How to Find A Breeder

1. Have goals - Decide what your plans are for your future Dutch Shepherd.  If you are wanting to get involved in a particular sport or activity, visit clubs and/or trainers that can help you achieve those goals.  Most sports are difficult to do on your own and it takes a supportive community to help guide new handlers to success. See bullet point on Registration types to see how it might interfere with your future goals.

 

2. Ask for referrals – If you have met Dutch Shepherds that fit the profile for the breed that you are looking for, ask the owners for a referral to the breeder they chose.  Ask why they chose that breeder and if they would purchase a dog from them again.

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3. Health concerns – Dutch Shepherds, like most breeds of dogs, have their own set of health concerns that should be taken seriously and dealt with responsibly by good breeders.  Conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, transitional vertebrae and eye disease, among others.  Never accept a breeder’s word that their line is free from disorders.  At a minimum, ask to see proof of hip, elbow, spine and eye clearances.  Eye clearances should be done yearly.  Good breeders will be familiar with the health disorders in the Dutch Shepherd and will be willing and able to discuss health results and common problems in the lines they breed.     

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4. Decide where you stand on certain ethical issues.  These are topics that are debatable, but you should know your own thoughts on them before you talk to any breeders.  Issues, such as age of breeding stock, how often females are bred, how many litters the breeder has each year, whether the breeder has buyers sign a purchase agreement, offers a health warranty, or breeds for non-standard traits such as large size or disqualifying colors.

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5. Talk to the breeders – You should be prepared to ask questions and also be asked questions.  Ask for references from other puppy buyers, veterinarians and members of Dutch Shepherd organizations, like WDSAA.  Ask about why they chose to breed Dutch Shepherds, what their goal is as a breeder and about their breeding philosophy.  Ask to see copies of health tests and scorebooks.  Ask about titles on breeding stock and, if there is a lack of titles, ask why.  Ask how the breeder socializes their puppies, if they are exposed to different environments, new people and other dogs.  Ask about registration for their puppies and make sure that the puppy will come with registration that is compatible with the goals you have set.  Good breeders will usually ask questions of prospective buyers, such as what your experience is with working dogs, how many dogs you currently own, what goals you have for a puppy, who you will be training with, if you are interested in breeding, your living and work situation.  Ask yourself if you feel like this breeder is someone that you can have a longstanding relationship with and count on to help support and guide you through the life of a Dutch Shepherd.

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6. Visit the breeder – If at all possible, take the time to go meet the breeder and their dogs in person at their home or kennel.  Observe how the dog interacts with the breeder and with strangers, whether the premises are clean and if the dogs are clean and well-fed.

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7. Be Patient – Most Dutch Shepherd breeders do not breed litters year-round and they can have waiting lists.  Once you find the breeder you feel comfortable working with, it may take some time for the right puppy to come along.  Be willing to wait.  It will be worth it in the end.