Questions to ask the Breeder:

• Ask to see certification of health, where possible
  i.e. vet certificate certifying clear patella, clear eyes and general health of the parents.
• How many litters do you have a year?
  Breeders producing more than 1 or 3 litters a year are probably not paying enough attention to the genetics and health of the puppies
• How & Where are the dogs kept? Are they part of the family? How many dogs do you have?
  Japanese Spitz are a very affectionate and intelligent breed and do not thrive in a kennel situation; they need individual attention and affection.
• Ask to see the parents and the facilities where the dogs are kept. In circumstances where unable to physically see parents and facilities, ask to see photographs or possibly send a relative or friend.
  A responsible breeder takes extremely good care of his or her animals and grounds, and should not hesitate to show both to a visitor. The grounds should appear clean and the animals should look active and healthy.
• Where were the puppies raised? How have you socialized them?
  What you're looking for here is an indication of what kind of socialization the puppies have had. Socialization is so important to getting a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. Puppies should have been exposed to people, other dogs, new situations, normal household sounds and activities in order to learn. A puppy raised without this important social interaction can be shy, fearful, aggressive, or have other problems as they get older. Dogs need to know how to play, how to handle new situations, how to relate to people.
• Ask if mother's been bred every season.
  A breeder who cares about their dogs will breed every other season. Some breeders will breed back-to-back once. This occurs when the breeder wants puppies in a specific season, if there was a small litter, or the female comes into heat once per year. All puppies should be "expected" and well planned.
• Ask for references from previous puppy buyers.
  This can be an excellent way to get an idea of how the puppy will be raised and socialized.

Expect an Ethical breeder to be concerned about, and ask you questions about,
the environment you will be providing for your puppy.

 

Warning signs when selecting a Breeder:
When you talk to potential breeders about their puppies, your goal should be to make certain your new puppy has had a great start in life, and in this way eliminate any unnecessary problems when your new addition to your family comes to your home.

Areas that should cause you concern about a potential breeder include:
The "breeder" lacks knowledge about the breed
The "breeder" shows ignorance or denial of genetic defects in the breed
The "breeder" has no involvement in dog sports
The "breeder" doesn't let you observe the puppies or adults, or let you see the kennels
The "breeder" has no documentation and cannot provide a pedigree
The puppies are not socialized and/or the "breeder" does not understand the importance of socialization

(Information above constructed by Members of the JSCUSA - Additional information taken from Dogs4sale.)