| There are many different avenues to explore once | | | | 8. Does the breeder have medical records of his |
| you've decided to buy a dog. Shelters and dog | | | | stock? |
| pounds have many great dogs and puppies available | | | | A reputable breeder will have medical records of his |
| for adoption and you can find both mixed breeds and | | | | dogs and won't have a problem showing them to |
| pure bred dogs. You can find purebred dogs with | | | | you. There are many breed specific diseases that |
| papers in shelters. You can also buy a dog at a pet | | | | you should be aware of and you should check to see |
| shop and you will also find mixed breeds and | | | | if a particular breed you're interested in has been |
| purebreds in most pet shops. A third way to get a | | | | screened for possible hereditary conditions in the |
| dog is to go to a breeder, but before doing so, it's | | | | breed. The breeder should also be able to provide |
| advisable to research the subject so you can know | | | | you with prenatal care documentation which proves |
| what to look for in a reputable dog breeder. | | | | he cares about the well being of his dogs. |
| If you decide to buy from a breeder, don't assume | | | | 9. Does the breeder have health certificates? |
| that all breeders are honest as they aren't. Just | | | | If he doesn't, this should raise red flags and you |
| because someone decides to breed dogs for a living | | | | should walk away. |
| doesn't automatically make them a dog lover. Some | | | | 10. Is the breeder prepared to give you a guarantee? |
| unscrupulous breeders wouldn't think twice about | | | | A reputable and honest breeder should have no |
| breeding stock from inappropriate parents just to | | | | problem providing you with a guarantee. |
| make a quick buck. Disreputable breeders don't | | | | 11. Are you allowed to inspect the dam (mother) of |
| screen their breeding stock for potentially tragic | | | | the litter? |
| hereditary conditions that can manifest themselves in | | | | Be wary of a breeder who is vague about showing |
| future litters and they don't take the time to | | | | you the puppy's parents, you should see the mother |
| properly care for their dogs or socialized them. They | | | | at least to get an idea about how the puppy will look |
| may not even vaccinate their pups which could result | | | | when it reaches adulthood. If the sire (father) isn't on |
| in unsuspecting customers taking home an adorable | | | | the premises, the breeder should be willing to give |
| pup only to discover it is fatally ill. | | | | you references. |
| Before buying a dog from a breeder you should take | | | | 12. Avoid breeders who sell puppies to pet stores. |
| the time to ask a few questions. Ask around to see | | | | Reputable breeders care about where their pups go |
| what the breeder's reputation is in the area and try | | | | and a breeder who sells his dogs to pet shops |
| to get a list of past customers to contact and | | | | obviously doesn't really care where they end up. |
| enquire about their experience with the breeder. You | | | | Here are a few questions to include in your interview |
| shouldn't be embarrassed to interview the breeder to | | | | with the breeder: |
| see if they are knowledgeable and honest. Here are | | | | 1. Are his breeding stock certified? Reputable dog |
| a few things you should be aware of when | | | | breeders screen their breeding stock for breed |
| considering buying from a breeder: | | | | specific diseases and hereditary conditions before |
| 1. Have the puppies been socialized? | | | | breeding them to rule out possible problems in their |
| Puppies that aren't exposed to humans or that | | | | offspring. An honest breeder will make sure his |
| haven't been handled by the age of 16 weeks will | | | | breeding stock is certified by a veterinarian. You |
| remain fearful of humans throughout their lives. They | | | | should also read about the breed you're considering |
| will always shy from new situations and people and it | | | | buying to educate yourself about potential genetic |
| will be very hard to bring them out of their proverbial | | | | conditions you should be aware of. |
| shell so these pups are best avoided. Puppies that | | | | 2. Ask to see the breeder's breeding stock and the |
| haven't been properly socialized will grow up to be | | | | puppy's parents to see their size and temperament. |
| very fearful dogs that may never adapt well to new | | | | This will give you a good idea about what to expect |
| situations. A car ride will scare them, they will be | | | | from the puppy as he grows into adulthood. |
| afraid of interacting with dogs as well as humans and | | | | 3. Ask to see medical records that confirm that the |
| they will always lack self confidence. | | | | puppy has been dewormed, vaccinated and checked |
| A reputable breeder will stress the importance of | | | | by a vet. |
| early socialization and he will describe how he | | | | 4. Inquire if any puppies in the litter were sick and if |
| socializes his pups and give you some advice about | | | | so what were the symptoms, diagnosis and |
| how to socialize your new puppy further. Many dog | | | | treatment. |
| breeders make it a point to raise their young pups in | | | | 5. Check to see if the breeder offers a guarantee. |
| a home environment to ensure they are housetrained | | | | How will the breeder compensate you if the puppy |
| and well behaved in a home environment. | | | | has a severe disease? Reputable breeders are used |
| 2. Have the puppies been checked by a veterinarian? | | | | to discussing this subject and won't find it strange or |
| An honest and reliable breeder should have no qualms | | | | offensive. |
| providing you with proof of vaccination and medical | | | | 6. Request a list of references from previous |
| records of his stock. Make sure puppies have been | | | | customers who have purchased puppies from the |
| vaccinated before buying otherwise you may be | | | | breeder and call them to see what their experience |
| setting yourself up for a lot of heartache. | | | | with the breeder was like. |
| 3. Is the breeder reluctant to give you references? | | | | 7. Find out if the breeder has a spay or neuter clause |
| An honest breeder shouldn't have any problem | | | | - some breeders require that you neuter or spay |
| providing you with references of past customers | | | | your dog. |
| who you can call to see if they were happy with the | | | | 8. Don't be shy about asking about the family history |
| dogs they purchased from the breeder. | | | | of a puppy. Ask if the puppy's parents are alive or if |
| 4. Does the breeder specialize in one breed of dog or | | | | they died how old were they? Ask to see the |
| several? | | | | medical history of the pup's parents as this provides |
| If the breeder breeds many breeds instead of | | | | you with important information about your future |
| specializing in one or two breeds, this should raise a | | | | puppy. |
| red flag. It is best to buy from a breeder who | | | | 9. Find out what he breeder is feeding his puppies. |
| specializes in one breed as this means they are | | | | This can help you in making the pup's transition into |
| knowledgeable about that particular breed and they | | | | your home easier and safer. Feeding the same diet |
| should know how to breed for best qualities in the | | | | the pup is used to reduces the risk of intestinal |
| breed. | | | | disturbances, and if you want to change the pup's |
| 5. Are the breeder's facilities clean and open to | | | | diet,l you should do so gradually. |
| inspection? | | | | 10. Ask if the breeder will supply a health certificate |
| Be very wary of breeders that are reluctant to allow | | | | issued by a certified veterinarian. Many states also |
| you to inspect their facilities. A well run kennel should | | | | require a certificate of sale so be sure to inquire |
| be clean and orderly and the dogs should seem | | | | about that too. |
| healthy and happy. | | | | Following these guidelines should help protect you |
| 6. Does the place look like a puppy mill? | | | | from unscrupulous breeders and help you find the |
| If the facility feels like a puppy mill leave immediately. | | | | healthiest puppy to bring into your household. Before |
| 7. What is the condition of the puppies? | | | | buying a dog you should check that the breed you're |
| The puppies should be clean and active. They should | | | | interested in suits your particular lifestyle and do your |
| be playful and inquisitive and not afraid of people. | | | | homework before buying from a breeder. |