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AKK Questions

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING A BREEDER

          

Here is some advice on screening a breeder. These were some questions that were asked of me, and other questions were those I asked of other breeders before I obtained my AKK's. I have also provided my own answers to these questions in case you are screening me as a breeder.

A personal recommendation will stem from a satisfied owner and is an excellent way to find an AKK breeder. Another way to find a good breeder is on the AKKAOA website located at: http://www.akkaoa.org/

ALWAYS ask questions; an unasked questions is one of ignorance.

1. Has the male and female AKK undergone and passed an Adult Evaluation Examination before breeding took place?

If not, please move on to another breeder! Both my male and female passed their adult exam before breeding according to a liscensed, certified veterinarian.

2. Are the AKK parents on the premises? Many AKK breeders will ship either their female or male to be bred with another AKK. There is nothing wrong with this taking place. Both my male and female live in my home.

3. How long have they been breeding AKK? Ask the potential breeder a lot of questions to ensure they understand the philosophy of the breeding program with AKK's. This my first litter of AKK's. However, I use to breed Cocker Spaniels and did so for five years.

4. What temperament problems can be encountered with the AKK? The temperament problems I have encountered came from my female when she was younger; biting my male's tail a lot during play, chewing on wood shoe moulding in the house and housebreaking. Each AKK, as well as any other breed is going to be different. It is up to the responsible breeder to report any issues they have had in the past from their own AKK to future screened owners! 

I do not recommend puppy pads with AKK's as this may make them think any type of throw rug is a puppy pad. This is a matter of my personal choice and a matter of my opinion. Of course, if someone chooses to use puppy pads and it works for them, then great! However, it simply did not work with either of my AKK, nor did it work for me when I bred Cocker Spaniels. However, my female has outgrown the issues listed above to date, as I have worked diligently with her to ensure they are gone! To date, each puppy I have sold to their screened owners are happy with my housebreaking techniques and reports of "accidents" have been minimal.

5. Is the AKK an easy breed to train and housebreak? SEE ABOVE question on housebreaking. Further SEE the Puppy Stages button on housebreaking. I feel it has been quite the easy task to train both my AKK's and the only challenge was housebreaking. My male was so easy to housebreak in my home as he was already pretty much housebroken when I obtained him. Positive reinforcement is always a good idea to use in any type of training.

6. Can you visit the breeder's home to see first-hand the environment the puppies are raised, and dogs reside? If not, please move on to another breeder! Any person wishing to obtain an AKK from me is welcome in my home. I also invite those interested who have passed my questionnaire to stay in my guest room so they can meet both parents and spend time where their puppy lived for the first 8 weeks or so of its life.

7. How old is the female AKK If an AKK is less than 18 months, and if NOT at least in her 2nd heat, then in my opinion she is too young to breed. A dog at this age is sometimes not emotionally or physically mature, and if she is over 10 years old, then she is too old to breed. Possible deformities may occure at this age. My female will be 3-years-old in September '08, and was in her 3rd heat at the age of 18 months.

8. How often does the breeder allow breeding of their female? This issue is up for debate. Some breeders feel it is ok to breed every heat, while most vets will agree as well. As long as the female and male are in good standing - health wise that is, then most feel it is ok to breed every heat. However, because I am not a vet, I do not feel it is advisable for me to have an opinion on this issue. Nevertheless, again, I waited until my female had her 3rd heat before I bred her. And, furthermore, may breed every other heat.

9. At what age will the breeder let their AKK pups go to their screened new home? If the time frame is less than 8 weeks, PLEASE find another breeder! I only let my AKK babies go to their new homes at 8- weeks-old. They are not old enough yet to fly and if you are considering shipping a puppy, Federal Law and most airlines state a puppy must be at least 8-weeks-old before they are able to fly. Besides, this gives me more time to spend with them. :-)

SEE "SHIPPING YOUR AKK" button on this site for further information on shipping.

10. Will the breeder ship puppies? There are some breeders who will not ship young puppiess. Therefore, make sure you know this ahead of time before you dive into questions with the breeder. Nevertheless, if the breeder is not willing to ship, you should be prepared to travel to the home state where the breeder is located so you can pick up your puppy at the breeders home. I have shipped puppies and have also welcomed new owners to our home to pick up their puppy.

It was heartbreaking for me to ship my AKK. I worried they would get sick in their kennel while on the plane and suggested to all new owners to take 2 towels with them to the airport; one dry and one damp. This way if the puppy got sick, they would have something to clean them up with.

SEE SHIPPING YOUR AKK button on my site for further information on shipping.

11. Are the puppiess hand-raised in the breeders home? If not, please move on to another breeder! Consistent human contact provides for a well-socialized puppy of any breed, including the AKK. I pick up the babies when they are first born to get their weight and sex. I let Montana know I am here for her, and constantly check in on her and her newborns; ensuring they are warm, feeding, and safe. Once the puppies get older, I continue to check on them, ensuring their safety. Once they get old enough to walk on their own, I begin taking them outside to see the world. When they are able to run, jump all over me, and play hard, I take them to the dog pen in my backyard and sit on a bench and take lots of pictures of them romping, rolling, playing and pouncing on each other. I also bring them in the house to teach them home living rules since most owners wish to keep their AKK inside their own homes.

12. Are the puppies wormed? If so, how often? I worm my litters at 3, 6, and 8 weeks of age, regardless of whether or not their stool is negative, and I provide the new screened owner with proper documented proof from my vet.

13. Do the pups have shot records? Please pass if a breeder cannot furnish shot records or does not have the puppy vet checked prior to the sale. I provide all my new screened owners with all shot records for their AKK. It is then up to the new screened owner to continue the shots according to their vet's recommendations, and I highly recommend keeping with the scheduled recommendation from your personal vet.

14. Are the puppies vet checked? Please pass if a breeder cannot furnish health records or does not have the pup vet checked prior to sale. I take my AKK to the vet at 3-days-old to have their weights documented, checked for a heart murmer, cleft pallat and open fontanel, and they also get their dew claws removed at this time. I keep a record of all this information in a "Guarantee of Good Health" document that I give to all new screened owners.

15. What are the most significant problems with the AKK? If the breeder says none, please move on to another breeder! A good breeder should admit to you there are problems in a breed, and that they have run into at least one of the few problems. If they provide this information to you, then they are being honest. Please be sure to visit http://www.akkaoa.org/ to find out further information on this breed and the health problems that have been encountered. The problem I have ran into has stemmed from my female with temperament issues as mentioned above. However, she has outgrown every one of them to date, as I have worked diligently with her to ensure they are gone! SEE THE "AKK TEMPERAMENT" button for further information.  

16. How many other breeds does the breeder breed? A real plus will be if they only breed the AKK. However, if they breed more than 2 breeds, you may want to reconsider. I only breed AKK. I bred Cocker Spaniels for 5 years.

17. Is their AKK UKC registered? This is also applicable to breeders outside the United States. If  the litter is not registered with UKC, please find another breeder! My litters will always be registered with UKC as AKC does not recognize this breed.

18. Is the breeder a member of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA) and in good standing? (AKKAOA is also applicable to breeders outside the United States). If a breeder is not a member a member of AKKAOA it is not necessarily a bad thing and this fact should not discourage you. I am in good standing with AKKAO.  

19. Does the breeder provide an agreement to you, to take or buy the dog back should this become necessary? Will the breeder put it in writing for you? Dogs purchased from responsible breeders come with health guarantees and return policies, the latter often times will cover the life of the dog; many times it will not. I provide a 10 day health guarantee and stress to new screened owners that they should take their AKK to the vet to be checked within 3 days of delivery or pick-up and this should not exceed 10 days.

20. Does the breeder require a deposit to be added to a waiting List? If yes, ask to review a copy of the Deposit Contract. At this time, I do require a deposit to be added to a waiting list. All this basically means to me is that once you are approved for a puppy, then I require a deposit to "hold" the puppy for you. NOTE: If you should back out of this agreement, I have 30-days from the date of your notification to send you a refund. I will refund every portion except for 10% of the amount. This 10% amount is for my time.

21. Is the deposit refundable? If yes, under what conditions? Is any portion of the deposit retained as a processing fee in the event of cancellation? I do require a deposit to "hold" a puppy for serious interested parties. A portion of the deposit will be refunded in the event the potential screened owner cannot obtain a loving home for an AKK. Keep in mind it takes a great deal of time to screen potential owners.

21. What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the puppy? Always ask to review any contracts, conditions or guarantees prior to submitting a deposit. I always provide a contract for new screened owners to review should they have any questions.

22. Does the breeder provide a written health guarantee? If so, what type? If not, please find another breeder! A written health guarantee does not ensure a pup will be problem free, but it does mean that the breeder has confidence in his/her dogs’ good health. I normally will give a 10 day written health guarantee. However, again I stress to new screened owners they should take their AKK to the vet within 3 days of delivery, not to exceed 10 days in order to be checked by their vet.  

23. Can the breeder give you at least 2 references of someone who acquired one of their AKK in the past? The references given should have dogs that are at least one year of age. I have kept in close contact with each owner of every litter and I feel certain each of them would provide a recommendation for me to be your breeder.

24. Is the breeder responsive to openly discuss any concerns, or does the breeder seem ignorant or defensive, or offended to your line of questioning, etc.? If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you, please be sure to always verify it. It is your right and responsibility to make a purchase from someone who takes all steps necessary to produce dogs of quality and health, and then stands behind what they sell.

AKK Breeders who do not question you about your home and family situation, or how you intend to care for your AKK are those you should be cautious of. They are more likely to be concerned about financial aspects of the sale, rather than providing the very best home possible for their AKK.

Again, remember responsible breeders will want to ensure their pups will go to good homes, so do expect a breeder to ask questions such as:

1. Do you have ample space for the new AKK?

2. Have you ever owned an AKK before?

3.  Why did you choose the AKK breed?

4. Do you have the time to give the attention that an AKK requires?

5. Have you had a dog before? If so, what happened to it?

6. Have if you ever gotten rid of a dog? If so, why?

7. What do you know about raising and training dogs?

8. Are you willing to take your AKK to obedience classes?

9. Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs?

10. Do you have other pets? If so, how will they be around another?

11. What type of socialization are you planning to do?

12. How much time during the day will the dog be alone?

13. Do you rent? If so, does the landlord allow pets? I will need a written statement from your landlord stating his or her agreement in allowing pets.

14. Do you have the patience needed to housebreak a new puppy?

15. Will this puppy be an inside dog?

16. Do you have a fenced in yard?

17. Do you have any young children? If so, are they knowledgeable about handling a small pup?

18. Have you read, understood and agreed to abide by the AKKAOA Constitution and By-Laws, and Code of Ethics? 

SEE MY QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE "QUESTIONNAIRE" BUTTON FOR FURTHER INFORMATION I REQUIRE.


A responsible breeder makes you prove you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder does not take the time to ask you a lot of questions, this should throw up a red flag to you as they may only be interested in receiving a check. If this happens, please find another breeder. **I require all interested future AKK owners to be screened by first filling out a questionnaire. If I get an uneasy feeling through the questions I require them to answer, I will politely be honest with them and tell them I cannot sell them one of my babies. I am very selective and very serious about this process, and I MUST feel, know, understand and appreciate you will provide the same care I have provided to all my AKK before allowing them to go to any new screened homes.

If the breeder makes you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their own children, then its certain you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without reading you the right act, please walk away because there are many attributes about this breed that you may not be aware of and it is the "responsible" breeder who willingly provides this information to you. Hopefully, if a breeder does do not know the answer to any of your questions, they will be resourceful enough to find it for you. A responsible breeder should be very helpful with answers and should be at your beck and call for the rest of the pups life, especially for the first year of the pups life. **I have had questions asked of me and I have become incredibly resourceful in finding helpful answers by speaking with other personal breeder friends of mine, vets, and the AKK Kommunity.

A good breeder will not be nasty to you for your ignorance, nor will they insult you for your ignorance. A good breeder will be professional, patient, understanding, and kind to you in all regards.

Word of advice: A breeder who sells carefully, will have bred the litter carefully. 

Furthermore, if a breeder requires you return the dog to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, then you have found a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life. **This is a typed statement in my contract I provide to all screened owners and this will never default.

If you have doubts or questions, make them known to the breeder. If you are uncomfortable with the breeders or puppy, then reconsider that breeder and that puppy, and talk to your friends and family. **Rest easy that I will forever be here for each and every person who adopts one of my AKK.

A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred healthy dog. **I have carefully selected both parents regarding temperment and health so I can emphasize desirable attributes and minimize faults in this breed. Believe it or not, there are breeders out there who breed other types of dogs, not necessarily the AKK, and those may mislead you. These are the one you should turn the other cheek to. These individuals typically have no regard for the advancement of any breed and are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders of any type of breed will never breed a litter without considering the advancement of the breed. Each litter should improve the quality of breeding stock, resulting in puppies with improved breed soundness.

I hope the above information that has been provided to you will give you some great insight on what you should look for in a breeder with any breed, especially the AKK. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at alakkawa@alakkawa.com

I wish you the very best in finding that perfect AKK and the "right" breeder! Good Luck!!

Copyright © 2007 ALAKKAWA KENNELS 
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. 

 DO NOT REPRODUCE ANY PHOTOS, WRITING or CONTENT

WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT 

from Mary Anne Hinkle


 

          

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog

Fur
How much do you like using that vacuum cleaner? Some breeds barely shed, and others would keep Felix Unger sweeping 24 hours a day.
Grooming
Grooming is an added expense. Some breeds require frequent, extensive grooming; others never need it.
Size
Limited living space, like an apartment, might not be enough for your 75- to 100-pound dog. Some landlords may not allow all sizes of dogs, if any at all. Also, hulking giant breeds may be too much for frail owners to handle.
Children
Do you have children or expect to have any? While nearly all breeds raised with young children learn to tolerate them, it's more fun to choose one of the many breeds that thrive with kids and their sticky fingers.
Schedules
All dogs crave human attention, but some learn to endure a missing family; they are reasonably independent, almost cat-like. Other breeds find it difficult to stay home alone for extended hours day after day.
Exercise
All dogs require some exercise, but some breeds demand a daily romp outdoors and lots of doggy toys indoors. They are high-maintenance in a sense; they have boundless energy, which needs to be directed. Other breeds are content with one snappy walk around the block and a bed to curl up on.
Allergies
Consider your nose. People who are allergic to dogs may get away with owning Bichon Frises, Poodles (standard, toy or miniature) or Portuguese Water Dogs (curly-coated variety), but there's no guarantee. And a lesser number of people may own any of the terrier breeds without exhibiting symptoms. The best way to test it out is to visit a breeder who has a pack of the breed you're most interested in. If you begin to wheeze, leave (or call an ambulance), and then check out another breed.
Duty
What do you want your dog's job to be? Some breeds make awful watch dogs, while others are effective at watching but wimpy when it comes to actually guarding property. Some breeds are great for hunters, and others would be too distracted, chasing after everything. Some breeds are naturals at playing in canine sports, and others are too clutzy.
Doody
Many toy breed dogs can be "pee-pad," newspaper or litter box trained -- a practical idea for the infirm or elderly who may be unable to easily walk a dog, or may have particular difficulty taking a dog out in snowy or rainy weather. Again, I do not recommend puppy pads.
Cost
A rare breed called the Coton de Tulear may wear a $10,000 price tag for a show or stud dog. American Kennel Club purebred pet-quality dogs may be purchased for $200, with some breeds ranging from $300 to $800. Rare breed dogs typically begin at about $500, and most level out at $3,000 for pet quality. And from neighbors or shelters, dogs may be free or available for a nominal fee. AKK's range in price from $1500 to well over $2500 depending on breeders price.
Age
Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? You can easily train a puppy the way you want, to fit your lifestyle. When toddlers are present, a puppy raised with the family might be the best idea. There is nothing cuter or more photogenic in the whole world than a puppy. However, you should at least weigh the possibility of purchasing a 10-month-old pooch or an adult dog, especially if you have a busy schedule. Depending on where you get the dog, it may arrive well-trained. And, you do not have to worry about all those puppy vaccinations or housebreaking.

          

Where to Buy a Dog

The following information was gathered from various sources throughout my research to help you make a sound decision on purchasing a pet. The information below is a matter of opinion (others may have a different opinion) from the writers of this context and is not written in stone.

 

Breeders

Reliable, responsible breeders are becoming endangered, but they are absolutely your best source for purchasing a dog. Don't be afraid to ask for references. A good breeder will grill you, making certain the dog is going to an appropriate home.

Here are 10 important markers for helping to locate a responsible breeder:

  • Check the breeder's facility in person. If it's dirty, or dogs are kept in cages filled with their own waste, your first job is to walk out the door. Your second job is to report them to the American Kennel Club or the United States Department of Agriculture (they are responsible for policing breeding facilities).
  • Walk out if you feel you're getting the hard sell. A breeder should not sound like a used car salesman.
  • Breeders should contractually guarantee their dogs for congenital illnesses. However, don't expect your money back if you decide in five years you no longer want the dog. Still, a truly responsible breeder will promise to accept a returned dog anytime for any reason.
  • Learn the common genetic defects of your breed of choice, and ask about the health of the dam and sire (mother and father). Research the pedigree three generations deep. The best breeders readily offer this information, and will have written proof when possible. For example, the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) offers a written analysis of dogs' hip X-rays for breeds subject to hip dysplacia. Puppies are too young to be X-rayed, but the dam and the sire should be OFA-certified.
  • The breeding of four or more litters a year is a red flag. Search out breeders who are experienced, but refuse to overtax their dogs or themselves. They may breed once a year to three times a year.
  • Responsible breeders require a spay/neuter contract when they sell a pet-quality puppy. This means you will not get your papers until your dog's been "fixed."
  • Avoid breeders who keep their dogs outdoors all day, every day.
  • If you have children, it's ideal if you can find a breeder who also has children about the same age as yours.
  • Absolutely avoid breeders who try to sell you puppies under seven weeks old.
  • Perhaps the most important criterion is meeting the mother of the puppies. Approximately 40 percent of a puppy's personality is derived from its mother. (Five percent comes from the father, and the remaining 55 percent comes from socialization and the manner in which it is raised.) While some scientists debate the specific percentages, all agree that if the mother has an unstable or aggressive temperament, odds are that most or all of her pups may have the same temperament.

Pet Stores

The good news is that some pet stores are working feverishly to improve their image. Like responsible breeders, they are offering guarantees and providing backup information on general puppy care. Still, there's no way to meet the mother of a puppy or to learn the conditions under which the dogs were raised. Puppy-mill puppies often suffer from any number of maladies, which might result in additional veterinary expenses.

The fact is that many breeders won't sell to a pet store. As a result, an increasing number of pet stores are selling only supplies and no live puppies.

Backyard Breeders

A good-natured soul; your neighbor breeds her sweet dog with the nice pooch down the street. It may be the cheapest way to obtain a dog because your neighbor gives you a pup at no charge. If you breed two nice dogs, your puppies will probably inherit the same loving dispositions.

However, canine genetics are complex. Many cases of deafness among Dalmatians, wobbler syndrome in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers, and allergies among many breeds may be avoided by careful breeding. While the short-term purchase price may be less expensive in the best scenarios, the long-term expense and heartache is often incalculable.

Rescue Clubs

Nearly every pure breed has at least one rescue organization. They provide temporary foster homes while seeking permanent homes for members of their breed that have been given up. The American Kennel Club (919-233-9767) offers names of rescue groups, as does the American Rare Breed Association, at 9921 Frank Tippett Road, Kheltenham, MD 20623.

Project BREED offers what amounts to a yellow pages for rescue organizations. For a two-volume set, which includes rare-breed dogs, cats and other small animals, write to Project Breed, P.O. Box 15888, Chevy Chase, MD 20825. The directories are $40.05 ($41.80 in Maryland). Most rescue groups charge only their expenses; the purchase price is nominal. The best rescue organizations are, in fact, choosy about where they place their precious merchandise.

Shelters

Mixed-breed and a surprising number of purebred dogs are always available at shelters. Some shelters will put your name on a waiting list if you're solely interested in a specific breed or in adopting a puppy.

It's true that some rescue and shelter dogs are timid or distrustful -- and after the ordeal they've been through, who can blame them? It's also true that you may adopt a dog who dines on coffee tables. However, old dogs can learn new tricks, and all it may take is loving and committed owners. Shelters are an inexpensive means of purchasing a family companion, and one of best.

 


 

 

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