Stay current on Spinone health issues, including genetic diseases

Have both parents health tested: typically hips, elbows, and eyes also some may also check heart, thyroid, and genetic conditions (healthy parents is not a guarantee the pups will not develop issues)

Breed 2 or less litters per year (expect to be put on a waiting list)

Care deeply about their puppy’s future home, requiring an application and discussions of your living situation and expectations for the dog

Place the right pup with the right family based on individual traits and temperament (most breeders will consider gender or color preference, but flexibility is helpful)

Be responsible for the entire life of the puppy with a contract stipulating dogs can be returned to the breeder if the owner can no longer care for them

Wait until at least 8 weeks of age before releasing a puppy to their new home

Provide copies of the parent’s AKC registrations (AKC registration is not a health or quality guarantee)

Have an early puppy developmental enrichment and socialization program

Know health issues and testing requirements for Spinone

Be curious about the temperament and energy level of the parents and insist on meeting the dam

Ask about AKC titles and NAVHDA test scores (especially if you are interested in showing, dog sports, or hunting)

Get references from people in the Spinone community

Go to local shows or hunt tests (AKC or NAVHDA) to see Spinoni in person

Understand that the breeder will stay in contact for the puppy’s lifespan

Join the Spinone Puppy Buyer’s Guide Facebook group for additional support

Doesn’t answer all your questions

Focuses on the sale of puppies or their website allows for a full payment/deposit to be paid prior to speaking to them

Uses dogs younger than 2 years, that are shy or nervous, or the dam has been bred more than 4 times

Has different prices for specific genders or colors

Pushes food or supplements associated with multi-level marketing

Sells other “commercial” breeds

Has minimal experience with Spinone or lacks a mentor