Remember: Buying a puppy should not be an impulse purchase. Dachshunds often live as long as 16 years. Your puppy will be a member of your family for a very long time so take your time when looking for a puppy. Imagine where you will be in your life in 16 years and see if a dog will still be a part of your life then. If you only intend to have the dog "for the kids" and the dog will be expendable when the kids leave home, please don't buy a puppy! A reputable breeder will ask YOU many questions about your ability to provide a good home for a puppy. Reputable breeders care about the homes their puppies go to! "AKC registered" is NOT a guarantee of quality. It simply means that two dachshunds mated and produced puppies and that the breeder completed the AKC record keeping requirements for those dogs and their mating. There is no inspection of the litter, nor of the health or quality of the dogs being bred. Therefore, the registration papers are ONLY as good as the integrity and honesty of the breeder who signs those papers. The proliferation of the internet has created a new niche for "mass producers". Instead of selling to brokers or pet stores, they can make contact with (and sell) directly to the public. Beware of the breeder with a slick website offering easy availability of multiple litters of puppies. Many of these breeders are smooth operators who know the "politically correct" answers to these questions. Do your homework; be a detective so that you can determine the breeder's level of honesty. The following items on the checklist should be helpful as you are going through the process of finding a reputable breeder. As a purchaser, you will want to ask the breeder many questions, too. Here are some suggestions:
As a breeder, what are your breeding priorities?
Good answer: Improving the breed.	Bad answers: We just wanted "Schotzie" to have a litter of puppies. We needed some money for Christmas. We wanted the kids to see puppies being born. We earn our living (or make extra money) raising dogs.
Top quality breeders aren't in dog breeding for the money. If the ultimate of care is being given, very seldom will there be money made. If you compromise the quality & health of the dogs then you can make money.
How long have you been breeding Dachshunds?
Good answer: For many years. (or) Not long but I have the support of long time breeders whose advice I value. Any mention of a mentor who has been in the breed for a very long time would be good to hear.	Bad answer: This is my very first litter, I don't know the answer to any of your questions.
Can I see the parents of this puppy?
Good answer: Of course. All of my dogs will be happy to meet you when you come to visit. (or) Of course you can see the mother. I don't own the father but I'll be glad to show you pictures of him.	Bad answer: No, it will upset the dogs.
You'll want to see the parents (or at least the dam) and any other relatives. It will give you a better idea of what your puppy will look like when grown. More importantly, it will tell you more about the temperament.
How and where are your dogs raised?
Good answer: Right here in the house with us as family members. Acceptable answer: My adult dogs are kenneled. Litters of puppies are raised here in the house with us as family members. Of course you're welcome to come into the house as well as the kennel......be prepared for lots of noise as the dogs greet you!	Bad answer: In a barn, outside, or in a kennel. I'll bring in the puppies for you to see but you may not see where the dogs live.
Dogs raised within a home where they are constantly able to interact with people are much better socialized and much healthier! DO NOT agree to meet the breeder and the puppy in the driveway, in a parking lot, shopping mall, or any other location. If the breeder won't allow you into their home, don't purchase a puppy from them. Don't expect a "Better Homes and Garden" type of home - many of us have rearranged our home life so that it better suits our dogs! However, it should be moderately clean and clean smelling.
What can you tell me about this breed? Can you tell me one negative aspect about this breed, even if it is relatively insignificant?
Good answer: Dachshunds are wonderful dogs but they do have a few traits such as being stubborn, sometimes spiteful and sometimes difficult to housebreak - that can make them a challenge. They also are sometimes known to be bad barkers but with proper training can be taught to behave.	Bad answer: Dachshunds are perfect for everyone.
A reputable breeder will always tell you the "cons" of the breed as well as the "pros". There is no perfect breed, and it is important to understand what makes a particular breed "tick" so you can determine whether or not this breed is right for you.
What can you tell me about this particular puppy's temperament?
Good answer: When I did the aptitude testing on the puppies, this particular puppy scored a such and such score and therefore should be suitable as a pet in an average home. (or will require a firm hand or whatever.......but they should have an expectation of the type of puppy this particular puppy will be.) They should be able to tell you how they arrived at this conclusion.	Bad answer: Aren't they all cute!
A reputable breeder will have carefully tested and screened their puppies to determine the personality and aptitude of each one. Hopefully, they have utilized some of the innovative techniques inspired by Dr. Carmen Battaglia.
What age do your puppies leave for their new homes?
Good answer: Depending upon the litter, 8-9 weeks at the earliest, 12 weeks may be more realistic.	Bad answer: 6 weeks......after all, they're eating puppy food now.
Puppies learn specific behaviors from their litter mates and mother. Much of this learning is accomplished at the very critical stage between 6 and 9 weeks. There is no substitute for this interaction. A 12 week old puppy is still VERY much a puppy; don't feel that you're getting an adult. You will be getting a dog whose immune system is better able to handle the world and a puppy who is fully ready to leave his litter mates and transition to a home as an individual.
What kind of health checks and procedures have been done?
Good answer: At 12 weeks of age, this puppy has already had 3 sets of puppy shots and has been wormed at least twice. The veterinarian has examined the puppy and declared it to be healthy.	Bad answer: No shots....that's your job.
You should receive written documentation showing dates, brands and exactly what vaccines were given and what worming preparations were used. The name and phone number of the breeder's veterinarian should be provided to you. Don't be surprised if the breeder administers their own vaccinations to the puppies but still, the puppy should be checked out by the veterinarian prior to leaving for it's new home and the vaccine schedule should be done with the veterinarian's support and approval. Call the vet and ask if they would recommend this breeder. Due to legal liabilities, many will be hesitant to reply negatively but learn to read between the lines if the answer is non committal.
What kind of contract do you have? Do you require sterilization as a condition of purchasing this puppy?
Good answer: My contract specifies that your puppy must be sterilized & may not be used to produce puppies prior to sterilization. My contract also states that your puppy is being acquired as a companion and will not be left outside unattended, nor continuously tied or chained. You also agree to keep the pet current on vaccinations and heartworm prevention. You must take the puppy to a veterinarian of your choice within one week. If there is a problem discovered at that time, you need to contact me and we will discuss what is in the best interests of the puppy. Every attempt will be made to reach a conclusion that is mutually agreeable to all parties and which serve the best interests of the puppy. In addition, for the life of the dog, if you are no longer able to care for this dog, you must return the dog to me. You may not sell, give away nor dispose of this dog. My dogs are my responsibility to the end of their days!	Bad answer: Contract? What do I need a contract for? Bad answer #2: My contract states that you have 24 hours to take the dog to my veterinarian. If the dog dies within 24 hours, I'll replace it with another puppy.
Good breeders sell dogs only by written contract. This contract is designed to protect both the purchaser and the seller. Be sure to read the contract and fully comprehend what you are reading. Don't just read and sign. Without a written contract (just as in any business venture) you will have no recourse should there be a problem with your puppy. Beware of any contract which only offers a 24/48 hour health guarantee. That is not realistic.
How do I feed my puppy?
Good answer: Here is my information packet which gives you quite a bit of information on this and other topics but of course, I'm always available to you for help and advice. Here's a bag of food to take with the puppy so he can continue eating what he's accustomed to eating and not get an upset stomach.	Bad answer: However you want to.
What dog organizations do you belong to? Do you participate in conformation, obedience, earth dog, field trial, tracking? Do you support rescue?
Good answer: I am a member of the Dachshund Club of America & the DFW Dachshund Club. I show in conformation so that I may better assess the quality of my dogs as compared to others. I participate in obedience so that my dogs can be well mannered citizens. I have attended both earth dog trials and field trials so that my dogs may enjoy what they were originally bred to do. Yes, I do support rescue.	Bad answer: I don't have time for such nonsense. Besides, those people are snobs.
Why do you belong to those organizations?
Good answer: Because as a member, I associate with other Dachshund people who are continually sharing information which can only increase my knowledge of this breed, their health and welfare. Seminars are made available to me so that I may expand my knowledge. They are an invaluable resource to me.
Do you have someone I can call to verify your membership?
Good answer: Of course!
What is your policy toward a dog of your breeding which may someday need to be "returned"?
Good answer: ANY dog of my breeding MUST always be returned to me. Your contract states that you may not sell, give away nor dispose of this dog without giving me the first right to reclaim the dog.	Bad answer: Once you buy it, it's yours; why would I want it back?
Print this check list out and take it with you when you go to look at puppies. Ask the breeder these questions and check off the answers as you go down the list. Don't be afraid that the breeder will be offended. A reputable breeder will appreciate that you're doing your "homework"! DON'T take your check book with you. Most reputable breeders won't allow you to leave with a puppy after only one visit with you. They are going to want to get to know you. They may speak with you several times by phone and may want you to visit a couple of times. But, they in all probability are not going to allow you to leave with a puppy after one short phone call. Good luck!