Getting a race dog is a significant investment, and you want to ensure that you get the best dog possible. One way to do this is to find the right breeder.

But how do you find the breeder that is best for you? Below we will explore everything you need to know to make the right choice.

What Race Do You Want?

Before you look for breeders, you must first know what type of race dog you want. Different dogs are best suited for different races: sprints, middle distance, and long distance.

So before you start to look for a breeder, make sure you know what race(s) you want your dog to participate in.

Find a Specialist Breeder

If you want a top-performing race dog, you must find a breeder who specializes in the type of race dog that you want. Such breeders know all the traits that are essential to the breed and for the sport you want your dog to participate in.

Look for breeders who have a long history of breeding the type of dog you want and have experience in the sport.

Breeders who have previously competed in dog racing themselves understand how important a dog’s lineage is in the sport and should be able to tell you about the dog’s pedigree.

Look at the Breeder’s Reputation

It’s critical that you look at the breeder’s reputation before buying a dog. You can start by checking their online reviews.

Look at the breeder’s website, Facebook page, or any other platforms that they are on to see what previous buyers have to say.

You can also ask for references from the breeder and speak to them. Enquire about whether the breeder has had any failed puppies, medical issues, or other concerns, and how those issues were addressed.

If possible, ask for references from previous clients who have been successful with their dogs.

Visit the Breeder’s Kennel

Visiting the breeder’s kennel gives you a chance to inspect their dogs and facilities. Observe how the dogs are treated, the cleanliness of the kennel, and if the dogs are well-fed and healthy.

Take the opportunity to ask questions of the breeder and observe how the dogs interact with visitors.

It’s crucial to know how much socialization the dogs have had, how they react to strangers, and whether they are prone to aggressive behavior. A good breeder should allow you to meet the dog’s parents and spend time with the dogs.

Health Testing and Certifications

Ask the breeder for documentation of health testing and certification of the dog’s parents. These tests confirm that the puppies are unlikely to develop certain hereditary disorders.

Breeders should perform tests like DNA tests, hip and elbow x-rays to rule out orthopedic problems, thyroid tests, and other genetic tests.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification for dogs that have completed all the recommended health tests for their breed.

Contracts and Warranties

Before purchasing any dog for racing purposes, make sure that the breeder provides a written contract that details everything that is being sold.

A good contract should include information about the dog’s pedigree, microchipping, vaccines, and registrations.

The breeder should also provide warranties that require them to take the dog back if it develops genetic health problems or other issues that prevent it from racing.

Make sure the warranty has specific timelines and medical conditions outlined in detail.

Ask About Puppy Care and Training

Find out how the breeder socializes their puppies and prepares them for racing.

Are the puppies exposed to different environments, sounds, and people? Do they have any training sessions? Puppies that have been exposed to a variety of activities are more likely to be well-adjusted and easy to train.

Also, enquire about the breeder’s expertise in training race dogs and what methods they use. Look for breeders that take a hands-on approach and are willing to help you train your puppy when you take them home.

Assess Communication with the Breeder

The relationship between you and the breeder does not end after you get your dog. You will continue to interact with the breeder for years to come. So, it is crucial to assess the communication with the breeder before buying a dog.

Find out how easy it is to contact them, whether they answer phone calls and emails promptly and if they are willing to provide guidance and support.

A good breeder will want to have an open and transparent relationship with you to monitor how their dog is doing.

The Breeders’ Ethical Considerations

Finally, always ensure that the breeder’s standards align with your ethical concerns. Ask if the breeder has any affiliations with puppy mills or pet stores.

These affiliations may indicate that the breeder is more interested in profits than producing high-quality puppies.

You should avoid breeders who sell dogs without any screening process or who do not ask you to fill out an application form. Such breeders are unlikely to care about the well-being of the puppies in the long run.

Conclusion

Choosing the right breeder is the first step in finding the perfect race dog for you.

By researching and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you find a breeder with reliable and healthy puppies, top-notch training methods, and who is an excellent communicator. With the right breeder, you are confident that you will have a top-performing race dog that will make you proud.