Breeder-visit checklist — Hollandse Herdershond (Dutch Shepherd Dog)
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) Roentgen | 0 oder 1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) Roentgen | A or B | ☐ | ☐ |
| Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra (LTV) Roentgen | Grad 0 oder 1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 2 (Belgian Malinois) (SDCA2) DNA | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) (PRA) | Clear | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Relevant in addition depending on line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) Roentgen | 0 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 1 (Belgian Malinois) (SDCA1) DNA | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause