Are you ready for a puppy?

There are several factors you should consider before deciding on a puppy: YOU are ready to take responsibility for the dog for its lifetime. YOU are ready to make a commitment to a new family member. YOU can provide either a fenced yard or make the commitment to walk the dog on leash as these dogs like and need safe exercise. You will also need to incorporate your dog into your home as Water Spaniels DO NOT make good "outside only" dogs! YOU are prepared to invest the time it takes to train your new puppy to be a responsible canine citizen. No puppy comes automatically trained and dogs untrained are not fun to be around. YOU can put up with the shedding, retrieving and the "get into everything" attitude of a growing puppy. YOU can afford the veterinary costs associated with having a dog, including regular exams, vaccinations and heartworm preventative. YOU have considered the grooming needs of your puppy. While it is not extensive, a well-groomed dog is less likely to have skin problems and will track in a lot less debris! YOU as a parent need to make sure children in the household become good pet owners and do not mistreat or abuse the puppy. YOU are prepared to put some time and effort into finding the right puppy for your family. You will need to find a breeder that you feel comfortable with. One you can turn to with questions, problems and concerns.

What questions do I need to ask?

Think of finding the right breeder as entering a partnership. While it may take some time and patience to find someone you feel comfortable with, the end result is definitely worth the trouble!

There are several questions you can ask breeders that will help you to determine if this breeder espouses the highest standards. While you may not find a breeder that can answer yes to all of these questions, you should expect an affirmative answer to most.

1. Do both the parents have OFA numbers for hips? To get an OFA hip number, the dog must be at least two, have had an x-ray of its hips and have the x-ray interpreted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the radiologists at the OFA determine that the dog does not have visible signs of hip dysplasia, they will assign it a number and a rating. The rating will be either excellent, good or fair. You should ask for a copy of this certification. This isn't a guarantee that your puppy won't develop hip dysplasic, but it is the best screening tool we have available. PennHip ratings are another tool that can be used to evaluate hips. Each hip is given a number and a number less than the breed average is considered favorable. The current breed average is .51.

2. Do both parents have current CERF certificates or proof of normal eye exams from an ACVO certified doctor? CERF is the Canine Eye Registry. Exams should be made within 12 months prior to breeding and are repeated yearly. These exams can detect eye conditions that can lead to blindness.

3. Do both parents have heart clearances? This is by a canine cardiologist or internist with cardiology training that the heart is free from any murmurs that might indicate heart problems. They should have a certificate from OFA showing they have been cleared.

4. Are the parents free of allergies, seizures and thyroid normal? Not all breeders currently check thyroid levels, but if there are symptoms, blood tests should be done.

5. Are both parents temperamentally sound? It should not be necessary to make excuses for the dog's temperament.

6. Does the breeder have information about the grandparents, siblings and other puppies produced by this pair? A conscientious breeder will look for depth in a pedigree.

7. Breeding involves LOTS of work and is not for the newcomer! There are numerous reasons for spaying or neutering your pet. Have the breeder discuss this with you.

8. Is there a written guarantee covering the puppy for hereditary or congenital defects? Not all responsible breeders offer a guarantee but many offer partial or full refunds, or another puppy if yours develops a problem that intereferes with its quality of life.

9. Is the breeder involved in competition? Most serious breeders compete on some level with their dogs to see if the stock they have is really worth perpetuating. Champions will have the initials CH before their name. Obedience is another area where dogs are tested and will have CD, CDX, or UD behind their name. Field work is also a natural area for water spaniels. They can have NAHRA or UKC titles before their name such as SR, WR, MHR, HR or water spaniel titles after their name such as SD, WD, WDX, WDS. There are more titles in areas such as agility as well as ROM awards from the AWSC.

10. How many litters has the Dam (mother) had? If a female is bred every heat cycle repeatedly it may be an indication that profit is the breeder's primary motive.

11. Does the breeder seem knowledgeable about the breed and the art of puppy raising? (And it is an art!) Does he or she seem willing to answer your questions - do you get the feeling that he or she will be available on an ongoing basis? Most good breeders have learned to evaluate temperaments and acitivity levels and will offer you only a puppy that will match your lifestyle.

12. Are the puppies raised with lots of socialization and acclimation to the sights, sounds and smells they can expect to encounter everyday? And are they kept with their mother and littermates for at least 7 weeks? Without this critical intervention, puppies can have temperament problems that can be life long.

13. Is the breeder willing to provide you with references of other people who have bought puppies from him or her? If so, call them! Most people are more than willing to brag about their puppy!

14. What written material will the breeder provide you when you purchase a puppy? It should include a contract that covers both the breeder's guarantees to you and your commitment to keep the puppy safe, vaccinated, in good condition and suggestions that you spay or neuter at the right time. It should also include a copy of the pedigree and all the clearances, and photos of the parents.

15. Lastly, if there are puppies currently available, do they seem healthy? (No discharge from their noses, no loose stools, etc.)