Suggested Questions when Interviewing Breeders

When contacting a breeder, be considerate of their time. When you call, ask if it is a convenient time for them to talk or, if you leave a message, ask the breeder to call you, collect if necessary. Initial conversations often last a half-hour or more. Anyone who truly loves a breed enjoys talking about their dogs and assisting a potential buyer in deciding whether or not this is the right breed for them. Remember, breeders will be interviewing you as well.

Tell me about your Maltese. How long have you been breeding? How frequently do you breed?

If you're told puppies are always available, be wary. Good breeders strive for quality; not quantity.

What qualities do you breed for? What do you feel are the attributes and drawbacks of this breed? What is the breed's lifespan? Are they easy to housebreak and train?

Do you breed to produce puppies that meet the official Standard of the breed? What bloodlines are the puppies from?

If you are answering a newspaper or magazine ad, this will let you know if the breeder has any knowledge of their breed. Most pet breeders have little or no knowledge of their breed; some don't even know there is a Standard (description) approved by AKC and the breed parent club.

What dog clubs do you belong to?

The right answer is NOT the AKC as only dog clubs - not individuals - are members of AKC. Some people join Specialty clubs (like the A.M.A.) or all-breed clubs because they have a sincere interest in working for the betterment of their chosen breed. Others think belonging to such clubs will enhance their credibility as breeders and enable them to sell their puppies. It should NOT be assumed that memberships in these clubs assure either integrity, honesty or responsibility.

Are your dogs AKC registered?

AKC registration papers are issued as a validation that the dog is pure-bred, but is not a guarantee of the dog's quality or health or the reputation of the breeder.

Do you furnish a 3-5 generation pedigree?

A pedigree is similar to a family tree - listing ancestors for 3-5 generations.

What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the puppy?

You should receive a written contract that spells out their conditions and guarantees. Be sure to read and understand it. Both parties should agree to all terms and sign it before the dog leaves the seller. Request a written, signed veterinary statement that guarantees the puppy has been examined by them and has had its initial vaccinations. Some breeders will provide a written health guarantee covering at least the first 6 mos. to year of the puppy's life; however, the length of time provided in the guarantee is the breeder's option. Some guarantees provide reimbursement up to the purchase price of the puppy for verified genetic defects that would prevent the dog from functioning as a pet. The seller should allow you a reasonable time (48 hours or more) to take the puppy to a veterinarian of your choice for examination and to discuss any concerns you might have. Be sure you and the breeder discuss your options should the veterinarian discover a problem. Contracts and guarantees are the breeder's option to provide; there are no rules forcing them to do so. AKC does not license or endorse anyone engaged in the commerce of selling pure-bred dogs and, therefore, has no control over the business practices of those involved in such transactions. If there is a dispute between buyer and seller, please remember that Specialty clubs, all-breed kennel clubs and AKC cannot intervene unless the aggrieved party has the results of a civil court judgement against the person as proof of the charges of a "business deal gone bad".

Ask for references from previous puppy buyers, their veterinarian or other breeders. You may also ask AKC if they have a "negative file" or pending action or investigation of a particular person.

MALTESE MYTHS

The Maltese is NOT a terrier! The plural of Maltese is still Maltese - not Malteses. There is no such thing as a "teacup" or "pocket" Maltese. The Maltese is a TOY breed. Our Standard calls for the Maltese to be "under 7 lbs. with 4-6 lbs. preferred". Some Maltese do mature at under 4 lbs. while others mature at over 7 lbs.