1. Do your research! Learn about the Boston Terrier breed, its characteristics and temperament to decide if this breed will suit your lifestyle. Talk to other owners, visit a BT Meet-up Group, talk to your vet. Talk to several breeders about the Boston breed.

2. Visit the home/kennel of the breeder and see how the dogs are kept. This is a must! If you can't visit, get references.

3. Ask to see the dam, and sire if he lives there (remember breeders often select sires based on breed traits, not the area in which they live, so viewing a stud dog is not always possible).

4. How many litters a year does this breeder have?

5. How many breeds does this breeder have? More than 3 breeds may be an indication that you are dealing with a puppy farm or mill; mass-producing puppies is not good breeding as it is difficult enough to learn and understand the intricacies of any one breed, let alone many breeds.

6. Ask for a sample of the breeder's guarantee prior to buying the pup. The guarantee should cover known hereditary problems of the Boston Terrier. Remember, however, that genetics are unpredictable and even the very best lines will have problems now and again, and some of these issues will not surface until your dog is older. It is strongly recommended that your new puppy have a veterinary examination done before leaving for its new home, and the status of areas of concern, such their eyes, patellas and heart, should be clearly noted.


7. Ask to see a sample of the sales contract. Make sure that it specifies that this dog is purebred, that official papers are part of the deal, that breeding rights/restrictions are clearly spelled out, that financial matters and ownership transfer are also clearly defined. Unless a dog is registered with a governing body, such as the Canadian Kennel Club, or the American Kennel Club, it cannot be deemed as purebred as per Agriculture Canada. No papers, no purebred, plain and simple.

8. Ask for a minimum 3-generation pedigree of the prospective puppy, and verify that the parents’ names match those on the contract and other official paperwork. Your breed should be willing to discuss your pup’s pedigree and share what they know of its ancestors.

9. Ask for references; include other puppy owners, vets.

10. Find out what the breeder expects of you. The more the better.

Please don’t let your desire for a puppy outweigh your common sense! Do your homework. It really is “buyer beware”.
 
Please feel free to e-mail us for a list of reputable breeders.