and honestly about those issues with you.

You should ask to see copies of these clearances and you should expect to receive them.

Meeting the parents can give you insight into the potential appearance and personality of the pups from this breeding but frequently the sire of the litter will not live with the breeder of the litter. Seeing puppies from either sire or dam or both can give you insight into what type of puppies they have produced before, and are likely to produce again although this may not always be possible nor practical. Photos will at least give you an idea of what to expect physically. Although a verbal description of temperament can’t replace meeting the dogs, you may at least get a chance to ask some pointed questions and form an impression from the answers.

While titles may provide proof of an individual dog’s working ability as well as proof of a trainer’s dedication and abilities, titled dogs in a pedigree may give a better indication of “family” working aptitude.

There is no perfect Toller out there. Every dog has his strong and weak points. A breeder is being dishonest if she says there is nothing she would like to see improved upon in a certain dog. Look for someone who answers your questions frankly and with common sense.

Most breedings are not taken lightly; they are the result of months or even years of comparing pedigrees, checking health backgrounds, trying to cancel out the weaknesses and double up on the strengths of both sire and dam. Health, temperament, working ability, structure, and appearance are all taken into account when planning a breeding.

Most breeders should be happy to provide references if you are willing to do the same.

A breeder who truly cares about their puppies and their buyers will answer this question with a “yes.”

Again, this answer must be a yes. The Canadian Kennel Club requires that breeders provide all puppy buyers with their puppy’s CKC registration papers within six months of purchase. It is against Federal law (The Animal Pedigree Act) to charge an extra fee for registration.

Many responsible breeders offer limited health and temperament guarantees on the puppies they sell. Make sure you thoroughly understand each clause of any contract you sign.

Puppies raised in a kennel may simply not be given the same socialization opportunities as those raised in the family home. Early socialization is of paramount importance for a healthy, sociable pet’s development. The more a puppy sees, hears, and touches in his earliest days, the more well-adjusted and easygoing he will be as an adult.

Some breeders allow buyers to choose their own puppy, but most do the choosing themselves. The breeder has spent countless hours with each pup, and they agonize over which pup is best suited for each home. Trust your breeder on this one! The best family pet prospect may not be the same puppy who shows early potential as a hunting dog; they would be ill-suited to the wrong families.

Most Toller breeders do have waiting lists for upcoming litters; just make sure you let the other breeders whose lists you are on know when you’ve found a puppy, so they can update their lists.

Some breeders take deposits on puppies; others do not. Some wait until a litter has been born before asking for deposits.

Many breeders have weekends when they open their doors to their buyers to come and play with the puppies; again, respect the breeder’s busy schedule and don’t arrive unannounced.

Above all else, educate yourself about the breed and see as many Tollers in person as you can by visiting breeders, dog shows, obedience, rally or agility trials, or even field tests. The internet is full of information on Tollers, and there are several books available as well. Arm yourself with knowledge first, and then begin your search in earnest. This breed is not for everyone, but by researching you’ll discover if a Toller is right for you. Remember, a breeder is someone you’ll have a relationship with for the 14-16 years of your Toller’s life. When you find a breeder you feel comfortable with, be prepared for a wait for the right puppy – it’ll be worth it.