So you want to buy a puppy?

Occasionally, I have puppies available to good homes. Since I only have 1-2 litters each year, I have compiled a list of reputable breeders in the Washington/Oregon area which I will be more than happy to forward to anyone requesting it. I have referred several people to various reputable breeders in the past, and have thoroughly enjoyed helping to bring a new baby into someone's world. To make for a happy, lifelong relationship with your Boston Terrier (or with ANY dog for that matter), I have listed below some key questions which should be asked of the breeder by someone searching for a nice pet for their family. Someone asked once if questions like this wouldn't offend the breeder. By all means OFFEND THEM! The only stupid question is an un-asked one! Reputable breeders are not offended by questions, they welcome them, and will be happy to answer any and all questions you can come up with. If they are offended by your questions, you should question them about their puppies and breeding practices all the more. Also, in my opinion, you should be asked just as many questions about yourself, if not more, by the breeder. To most breeders, you are not buying a dog, you are applying for the right to take one of their children home. Please remember that this is no guarantee of or for a puppy, and are just basic questions which in MY opinion should be asked. Please, by all means, add to this list. Further, I would like to point out that there is nothing wrong with buying from a private breeder. Or, as some would call them, backyard breeders. Not all of them are bad. You do however, need to do your homework before you buy, but this homework should also be done with a "reputable" breeder/kennel too. There is absolutely no reason that any breeder cannot provide you with a healthy puppy that has been produced from healthy (genetic tested) parents, and offer a worthy health guarantee. PLEASE avoid Puppymills and Pet Stores at all costs!! NOTE: Most pet stores are notorious for buying their puppies from Puppymills!! It is difficult to leave a defenseless animal at these places, but if there are no buyers, then it becomes unprofitable and there is always hope they will quit breeding them. Puppymill puppies frequently have health & temperament issues that far outweigh the initial savings you make at purchase. The long term health care for them can be very expensive both to your pocketbook and your heart. There is a very sad, and beautiful poem about Puppymills at the bottom of this page, and you can find out more about Puppymills at the No Puppymills website. I also highly recommend anyone searching for a puppy to thoroughly read the Boston Terrier Standard. A good breeder will only breed to the standard, and if you don't know and understand what that is, it will be all the easier for them to deceive you.

So here is your:

Puppy Buyer's Guide:

Attend a dog show. You can find upcoming dog shows in your area by going to InfoDog.com. Generally, about a week before the event, they will list the exact time and ring that Boston's (or the breed you are searching for) will be there. Go to the show and talk to some of the breeders. But please be courteous, and don't interrupt them as they're going into the ring. Most of them will love to talk to you about their wonderful breed, and many have or know of other good breeders who may have puppies available.
If the breeder will only meet you in a store parking lot, you should wonder what they are trying to hide. You should ALWAYS be able to see the living conditions of both the puppies and the parents. The puppies and the mother (and their living/sleeping quarters) should be clean and dry, and appear completely healthy. Keep in mind that the mothers do appear somewhat lean at this time due to feeding of the puppies, but their coat should be shiny, and their eyes bright and attentive. The puppies should appear healthy, be clean, playful, and well socialized.
Is the breeder USDA licensed? If they are, that is a red flag to you that this breeder is a puppymill. Class A licensing is required by USDA for any breeder who sells puppies to a broker or pet shop. Puppymills and BYB's do NOT check for genetic problems, nor do they care. They only want your $$. Puppymills will generally breed a bitch her very first season, and she will unfortunately wind up living in a 3x3 cage her whole life being bred every single heat after that until she is either dead or doesn't produce anymore litters. Check out the puppymill link on my home page for more details on them.
You should be able to see both parents (at the very least, a picture...as some breeders do use outside males). Frequently, the puppies turn out very similar to the parents in size, temperament, and looks. Is that what you want?
Check out the pedigree. Any reputable breeder has a pedigree on their dogs, at the minimum a 3 generation pedigree. Look for inbreeding. That is when a brother and sister have been bred together. Definitely a NO NO. Father and daughter is done also. It isn't "quite" as bad, but is still usually frowned on if done too frequently in the line. For line breeding it's okay as grandfather to granddaughter but really should not be any closer related. Also, just because a puppy has some Champions in his background does NOT mean the breeder is reputable, nor that the puppy is healthy.
Beware of breeders that advertise their puppies as registered with a dog registry other than AKC (American Kennel Club), CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), or UKC (United Kennel Club). Frequently they will advertise pups as CKC (Continental Kennel Club), and the unknowing buyer thinks they are getting a purebred dog. Chances are, you are not, but are paying a registered price. Almost any dog can be registered with the CKC (Continental Kennel Club), and there are numerous other registries popping up every day. AKC (American Kennel Club), CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), and UKC (United Kennel Club) require strict breeding records be kept, and while their system is not infallible (an unethical breeder can always find ways around a system), it works fairly well, and you can be rather certain that your puppy is purebred if not well bred.
A preponderance of white on the head and/or body (in Boston Terrier's) and/or blue eyes is NOT a RARE Boston. Neither is a red, brown, fawn, blue, gray, etc. RARE. Studies have shown that the same gene that causes deafness, is also associated with the excessive white and/or blue eyes. The "off" colors are not an acceptable color for the breed standard. They can still be registered with AKC, but because of the risk in producing these health/non-standard problems, they should NOT be bred. While these "off" colors do still make wonderful pets, and even a good breeder will have them show up occasionally in a litter, a breeder trying to sell you a Boston as RARE because of their color, markings, or eye color is NOT a breeder to be trusted! They simply want you to believe that their puppy is worth the exorbitant price they are asking for it.
There is no such thing as "show markings" on a Boston. Don't fall for a breeder who advertises their dogs as show quality because of the markings. A Boston's markings are merely icing on the cake. If the dog is not structurally sound to begin with, no amount of markings are going to make him show-worthy. If you are looking for a Boston to show in conformation events, chances are you will not find it among a litter bred by breeder who does not show their dogs. You would be far better off locating a breeder who does show their dogs, and purchase a show quality puppy from them. If your interest is genuine, this same breeder will very likely become a willing mentor to teach you the in's and out's of the show ring, and assist you and your Boston in your quest to fame.
If you checked the BTCA link above regarding the standard, you will have found that a Boston has a short muzzle. A breeder who advertises that their Boston's have longer noses so they don't have breathing problems is not being truthful. This is generally their way of justifying the breeding of their pet. Having a longer nose does NOT reduce breathing problems. Boston's are a Brachycephalic (short nose) breed, and hence they do snort and snore a lot. Stenotic nares and/or an elongated soft palate can be found in any breed, including Golden Retriever's. But a good breeder who is breeding to the standard does NOT produce a long nose Boston, nor do their short nose Boston's have breathing problems.
Is this breeder willing to sell you a puppy on full registration? Why are they doing this? A reputable breeder does not sell a pet quality puppy like this. A good breeder calls a puppy pet quality for a reason. There is a flaw (albeit usually just a nominal one) that marks it as non-show quality. This same flaw in all likelihood should also mark it as non-BREEDING quality. If they are selling a pet quality puppy and are willing to let you (or any Tom, Dick, or Harry) breed this puppy at some time in the future, they are willingly contributing to the thousands of homeless dogs that are filling the shelters today. A good breeder will NOT sell a puppy as a "good breeding dog".
How long have they been breeding? How many females does the breeder have? How many litters has this breeder had? How often is the female bred? If the female is 3 years old, and has had 6 litters, they are being over-bred (in my opinion!). If puppies always seem to be available you can bet it's become a lucrative business and the puppies are just merchandise. If checking the newspaper ads, browse over the other breeds and take note of phone numbers and/or addresses. Are there several repetitions?
The breeder should also give you a WRITTEN guarantee on the puppy, NOT VERBAL. Any health problems should either be paid for by the breeder, or they will exchange the puppy... Preferably YOUR choice, not theirs! (Unfortunately, the choice guarantee is not always an option, but there are some breeders that will give this choice). Keep in mind that many genetic problems do not appear until the puppy is an adult of 1, 2, or even 3 years old. The guarantee should cover no less than a one year period for genetic defects. The puppy should also have ALL of his/her puppy shots, and been wormed. A health certificate is required by most states prior to selling a puppy, so don't be fooled into thinking it's a healthy puppy just because it has been given a health certificate. There are unethical veterinarians, just as there are unethical breeders.
A good breeder will also have run the proper genetic tests that are available to ensure the breeding dogs are free from genetic defects, and thereby (hopefully) so are their puppies. A certificate is issued when the dog passes these tests, and the breeder should provide a copy of these certificates to you. The tests that are most common for Boston Terrier's is CERF (eyes), OFA (hips), BAER (hearing), and LP (luxating patella). Keep in mind that the majority of these tests are only valid for a one year period (BAER testing is once in a lifetime). Just because a female was tested 2 years ago for juvenile cataracts, does not mean she doesn't have them today. Check the date on the certificates. They should be no less than a year old. These genetic problems can cost thousands to correct, and unless you have some type of guarantee in writing, YOU pay the vet bill.
Many breeders will make a sweeping statement regarding their dogs health. Their "vet says the dog is healthy", the "vet says they are wonderful Boston's", their "friend says they could be show dogs". These are all examples of excuses a backyard breeder makes to help justify the breeding of their pets without the proper genetic tests. Ninety nine times out of one hundred, the vet has no clue what a properly bred Boston should look like, nor does their friend. Most of the genetic tests cannot be performed by a regular veterinarian, so he cannot certify that the dogs do not have a genetic problem.
Get references from the breeder. Most reputable breeders will have a list of several people who have purchased puppies from them. Call the references, and ask about the health of their puppy and satisfaction with the breeder.
Why is the breeder breeding? Because they want to scatter Fido's good looks and charm around? Did they just want to educate their children? Do they state they only want to provide nice "pets" for their friends and family? Did they never bother to spay or neuter, and an "accident" happened? Or do they truly care about the Boston breed, are trying to better the breed, and are striving to breed for the PERFECT Boston.
Find out who the breeder's veterinarian is, and CALL THEM. Most Vet's will tell you yes or no if the parents are generally healthy and if they're brought in for regular care. They also should have seen the puppies at least a couple times, and would know if the puppies are healthy. They are also another ideal contact on "who" has any puppies available.
Do you feel comfortable with this breeder, or are you kept at arms length? Do you feel they are answering your questions honestly? Could you consider this person a friend you can call with a really DUMB question? We all have dumb questions now and then. Can you call them after the sale and expect answers to your questions? Is each litter special in some way? Will they help in training and grooming if you need it? Will they show you how to clip nails, brush out the coat properly, or make a correction to an uppity puppy if you need that kind of help? Are they willing to take the puppy back if at any time you are unable to keep it?
I have noticed a recent trend towards breeder's releasing puppies to new homes before they are 8 weeks old. Some even at 5 weeks. This is a VERY important period for puppies. Puppies of that age are still learning to eat solid food, and are learning socialization from their mother and littermates. Many good breeders won't release them to new homes until they are at least 10 weeks, and quite often even longer. Use caution, as frequently, their desire for you to take the puppy earlier than 8 weeks is an indication that they are a puppymill, or at the very least a poor and uncaring breeder, and they need the room for the next batch of unfortunate puppies. I would really question a breeder who requires you to take a puppy prior to 8 weeks old. More and more states are initiating laws making it illegal to release a puppy prior to that age, and some are even making it illegal to purchase one that young. Check the laws in your state before removing a young puppy from its mother.
Most reputable breeders will only sell a pet quality dog on a spay/neuter contract and/or a limited registration. A spay/neuter contract requires you to have the dog spayed/neutered by a certain date. Occasionally the breeder will ask for an additional fee that is refunded to you on proof of the spay/neuter. A limited registration means that the dog could potentially be bred, but any resulting litter is ineligible for AKC registration. Because of the increase in sub-standard registries, and the fact that the majority of them will register a dog whether it's purebred or not, the extra fee spay/neuter contract is becoming more popular than the limited registration. There are even some breeders that are requiring both the extra fee PLUS the limited registration simply to help ensure that their dogs are not bred indiscriminately.
If you are buying a pet, PLEASE have your pet SPAYED OR NEUTERED! Statistics show that spayed/neutered pets actually live longer, and have fewer health problems than intact dogs.
Consider a rescue Boston. They do sometimes come with emotional or health issues, but more often than not, they just need the opportunity to have and be a part of a loving family that cares about them. Contact the Boston Terrier Club of America or your local Boston Terrier or breed club for a rescue contact, or check with your local Humane Society.
Don't fall for that "someone else is looking at this puppy" spiel. If they're willing to let that puppy go to the highest or fastest bidder, they are not someone you want to deal with. A good breeder will care more about where their puppies go than how fast you can pull out your wallet.
Don't make a snap decision. Talk to the breeder, view their dogs, discuss any questions you have, then leave. Allow yourself at least a day to think it through. Did they answer your questions with confidence and knowledge? Did they question you as much or more than you did them? Make a list of everything that you thought was good about the breeder and their puppies. Then make a list of what you didn't like or had more questions about. Which list is longer? Call the breeder and if they can't answer the questions on your list, avoid some of the questions, or give evasive answers to them, look for another breeder.
Last but most assuredly not least, be absolutely sure that you will be able to care for a puppy. Who will care for it? Bathing, feeding, loving, playing, training, health care, etc. are all important factors to consider. Don't expect your 5 year old to take over complete care of this new addition to your family. Children frequently get bored with a puppy after the newness wears off. If YOU aren't willing to take on the above responsibilities, you may want to reconsider getting a puppy. This is a LIFETIME commitment, you are not just borrowing a puppy for a few weeks or years. Boston's have an average life span of 12-14 years. Be SURE that this is what you want. Shelter's are full of puppies that are no longer wanted, please don't add to the problem.

I have hopes that this will help promote more responsible and better informed puppy buyers. Please keep in mind, that these are questions that I have asked, and been asked, and only you can tell if the right answer has been given. The choice in the end, is of course yours. If anyone feels an important question has been missed, and should be added to this list, please e-mail me and I will include it here.