I am open for advice.
Health Clearances: Do both parents have OFA or SV clearances for hips and elbows? Can I see the certificates?
Genetic Testing: What genetic health tests are done for diseases common in GSDs?
Health Guarantee: What does your written health guarantee cover, and what's the claim process?
What does coefficient of inbreeding mean of 40%? Do you use the coefficient of inbreeding dogs? Would that mean coefficient of inbreeding the dam’s or sire’s parents are related like cousins?
What the difference between linebreeding, inbreeding, outcrossing? What is linebreeding and crossing?
Parent's Health/Age: How old are the parents? What health issues run in their lines?
Puppy Rearing & Socialization
What are your planned litter dates?
Raising Environment: Where and how are the puppies raised (indoors/outdoors, with family)?
Socialization: What specific socialization, sounds, and handling do they experience before 8 weeks?
Temperament: How do you evaluate puppy temperaments, and how do you match pups to owners?
Medical Care: What vaccinations, deworming, and vet checks have they had? Can I see records?
Breeder Practices & Support
Experience & Involvement: How long have you bred GSDs? Are you involved in clubs (AKC, etc.)?
References: Can I speak with past puppy owners?
Contract: Can I see your sales contract (health guarantee, spay/neuter, return clause)?
Support: What lifetime support do you offer (training, health advice)?
Return Policy: Will you take the dog back if I can't keep it?
Lines & Pedigree
Bloodlines: Are these show lines or working lines? What are the strengths/weaknesses?
Parent Meeting: Can I meet the mother? Can I meet or see photos/info on the father (stud dog)?
What their dogs are like in the house
How they handle urban environments and neutrality
What they’d recommend for someone wanting a true companion, not just sport drive?
Health Clearances: Do both parents have OFA or SV clearances for hips and elbows? Can I see the certificates?
Genetic Testing: What genetic health tests are done for diseases common in GSDs?
Health Guarantee: What does your written health guarantee cover, and what's the claim process?
What does coefficient of inbreeding mean of 40%? Do you use the coefficient of inbreeding dogs? Would that mean coefficient of inbreeding the dam’s or sire’s parents are related like cousins?
What the difference between linebreeding, inbreeding, outcrossing? What is linebreeding and crossing?
Parent's Health/Age: How old are the parents? What health issues run in their lines?
Puppy Rearing & Socialization
What are your planned litter dates?
Raising Environment: Where and how are the puppies raised (indoors/outdoors, with family)?
Socialization: What specific socialization, sounds, and handling do they experience before 8 weeks?
Temperament: How do you evaluate puppy temperaments, and how do you match pups to owners?
Medical Care: What vaccinations, deworming, and vet checks have they had? Can I see records?
Breeder Practices & Support
Experience & Involvement: How long have you bred GSDs? Are you involved in clubs (AKC, etc.)?
References: Can I speak with past puppy owners?
Contract: Can I see your sales contract (health guarantee, spay/neuter, return clause)?
Support: What lifetime support do you offer (training, health advice)?
Return Policy: Will you take the dog back if I can't keep it?
Lines & Pedigree
Bloodlines: Are these show lines or working lines? What are the strengths/weaknesses?
Parent Meeting: Can I meet the mother? Can I meet or see photos/info on the father (stud dog)?
What their dogs are like in the house
How they handle urban environments and neutrality
What they’d recommend for someone wanting a true companion, not just sport drive?