When a reputable breeder sells a puppy, he is looking for a loving and permanent home for him. Good breeders take responsibility for the puppies they bring into this world, not only while they are in their home but for their lifetime!

A good breeder will take the time to explain how his puppies are raised and what is done to socialize the dog. He will want to stay in touch with you to know how the puppy is doing and growing. He always will be available for help and advice. He will not sell his puppies to everyone. Do not assume that because a particular breed appeals to you, it is therefore the right one for you. If you have decided to get a Sloughi, the consciencious breeder will help you to decide if the Sloughi is a good breed for you. He will be interested in you and that's why he will be asking you to fill out a detailed form to know you, your family, and your lifestyle. Answer frankly. He will want to know if you previously owned dogs; which breed; what happened to these dogs (the breeder will have excellent feelings if you have had dogs who lived with you until an old age!); if you presently own a dog; if you have children and how old they are; what made you decide to inquire about a Slougli; if you live in an apartment, a house or other; if you have a fenced yard; how many hours a day you are away from home; whether you prefer a male or female, color, etc...

Sloughi breeders must make potential owners aware that the Sloughi is a wonderful and very special breed but is not for everybody and should explain why.

Take the time to locate a breeder who is commited to breeding excellence. "Physical soundness is not the only concern of a reputable breeder". The personality of the dog is something you will live with for many years. Any conscientious breeder will be more than happy to discuss a particular puppy's family background. He will describe the result of similar breedings so that you can be able to judge the background of the puppy.

Be cautious:

Don't trust a breeder who is overly critical of other breeders. If he has to do that to prove how good he is, go away from him and continue your search. A good breeder is working and sharing his knowledge with other breeders and has no time for criticizing others.

The most important thing a dog can be is man's best friend.

To have a correct and beautiful puppy in good physical health is not enough, he should be raised to be a great companion too. Be cautious with a breeder who speaks too much about his wins or multitude of champions (shows and/or performance). Ask the breeder his motivation for breeding and showing. "Breeding for show purpose will always be secondary to the welfare of the breed".

Ask for references.

Showing dogs is an integral part of a reputable breeder 's world. Many people are showing because they are dedicated to their breed and want to produce dogs as close as possible to the standard. But many also, unfortunately, show their dogs for the ego trip of the win or for owning top winners. These things have their place but it is much more important to hear about the breeding program, the work and progress of a breeder.

Champions are champions and not necessarly the best reproducers. The welknown sentence: breed the Best to the Best and you will have the Best does not mean: breed a Champion to a Champion and you will have the Best!

A good breeder will be a member of a good and serious breed club. A good breeder will provide you with at least a three generation pedigree (4 is better), info on the breed, photos of the puppies and his parents, a complete health record (immunizations, wormings) and the phone number of his veterinarian. He will also include info on how to feed the puppy and very important, before you make your decision, he will have given to you the opportunity to read his sale contract which should include the guarantees along with date of birth, registration numbers, names of the parents, etc...

The good breeder will also guarantee in his contract, for the life of the dog, that he will take him back, if for any reason, the Buyer is unable to keep him.

You may want only a companion, not a show dog. If the breeder determines that the puppy is not of breeding or showing quality, he will probably ask you to spay or neuter the puppy and this should also be indicated in the sale contract.

A reputable breeder loves his dogs at heart and he cares about each one. He cannot make a profit from the sale of his puppies. It is even difficult to break even. It is a life commitment and a reputable breeder does it only for the love and the betterment of his breed.

Take your time! Don' be afraid to ask a lot of questions; make a list of them. At the end, you should have a positive feeling.

If you trust the breeder you found and decide to go with him, enjoy the new relationship with him (often becoming new friendship) and prepare yourself to receive your Sloughi puppy. He will bring you a lifetime of happiness, companionship, devotion and love.