Important information for Samoyed puppy buyers!

Please beware of breeders falsely advertising online saying they are "reputable", but actually they are not interested in what is best for our wonderful breed. They are more interested in making big money which puts them in a category as being unethical and considered a backyard breeder or puppy mill. An important question to ask the breeder, any breeder, is if they are a member of a regional or parent club. Another question to ask the breeder, any breeder...

"What do you do with your dogs besides breeding?"

If they say all they do is breed, don't show, don't work the dogs, don't do obedience, etc., then my advice is to run far and fast to another breeder.  ~ Anonymous ~

Note to people inquiring on puppies...
there is a right way and a wrong way to buy a dog!

If you are interested in a Samoyed puppy or dog and you haven't already done so, it is advisable to research whether this is the best breed for you before contacting breeders. (See links tab for more web sites)

Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed! They will insist that you spay or neuter your Samoyed unless the puppy will be showed later in conformations shows. You should have a good feeling about the breeder, that the breeder is being honest, straightforward and not evasive. If you find a breeder with whom you feel comfortable and you like his/her dogs, it probably would be better to have your name on a waiting list for a puppy from that preferred breeder rather than purchase a puppy from a breeder that you are not satisfied with, simply because puppies are presently available. When deciding on a breeder, prepare yourself with a selection of good questions to ask. (See samples questions below.) 

A responsible breeder will also ask many questions about your lifestyle and about the environment the puppy will be going to. They may even want you to fill out a questionnaire or ask to visit your home. This is okay! They are only asking because they care! You want a breeder who is concerned about the welfare of the puppies (and adult dogs); and of course, they should care about our Samoyed breed! They must build confidence in you and your family, faith that their puppy is going to a good home where they will be a cherished member of the family for the rest of their life.

A reputable breeder is one who is willing to provide good, solid answers to your questions. They should provide pertinent copies of documents and papers, recommend books, literature and videos, and give helpful hints. They generally share years of knowledge and advice with you, and the list goes on. Finding a good breeder -- who can give all of this in exchange for many years of happiness -- significantly outweighs the cost of a cute Samoyed puppy. 

When talking to a Samoyed breeder, below are a few sample questions and helpful answers:

Are both parents registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club)?

If you are concerned whether or not either parents are registered, ask for copies of the registration papers on each parent to be included with your puppy packet. You must also realize that having a AKC registered Samoyed means that the Samoyed, its parents, and its ancestors are purebred, but it does not indicate health or quality. Also see the
American Kennel Cub's Online Registration page with information on "Papers and Identification", "AKC Registered and Quality", and much more....

At what age do you let your puppies go to new homes?

Eight weeks is the minimum age a puppy should leave the nest, but over nine weeks of age is preferred by some breeders.

When you sell a puppy to a home that is considered a "pet" home, do you require the puppy to be spayed or neutered?

If you do not expect to breed or exhibit your dog at shows, and feel that all you want is a "pet" puppy for you and/or your family, it is recommended to have your Samoyed spayed or neutered as recommended by the breeder of your puppy and/or your veternarian. If you are interested in Samoyed puppy as a "pet", then the Samoyed breeder will generally sell the puppy at a "pet" price. They also should have you register the puppy with AKC under the "limited" registration which enables the Samoyed puppy to be registered but any offspring cannot be registered. They can still compete in AKC events and use AKC's full line of education and information services. These procedures do not change a dog's personality, but they can prevent any unnecessary breedings and help preserve your Samoyed's health and curb the pet population.

Will they be wormed and what vaccinations will they have?

The puppy should have at least one vaccination and one worming by eight weeks of age or before they leave the nest. If you are looking at a puppy that is much older than eight weeks, the amount of worming and vaccinations the breeder gives the puppy should increase.

Have both parents had their hips x-rayed and cleared by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or equivalent foreign registry?

If the breeder has the certifications which lists the OFA rating on each parent, they should be willing to provide you with a copy of this certification.

Have both parents had their eyes checked by a Canine Ophthalmologist for hereditary eye defects within twelve months?

Same as for the hip certification; ask for a copy of the examination form from a certified A.C.V.O. (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) or the CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation, Inc.) certificate.

 Do you have a health guarantee?

Health guarantees (or warranty) should be outlined in a contract.

 

Do you have a contract or written agreement?

A contract lists the responsibilities of both buyer and seller, and the conditions of replacement or refund. It is a wise and safe precaution to protect the buyer and seller. Be sure to read the contract before signing it to be sure you understand all these conditions. If you do not understand any particular area, do not hesitate to ask the breeder to explain it.