1. How long have you been breeding?

2. How many litters has this Dam had?

3. Do you have an ownership contract?

   • Follow-up: What are the health testing requirements of an owner in your contract?

4. Are you a member of Breed Club?

5. Can I meet the parents?

6. Have the parents been health tested and if so what tests were done?

   Health testing should include X-rays of Hips and elbows, comprehensive eye exams, and heart exams. See here for more information.

7. What does the breeder mean when they report that all the dogs have had genetic testing?

   Genetic tests such as the “Embark” and “Wisdom” panel can verify the ancestry of a dog but it is not health testing. Presently the only genetic markers identified in Bouviers are the genes for exercised induced collapse (incidence is rare/unknown)  and degenerative myelopathy. Unfortunately, the most common genetic health problems found in Bouviers are hip dysplasia, glaucoma, cataracts, entropion (inward-turning eyelids), bloat (a potentially fatal stomach-twisting emergency), and hypothyroidism. At present, there are no known genetic markers for these.

8. What health problems (including those above) have you had in your line?

   e.g. Sire, Dam, or prior puppies.

9. Are the health tests of your dogs/puppies posted on OFA?

10. How do I find a reputable Bouvier Breeder?

    Click here to see the current list of Bouvier breeders by state.

Prefer to download a copy? Click here.