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Choosing A Breeder
A "Directory of Breeders" is included in this site. The advertisers are members of our Club and have agreed to follow the Club's "Code of Ethics" (read under Membership Information) in their breeding practices. However, regardless of where you find a breeder, on this list or any other, it is your responsibility alone, to select your breeder with at least as much care as you would put into buying a new car.... the puppy you get from them will be with you long after you've traded in the car for a newer model!
When you do first contact a breeder be sure to ask questions. All breeders are not created equal, and it is important that you find a breeder that you feel comfortable talking with and who is open to discussing your concerns and prepared to be helpful. Your breeder should be someone whom you wouldn't mind phoning six weeks, six months or a year or more down the road to ask a question. Also, don't expect a litter to be ready for you when you call, most breeders only have one or two litters a year so you will probably have a wait. But it you are comfortable dealing with the breeder, the wait should be worth it.
Ask about the breeders dogs in general, their bloodlines and their accomplishments. A breeder who is new to showing and breeding can have dogs equal in quality to those of a long-time breeder but, if the breeder doesn't sound like they know very much... try another breeder. A lack of long-time experience isn't a problem - a lack of knowledge is. Any breeder should be able to talk about the lines, the strong and weak points and able to tell you about show ring accomplishments. If they don't actively show their dogs you may have contacted a 'backyard breeder' or 'puppy farmer'. Most reputable breeders show their dogs.
Ask about health and temperament guarantees. No breeder can ever guarantee you that nothing will go wrong with your puppy. But all breeders should be willing to tell you about problems they have experienced in the past and what they will provide in the way of a guarantee for your prospective puppy. Overall, Silky's are a healthy breed, but in case things go wrong it is nice to know where you would stand.
Ask for a copy of the puppies pedigree (family tree) as well as the breeders guarantee/contract before you buy. It is too late after you have the puppy to find out there is something there you don't like, or the puppy isn't guaranteed as you were led to believe on the phone.
Most breeders will require that pet owners sign a non-breeding contract (and this is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club) and/or have a clause in the contract requiring the puppy be spayed or neutered by a certain age. A reputable breeder will not allow a pet quality puppy to be bred from.You in turn will be asked many questions. Don't be offended. The breeder is going to want to know what you and your family are like before they entrust a puppy to your care. Just because you decide you want a puppy, doesn't mean the breeder is obligated to sell you one if they don't feel the situation is suitable. Answer all questions openly and honestly - it will help the breeder to select the right puppy for your family, and it will help you in developing a rapport with your puppies breeder (whom you hope will soon be your breeder-in-law!).
Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity
a human ever has to choose a relative
- Mordecai Siegal
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