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Have patience.  Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately
responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't
always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is
knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them.

Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the
puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in
terms of temperament and appearance.

Observe the premises. Is the house/kennel clean? Odor-free? Dogs and
puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Look for signs of
malnutrition such as protruding rib cages or illness such as runny
nose/eyes, coughing, lethargy and skin sores.

Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder.
Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their
adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the
breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders
should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and
knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed -
including what's being done to avoid them.

Breeders should be willing to share proof of health screenings such as
OFA and CERF certificates with potential buyers.

Establish a good rapport with the breeder. He/she will be an excellent
resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your puppy.
You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at
any stage of its life.

A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract indicating that if
specified conditions of care are not met or you become unable to keep
the puppy, he/she will reclaim it.

Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age.
Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and
littermates.

Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and
should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their
puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect
and have made all the necessary preparations.

Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of the
dog's pedigree, a.k.a. "papers." The words "American Kennel Club" as
well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. You'll need to send in this
application form to register your dog with the AKC. Be wary of a breeder
who refuses/hesitates to give you papers, wants to charge you more for
AKC papers, offers papers from a registry other than the AKC, or tells
you he/she will mail them to you at a later date.
HOW DO I FIND A RESPONSIBLE, REPUTABLE
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER BREEDER???

Is dedicated to producing quality dogs that compliment the breed
standard. Has so much invested in dogs that he struggles to break
even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.

Can explain how planned breedings are used to emphasize or minimize
specific qualities.

Does not breed dogs younger than age 2. Has breeding stock x-rayed
to check for hip dysplasia, eyes checked with proof of cerf,  and annual
bloodwork complete including urinalysis and protein/creatinine ratio.
Can produce certification to prove claims.

Has a written contractural commitment to replace a dog with genetic
faults or to help owner deal with problem.

Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and
ideal type.

Has an investment in dog equipment and the puppies environment is
sanitary and loving.

Belongs to national, regional, and/or local dog clubs, indicating a love
for the sport of purebred dogs. Shows their dogs in conformation events
as an objective test of how his stock measures up.

Evaluates puppy litter and determines which puppy best fits which family
depending on temperament, activity level, size and sex.

Prices will be at the high end of local range. Price will not reflect all that
is invested in the pups. A reputable breeder never profits from the sale
of puppies. Does not advertise in the newspaper and many times has an
established waiting list for the puppies.

Only sells puppies with a "companion contract" or a "show dog contract"
depending on the situation.  Will provide this contract prior to sell of
puppy upon request.

After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will
take back a pup you cannot keep rather than see it disposed of
inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and on AKC
limited registration.
WHAT IS A RESPONSIBLE, REPUTABLE BREEDER???
Need help finding a responsible, reputable breeder in your area?
Please check out the breeders list at
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club Of America
www.scwtca.org
“You are not only responsible for what
you say, but also for what you do not say”
~Martin Luther King
Need help finding a
responsible, reputable
breeder in your area?
Please check out the
breeders list at
The Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club
Of America
www.scwtca.org
Burdigan Wheatens
Burdigan
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers