This information is provided as a courtesy of the Breeder Referral Liaison.
To find the Finnish Spitz that will be best suited for your home and living circumstances we have developed a list of questions you may find useful to ask breeders. This is a time not to be shy. When looking for a dog for your home you would obviously want to purchase one that has excellent health and temperament
Often, potential dog owners are so caught up in getting a new dog they forget, or don’t know to screen a breeder just like they might screen you. Remember, a responsible breeder has nothing to hide about their dogs, pedigrees or the condition in which any of their dogs live.
If you and a breeder have honest and clear communication your experience, and the fute dog member of your family will have the best end to this process.
Following are questions in several categories:
COMMUNICATION
Is the breeder clear about their answers?
Do they make sure your are familiar with the breed and that it is right for you?
Are they concerned about whether or not you can provide a good home?
Do they seem more interested in the money than the kind of home and family the dog is going tor?
Can you contact them with questions after you get the dog home? For how long after purchase?
Will you email me photos of my puppy as he/she grows and gets ready to come home to me?
KENNEL ENVIRONMENT
Can you see the environment and conditions all there dogs live in? Not just the puppies?
Are the kennels cramped? What kind of flooring? Is the "flooring" wire suspended over dirt?
Are the kennels clean?
Are the dogs exercised? Do you see an area where this can actually takes place? So the dogs appear like they have been exercised?
Is fresh water available in clean bowls apparent for all dogs?
What kind of food is provided for the dogs/puppies?
Is there proper shelter from hot sun or rain provided to all dogs?
If there are many dogs, how many people care for them?
Is there a special area for the dogs when it is time for birth of the puppies? Is it clean and quiet?
At what age is it safe to whelp puppies and let them go to new homes?
HEALTH and TEMPERAMENT Part of your dog’s health is beyond his, or your control. Your dog has a genetic inheritance from his parents that dictates many aspects of your dogs health and temperament.
What kind of Veterinary care has the mother and puppies received?
What is the name of the Veterinarian who cares for the dogs and puppies?
How do you handle sick puppies.
What shots, worming, or flea/tick prevention measures do you use?
How can you tell which puppy would be best in my home as opposed to another home?
What is the difference between a "show quality" puppy and one that isn't?
What kind of training, if any, is provided to the puppies before going to their new homes?
What kinds of new situations have the puppies been exposed to in order to help them feel less stressed when they go to their new home?
PARENTS AND PEDIGREES Finnish Spitz produce litters as small as 1-2 pups, as many as 7-8, but average more in the range of 3-5. Adult females can produce litters as often as every 6 months, but responsible breeders are cautious about breeding a female too often, preferring to allow her body to build her immune system and health.
How often has the mother been bred in the past?
Has the mother had any health issues during pregnancy?
What kind of mother has she been since the pups were born?
Is the father healthy?
How old are both parents when they were bred?
What kind of exercise has the mother had during pregnancy?
Just like we care about our Geneological record, a Pedigree is a record of the parentage line your dog inherits; health and temperament tendencies included. Breeders who care about their dogs and their parentage usually register their breeding dogs with the AKC (American Kennel Association). Breeders began showing their dogs to "show" how successful they have been in an effort to reach perfection in the breed standard of their dogs.
What is the pedigree for my puppy or adult dog? Do I get a copy?
How many generations can you show me of my puppy's pedigree.
Why is this pedigree good?
Are the parents registered with the AKC?
Should I register my puppy with the AKC?
TRAVELING Sometimes, especially with a rare breed of purebred dog like a Finnish Spitz, there are travel costs associated with bringing a dog into ones home. This is an expense a buyer must bear but it will be well rewarded by a wonderful new family member for years to come.
If my pup has to travel a long distance and fly, how does that work?
How much does it cost to "ship" my puppy or adult dog to me?
What is needed for my Finnish Spitz to fly to me safely?
What airline is best?
Is it a direct flight?
What if there is bad weather?
COSTS A purebred puppy that comes from a responsible breeder will cost more than a few dollars. But the price does not always reflect on the quality of a dog. A responsible breeder has many costs including proper care of the female with high quality food, supplements, veterinary care and breeding with a male of excellent quality too. Then the cost of puppies for the first few weeks follows with the after birth care of the mother.
How much is a puppy?
Why is there a cost difference between puppies from the same litter?
What kinds of costs can I expect over the first year while the puppy is still growing up?
CONTRACTS You can expect to be offered a contract when you purchase your purebred puppy or dog. It will contain certain assurances to you, and from you in the best interests of the dog. Please be sure to read it thoroughly and discuss any parts you are unsure of.
Contracts between breeders and buyers are their own responsibility.
Read all contracts, negotiate your own changes, and understand what you are signing before you sign.
Many responsible breeders have a "right of first refusal" clause. This means that if, for any reason in the future, your circumstances change and you are no longer able or willing to keep your Finnish spitz, you will contact the breeder from whom you purchased the dog so they can take the dog back. They then take on the responsibility of caring for or rehoming the dog into a proper environment.
REASONS TO PASS ON BUYING A PUPPY OR DOG FROM A BREEDER
Unclear communication
Poor living conditions for the breeding stock or puppies. Feeling sorry for the animals living with that breeder is never a good reason to purchase. Buying a dog you feel sorry for is likely to give you regrets later, and more importantly, buying from a bad breeder out of pity for the dog only encourages the breeder to continue the same bad ways of treating their dogs. If you think conditions are too bad, a call to your local animal welfare or protection agency is more important for the welfare of all the animals involved.
Undocumented pedigrees and lack of registration with the AKC.
The price is right. If you are looking for inexpensive, go to your local animal shelter and adopt a dog.
Infestation of fleas or other pests, all of which can carry diseases that might affect the dogs health.Are you familiar with the Finnish Spitz breed?