DO

Many people tend to be put off by this but please don't be.  It's the sign of a good breeder who is concerned about their progeny and lines.  Remember restrictions are there for the dogs benefit, yours too!  This is to protect the pup being bred from if unsuitable later on.  Be honest with your breeder if you do have future breeding aspirations, if you are dedicated the breeder will be only too happy to help you.  Within the contract you should be looking for various things - first things are the KC restrictions:

Progeny not eligible for registration.  This means that should you breed with the dog without the restriction being lifted, you cannot register any offspring with the Kennel Club.  Remember that good breeders NEVER produce pups that cannot be registered.

Export pedigree not allowed.  This is basically another means of protection against the dog being sold overseas.  If someone wished to breed or exhibit the dog, they would need to register him/her with the relevant Kennel Club for that country.  If an export pedigree is not permitted, they cannot do this.  If you were to move abroad though, the breeder will usually lift this restriction for you.

Other items you should look for within the contract are:

	That you provide regular updates on the dog via visits, photos etc.
	That you agree to provide veterinary attention when needed.
	That you agree to take the dog to training classes (preferably for a minimum of 2 years)
	That breeding is strictly prohibited unless the breeder permits this and lifts the restriction.

DO look for a breeder who insists you visit them several times and grills you on why you want a Rottweiler!

Good breeders are very dedicated to the breed and wish to protect it.  Don't think it will be like the Spanish Inquisition!  The breeder should want to make sure you have thought it through fully and can care for and uphold the breed.

DO look for a breeder which insists the dog must come back to them in the event of any difficulties.

Written in the contract should be that the dog must come back to them (and this means not passing onto a rescue or other family members).  If you do experience difficulties, the breeder is there to help, never be afraid to ask advice.

DO look for a breeder who insists on regular updates on your dog.  A good breeder will be interested in your dog throughout his/her life.

DO look for a breeder who hip scores (and the scores are under 10 preferably).  Always ask to see the hip scoring certificate NEVER take their word.

DO look well at the puppies.  They should be clean and have no smell, be alert and outgoing.  They should also have been reared in the house amongst the sights and sounds of the everyday household - if they have been bred in a kennel, walk away.

DO look for a breeder who issues in depth puppy packs.  A good breeder should issue you with good quality written material to help you.

DO take good note of the condition of the dam (mum).  She may be fractious as she has had a hard time with her babies but she shouldn't look haggard!  She will be a bit baggy but otherwise should be in good condition.  She won't be her usual self but she should not be aggressive.

Hopefully this will help you but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.  We consider that we have a great responsibility to a breed that we love and we are always happy to help.

The DON'TS