Finding a Puppy

The reputable breeder is interested in producing sound healthy dogs. He has devoted much time in determining which dogs to use to produce the best possible offspring. He is concerned with structure, size, pedigree and disposition- the latter is important for continuance of desirable good temperament! He endeavors to produce dogs nearest the accepted Breed Standard as defined by the Berger Picard Club of America.

The Berger Picard, just like all other breeds, does have some health issues that we, as breeders, are working to eliminate by carefully selected breeding. Therefore the hips should be checked for hip dysplasia and the eyes yearly for inherited problems for any breeding pair. These results should be listed on the Ofa.org website.  If a dog’s results are not on there, the breeder either did not do the testing or did not like the results.

It is very common with this breed to be placed on a waiting list for a future breeding. If you put a deposit on a puppy, make sure you understand if any portion or all of the deposit is refundable. There are breeders who will NOT refund your deposit even if they do not have a puppy available for you.

Most breeders sell their puppies and dogs with some type of written contract. Contracts can be very basic, little more that a bill of sale or more typically require you to spay or neuter your puppy. Usually, a contract for a show or breed-able puppy will require you show the dog or even to give back a puppy from a future breeding. Ask for a sample contract, so you may study the wording and terms carefully. NEVER sign a contract you do not understand or are not completely comfortable with.

Many breeders choose a puppy for the new owners rather than let the buyer choose from all the puppies in the litter. Breeders may ask you many questions about your lifestyle and needs in order to best match personalities and temperaments.

Ask the breeder if your puppy will be checked by a veterinarian, wormed for internal parasites, vaccinated, and if the litter has been registered. The breeder should provide you with this information as well as the registered names and individual registration numbers of the sire (father) and the dam (mother), the date of the puppy’s birth, the name of the breeder, and the litter registration number.

However, in fairness to breeders and buyers alike, the BPCA does not endorse any particular breeder, and cannot be held responsible for any purchase agreement, guarantee, or understanding between breeders and buyers. As with any purchase, you should check references, visit potential breeders, and evaluate options before you buy a puppy.