How long have you been breeding Australian Shepherds?

How did you get interested in this breed? Have you also raised, or do you now raise other breeds?

How many litters of pups have you bred?

At what age do you feel it's appropriate to begin using a dog or bitch for breeding?

How do you describe the temperaments of your stud dogs and bitches? For example, are they good watch dogs? Are they good with children? How are they with strangers? Do they come when called?

How many stud dogs and bitches do you currently own?

How do you spend time each day with of your stud dogs and bitches? (Examples: play fetch, herd livestock, take for a walk in the neighborhood, training sessions, go for car ride.)

Do you take your dogs into public situations? (Examples: do obedience demonstrations, go to hospitals, play in the park.)

Have you done any conformation, obedience, herding competitions with your dogs?

What are the OFA (orthopedic foundation for animals) ratings on your dogs' hips?

Have the eyes for your stud dogs and bitches been checked by a veterinary Ophthalmologist? Were any defects found?

What congenital or hereditary defects have shown up in dogs related to your breeding stock? (Examples: epilepsy, deformities, deaf/blind puppies from merle to merle breedings, thyroid disease.)

Were the puppies eyes checked?

How many litters do you produce each year?

How many puppies were born in the litters?

Where are the puppies raised?

How long does the bitch remain with her puppies?

How do you socialize the puppies? Do you spend time with each puppy individually, and when old enough away from the rest of the litter? Does anyone else spend time handling the puppies?

Can you give me three names for reference?

Who is your veterinarian, and can I call him or her for reference?

What dog organizations are you a member of? If you're a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, are you familiar with its code of ethics, and do you follow it?

Can I call you for advice if I purchase one of your puppies?

Do you offer a guarantee?