FINDING THE RIGHT BREEDER – Helpful information

·     The HVCV recommends that you do not pay a deposit to a breeder who does not have a puppy available for sale at the moment or due in the very near future.  Do not pay a deposit to go on a breeder’s waiting list.

·     It’s OK to pay a deposit to secure a puppy that has already been born.

·     Make sure you understand any terms and conditions the breeder has imposed on the sale of the puppy – e.g. Limited Register, must be desexed, must have a litter of puppies for the breeder.

·     The HVCV does not accept notifications of litters bred from bitches less than 24 months of age. 

·     The HVCV does not approve of bitches of 9 years of age or older being bred from.

·     Look carefully at the puppy’s pedigree.  The HVCV does not approve of inbreeding such as brother/sister, father/daughter or mother/son matings.

Questions you should ask

·            Can we visit before deciding on our puppy?

·            Why did you choose this breed and how long have you been involved with it?

·            Do you have other breeds or other litters available?

·            If we decide on your litter can we visit regularly before choosing our pup?

·            Can we see the mother/father or other family members?

·            How old are the parents of the puppy?  [bitches should not be younger than 2 years and not more than 8 years of age]

·            Can we see the litter together?

·            At what age can we take the puppy home? [Puppies should not leave the breeder until they are 8 weeks old]

·            Are you a member of the Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria?

·            What do you do to socialize the puppies before they leave home?

·            When are the puppies wormed and vaccinated?

·            Are the puppies registered with the Victorian Canine Association?

·            Are there any hereditary conditions in the breed?

·            If so, can we see certification of results/scoring?

·            If any unforeseen conditions arise, can the puppy be returned?

Responsible breeders will

·            Openly discuss both positive and negative aspects of the breed

·            Allow you to visit and see all dogs and puppies on the premises

·            Have happy, healthy dogs and clean living quarters

·            Ask you questions

Responsible breeders will provide

·            Complete vaccination records

·            Signed VCA registration certificate for transfer

·            Puppy care and diet sheet

·            Responsible dog ownership information

·            Continued advice and reasonable assistance

Remember ….

·            Talk to and visit as many breeders as possible

·            Ask as many questions as you can think of

·            Be prepared to have questions asked of you

·            Contact the Breed Enquiries Officer if you have any further questions

Responsible breeders will care about the future well-being of their puppies.

All VCA members are bound to adhere to a member’s Code of Ethics relating to the keeping, welfare, breeding and selling of dogs.  From 1/07/08, breeders wishing to be listed on the HVCV Breeders Directory must agree to conditions set by the club.