What traits do you breed for specifically?
The breeder should focus on temperament, and please do not accept a one word answer of “temperament”. All dogs have a temperament, it is what kind of temperament the dog has tat matters. There aren't much in the way of breed standards regarding temperament and so the breeder should be very specific about what they like and breed for in their specific dogs and why.
Not all dogs are cuddly perfect family dogs. Be familiar with the breed you’re looking for and please ensure you’re choosing that breed based on function and temperament and not based on physical appearance. Choosing a dog based on appearance is one reason so many dogs end up in shelters and rescues.
Some breeders are show breeders primarily. If their answer is a simple “to meet breed standards” and they refer you to the breed club for answers you should be wary of this breeder. It means all they care about is what the dog looks like. If this is your only goal in choosing a dog I will remind you that a dog is not an accessory but a living, breathing, thinking animal and one that has the potential to be dangerous to boot.
If you don’t think you'll care about the danger even the smallest dog can present, think about how you’ll feel facing a lawsuit and a judge. Dogs don’t just cause problems by biting. They can cause car accidents, fear and emotional damage, property damage and destruction, and so on. A dog is a liability. Only get a dog if you’re looking for a family member and go get a new car or purse or a painting if you want a status symbol or an accessory.
What are your goals in breeding?
The breeder should have goals you can understand and that are clearly defined. The goal should not be “to produce great dogs”. That is a “duh” goal and goes without saying. What is the goal, really? To produce champion dogs? To carefully develop a quality line of champion dogs? (A line is a difficult thing to develop and takes about 5-10 years to establish.) Those are all perfectly acceptable answers. What answers you like or dislike is a personal decision. But there should be an answer of some kind that isn't just a brush off. Also check to see if the breeder has a “mission statement” or something on their “about” page that might already answer this question thoroughly.
