A responsible breeder will want to improve the health of the breed by breeding from only the best and healthiest dogs. Both the mother (dam) and father (sire) should have been tested or screened before mating and the results should have been carefully considered. The mother of the puppies should appear happy and healthy. Any sign of illness should be a warning sign, as this may suggest sick puppies too, or could indicate that the mother has not been cared for by the breeder. If you suspect that the mother is unwell, question the breeder. Our Health Test Results Finder service allows you to check the parents' health, including: DNA test results screening scheme results inbreeding coefficient estimated breeding values. We’re unable to record the results for all tests and screening schemes, so for any results that we don't have, you should ask the breeder to see the health certificates of the puppy’s parents. If the breeder has not carried out some, or any, of our recommendations you should ask why not. If a reasonable justification cannot be provided, then you may want to find an alternative breeder.