Have a look at the WSSDCA Breeders Directory to find a breeder and contact/visit as many breeders as you can to gather lots of information.
When you visit a breeder, they should raise healthy, happy puppies and this should be reflected in the condition and temperament of the adult dogs on the premises. Their living quarters should be clean and all dogs should be well cared for. The puppies should also be clean, well-conditioned, lively and friendly.

Responsible breeders should show you all the dogs on their premises and may allow you to handle the puppies during visits, although this depends on the age of the puppies and their vaccination status. 

The mother (‘dam’) of the puppies should be in good condition, clean, happy and active. If the father (‘sire’) lives elsewhere you could ask for the owner’s contact details or to see photos of him. 

The breeder should be prepared to answer more in depth questions about the finer details of the breed, what to expect in the adult dog and both the positive and negative aspects of the breed. The breeder will help you with your choice and selection of a puppy and should be willing to provide ongoing support and advice as your puppy matures. 

Puppies should not leave their mother and the breeder until they are at least 8 weeks of age. Copies of each parent’s pedigree certificate plus the puppy’s vaccination records, worming schedule, microchip details and a puppy care and diet sheet should be available to you when or before you collect your puppy. Pedigree certificates for the puppy will be issued by the Registrar and sent to you via mail.

Example questions to ask a breeder

• Why did you choose this breed and how long have you been involved with it?

• Do you have other litters available?

• If they do not have any litters available, can they recommend another breeder?

• If we decide on your breed/litter, can we visit regularly before choosing our pup?

• Can we see the dam (mother) / sire (father) or other family members?

• Can we see all the litter together?

• At what age can we take the pup home?

• When are the puppies, wormed, microchipped and vaccinated? They should have been treated for worms from approximately 2-3 weeks and have had their first vaccination at approximately 6-7 weeks.

• Are the puppies registered with WSSDCA?

• Have the parents been upgraded for breeding? (copies of these certificates should be available for buyers)

• Are there any hereditary conditions in the breed, which may affect the health of the puppy?

• If there are hereditary problems in this breed, do you test breeding stock and are we able to view any results of those tests?

• Do you transport puppies interstate?

• If any unforeseen conditions arise, can the puppy be returned?

NB: The breeders who appear on the WSSDCA website are breeders that are financial members of the club. WSSDCA makes no representations as to the reputation of any breeder or as to the soundness or suitability of any puppy you may decide to acquire from any breeder.