After reading this information and from further research, it is hoped that one would do the following in his search for a bloodhound breeder and the purchase of a puppy:

• Get to know your prospective breeder well. Learn all you can about him, his reputation as a breeder, his facilities, his attitudes concerning the breed, his professional affiliations, etc. If he is a competent and responsible breeder, he will check you out equally as well.
• Be open and honest with breeders in what kind of bloodhound you want. If you want to show or breed, state so up front--do not say that you simply want a pet in order to get a cheaper price.
• If you are interested in mantrailing or in AKC tracking events, find out what experience your breeder has in these areas. Many questionable breeders promote their stock as "Being from mantrailing lines," or as "Making good trackers," when in reality they have little or no experience to back-up their statements.
• Buy the very best bloodhound that you can afford! The initial purchase price is going to be minimal compared to the total expenditure that you will make on a hound during its lifetime and to try to save money at the outset is false economy.
• Beware of puppy mills and the irresponsible "backyard breeder."
• Avoid being taken in by smooth talking promoters who have little or no interest in the breed and whose primary interest is to make money.

Remember, there are some very important questions to ask all breeders during your initial interview. If you receive a negative answer to any of them, a large red flag should go up as these people are probably not reputable, professional breeders and should receive no serious consideration from you. The questions include:

1. Do you show your dogs?
2. Do you belong to the American Bloodhound Club?
3. Do you belong to a regional bloodhound club?
4. Do you belong to and support your local all-breed kennel club?
5. Do you obtain OFA certification on your breeding stock?

Back to Shuler Bloodhounds