Breeder-visit checklist — Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental abnormalities | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) (CPRA) Eye examination | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Retinal Dysplasia (RD) Eye examination | Frei von totaler Retinadysplasie (RD) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cataract (HC) Eye examination | Frei von HC (Cataracta corticalis, posterior polar, nuclearis) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) X-ray | Grad I (leicht) oder besser | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) X-ray | C1 (leicht) oder besser | ☐ | ☐ |
| Degenerative encephalopathy (DE) DNA test | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Relevant in addition depending on line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ectropion / Entropion | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Corneal dystrophy (CD) Eye examination | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) (PPM) Eye examination | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) (HA) Body-fluid analysis | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
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