1. What is the breeder’s experience with this specific breed?

   1. Knowing a breeder's experience before purchasing a dog from them is of paramount importance for several reasons. Here are a few key reasons why it is crucial to consider a breeder's experience:

      1. Responsible Breeding Practices: Experienced breeders have a deep understanding of the breed's standards, traits, and potential health issues. They carefully select breeding pairs based on genetic testing, temperament, and overall conformation, aiming to produce healthy and well-balanced puppies. Their experience enables them to make informed decisions regarding suitable matches, reducing the risk of passing on hereditary health problems or undesirable traits.

      2. Knowledge and Expertise: Experienced breeders possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated over years of working with the breed. They understand the nuances of breeding, whelping, and raising puppies. They can provide valuable guidance on puppy care, socialization, and training, ensuring that the puppies receive the best start in life.

      3. Breed-Specific Guidance: The Cane Corso has unique characteristics, needs, and potential challenges. An experienced breeder can educate prospective owners about the Cane Corso’s exercise needs, grooming requirements, temperament, and potential health concerns. This information is essential for potential owners to make an informed decision and provide appropriate care for their future Cane Corso.

      4. Reputation and References: Established breeders often have a reputation within the Corso community. By researching a breeder's experience, you can gain insights into their track record, the quality of their dogs, and the satisfaction of previous puppy owners. Reputable breeders are transparent about their accomplishments, health testing protocols, and the successes of their dogs in various fields, such as conformation shows or performance events.

      5. Support and Mentorship: Experienced breeders will offer ongoing support and mentorship to puppy buyers. They are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer assistance throughout the dog's lifetime. This support system is invaluable for new owners, especially during the critical early stages of puppyhood and beyond.

2. What health tests have they done? -Hip, heart, and genetic testing should be readily available and provided PRIOR to any deposits or signing any contracts. 

   1. Hip Dysplasia Evaluation: Hip dysplasia is a common concern in the Cane Corso. Evaluating the hip joints through X-rays and obtaining hip scores from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the PennHIP method helps determine the presence and severity of hip dysplasia.

   2. Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation: Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that affects Cane Corsos. Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia can be evaluated through X-rays, and results are typically provided by organizations like OFA.

   3. Cardiac Evaluation: Cardiac examinations, including auscultation and echocardiography, can help detect heart conditions such as congenital defects or cardiomyopathy. These tests are typically performed by veterinary cardiologists.

   4. Eye Examination: A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist can identify various eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and other inherited eye diseases.

   5. DNA Testing: DNA testing can be done to identify the presence of certain genetic mutations or diseases that can be passed on to offspring. This may include tests for conditions such as Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA), degenerative myelopathy (DM), von Willebrand's disease (vWD), or other breed-specific genetic disorders.

3. Can I see a copy of your contract? (BEFORE you put your money down, read their contract. Good breeders have contracts readily available. If they do not have a contract, get a dog elsewhere)

   1. A good Cane Corso breeder contract should include several important elements to ensure the well-being of the puppy, protect the interests of the buyer and seller, and establish clear expectations and responsibilities. While specific details may vary, here are some key components that a comprehensive breeder contract for Cane Corso might include:

      1. Puppy Information: The contract should include specific details about the puppy, such as its registered name (if applicable), microchip number, sex, color, and any distinguishing marks.

      2. Health Guarantee: The contract should outline the health guarantee provided by the breeder, which may include a specified period during which the puppy is covered for any genetic or hereditary health issues. It should specify the actions to be taken if a health problem arises, including potential refunds, replacement options, or assistance with veterinary expenses.

      3. Purchase Price and Payment Terms: The contract should clearly state the agreed-upon purchase price for the puppy and specify the payment terms, including any deposit required, payment deadlines, and accepted payment methods.  (Paypal is recommended as they have purchase protections in place).

      4. Spay/Neuter Agreement: If the puppy is not being sold with breeding rights, the contract may include a spay/neuter agreement stipulating the timeframe within which the procedure must be completed and any consequences for non-compliance. (No Cane Corso should be spayed or neutered prior to 2 years old due to health reasons.)

      5. Registration Papers: The contract should address the registration of the puppy with the appropriate kennel club or registry, specifying whether limited or full registration is provided. Lineage should be readily available to you along with directions on how to register your puppy with their specific kennel club. (AKC, ICCF, UKC, FCI, and so on)

      6. Doc/Crop: Price and information about tail docking and ear cropping should be included in the contract. Responsible breeders want to maintain the stature of their dogs and will offer this to be done prior to placing their pups in a home to be sure it is done to standard and correctly. Tail docking should be done within the first week. Ear cropping must be done prior to 11 weeks old.  

      7. Surrender Clause: The contract must outline that the breeder will be responsible for taking back any dog they produce for any reason. Ethical breeders take full responsibility for any puppy they produce and will take them back for any reason. The clause may outline the breeder's responsibilities once the puppy is returned, including finding a suitable new home and ensuring the welfare of the puppy during the rehoming process.

      8. Breeder's Responsibilities: The contract should detail the responsibilities of the breeder, such as providing necessary health records, vaccination information, and guidance on care, training, and socialization.

      9. Buyer's Responsibilities: The contract should outline the buyer's responsibilities, including providing appropriate care, nutrition, training, and veterinary care for the puppy. It may also include restrictions on breeding or rehoming the puppy without the breeder’s consent.

      10. Dispute Resolution: The contract may include provisions for dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration, to address any disagreements that may arise between the buyer and the breeder.

 

 

 

1. What are the pros/cons of your line?

2. History of their parents?

3. Health issues?

4. Have any of their pups have cherry eye?

5. Ask for puppies’ full lineage.

6. Have you ever had a disqualifying color? (tri-points, blue and tan, isabella tan?)

7. Can they show you photos of past puppies or point you to their Instagram account?

8. Registrations? Who are they registered to?

9. Go see the parents in person (or live video if you are farther).

10. Do you have a surrender clause? (This answer should be yes!!)

11. Do they have a health guarantee in their contract?            

12. What’s the puppies environment like? Indoor? Outdoor? Who is raising them (women/men)? Socialization?

13. Are the puppies up to date on vaccinations?

14. Have they been dewormed?

15. Can we contact you after we take the puppies home? (This should always be yes).

16. Have any puppies in the litter been sick?

17. Do you do any enrichment activities for your puppies? What about desensitization?

18. Do you do any crate training?

19. When can you take your pup home? (Should be 8-12weeks).

20. What do they feed their puppies?

21. How old is the mom? How many liters has she had?

22. How are parents temperament? Have either ever been involved in any incidents?

23. Do they offer ear cropping and tail docking?      

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**a breeder with a good program will charge a couple-few thousand dollars per dog!

**a breeder with a good program will also ask you a lot of questions as well!

 

Questions pulled from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WaopRk6M-M  

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder

https://www.snoozerpetproducts.co.uk/blogs/snoozer-dog-blog/the-15-most-important-questions-to-ask-your-puppy-breeder

https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/16-questions-you-should-ask-the-breeder/