Some Questions to Ask a Vizsla Breeder(s): These questions will help you to determine if someone is a "breeder" (who cares about the breed and the future of your puppy), or simply someone putting two dogs together to sell puppies.

• How long have you been involved with your particular breed? It is a good idea to avoid anyone who has switched breeds often. Those who are in it for only financial gain do this when another breed becomes popular. Be careful of people who breed multiple breeds - especially breeds that are not related. If someone is fairly new to a breed, ask about mentors.
• How many litters do you breed per year? Avoid anyone who always has puppies available and who breeds several litters a year.
• Why did you choose the particular breed?
• Do you belong to the national parent club of your breed? The parent club is the organization that protects the breed, encourages high standards in breeding, training, and showing, and promotes the welfare of the breed.
• Do you follow the Code of Ethics of your parent club? Most important!
• What other dog clubs do you belong to? Involvement in breed and all-breed clubs shows the breeder is working for the breed and "giving back" to the dog "fancy."
• Do you have copies of health clearances on the parents of the litter you are planning? Have both parents been OFA certified for hips after the age of two? Avoid any breeder that insists there are no problems in their line and therefore testing is not necessary.
• What are the characteristics of the breed and your dogs in particular?
• What is your purpose in breeding and why have you chosen the two dogs for the litter in question?
• What are the names of the sire and dam you are breeding? Then look up the pedigrees on K9info.com's website at, http://vizsla-k9info.com/?breed=vz and see how many breeders in the 5 generation pedigree cared enough to prove their dogs with titles. No titles or very few titles in 5 generations is a red flag.
• What are good and not so good traits of the sire and dam? What titles do they have? Reputable breeders show their dogs and the dogs are champions and often have working titles. Avoid the breeder who insists his/her dogs are perfect.
• Could I meet one or both of the parents? Often only the dam is on site because the breeder has the opportunity to choose any sire. If the breeder is looking to improve what she/he has and improve the breed often the best match (sire) is elsewhere. You should be able to see the dam and any other dogs on site when you visit. Sometimes the breeder will breed a bitch she has bred but the bitch lives in a co-owner's home and the breeder and the co-owner have an agreement for the bitch to be bred.
• What size and substance do you expect from the litter?
• Where do you whelp and raise the puppies? Ideally puppies should have been raised in the home. Here they are socialized with people and the noises of regular household activities. This is so very important for well-adjusted puppies. Without it you can have a nervous, fearful, shy, or aggressive dog. Lack of this early socialization can not be made up at a later time.
• What else do you do to socialize the puppies?
• Is it possible to visit the mom and the puppies?
• Do you temperament test and structure test your puppies and how do you decide which pup goes where? A good breeder will match each puppy to each home.
• Do you require a spay/neuter agreement on the puppies you sell as companion dogs? This is a good thing.
• At what age do you place puppies? Before 7 weeks is too early.
• Will you allow me time to have the puppy examined by my own vet? Often the breeder asks you to have your vet examine the puppy within a week or so.
• What follow-up help and advice is available in raising the puppy?
• Will you stay in touch and be available help and advice for entire life of the dog?
• Will you assist me if I cannot keep the dog?
• Can you give me references?
• May I see your contract? See what protections are in there for you and your puppy's health. A breeder should take any dog back for any reason. Part of being an ethical breeder is making sure all puppies have a good home and making sure it stays that way.

Expect a good breeder to be selective about you. They will be asking many questions of you too. Keep in mind these puppies are the breeder's children. This should be an interview process. The breeder needs to know you are suited to their breed and are able to care for their breed in the best possible way. If the breeder doesn't care and doesn't ask you questions, FIND A DIFFERENT BREEDER.