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Meet the parents!! What the parents are like is what the puppy WILL be !!! Meet the mom away from her babies, so she won't be so protective. Ask why the breeder bred these two dogs. Does the breeder do anything besides breed? What are their goals and accomplishments in the breed? They don't need to be world champions, but every breeder should be active in some area of their breed e.g. rescue, therapy, show, etc.. Are the parents' screened for breed specific problems? e.g.hips,eyes,etc. Make sure you see the certifications. Call the owner of the stud dog and ask for references from others that have his offspring.Go to see him if possible.
Seriously question the term "RARE". Rare usually means GOOD breeders are trying to NOT breed it into their dogs e.g. "rare" blue, liver, (red ) German Shepherd Dogs. Blue and liver are serious faults in the breed, because they are associated with health problems. Black and longcoated GSD are often advertised as rare.They aren't, so why pay more? Other "hype" to avoid are terms like "giant oversized" or "tiny, teacup, appleheaded". These are genetic alterations that can carry health and structure problems in the future. Every breed has a standard that ALL scrupulous breeders adhere to.
Use your instincts. All good breeders screen and certify their breeding stock, have a current health certificate (within 14 days) ,worm and inoculate the pups, have a written contract and guarantee, will help if you need to find a home for your dog at some point, own at least the mother, and will give you references. Puppies will be clean, outgoing and like people. Dogs and owner will have an obvious bond.
