Dog Breeders
How To Choose The Right One
If you are looking for a new purebred
dog, finding good dog breeders will be your first priority.
Unfortunately, new and excited potential dog owners
simply do not take time to learn information about dog breeders and end up
purchasing a puppy from a backyard breeder or one of many puppy mills. This is
usually someone that does not follow the standards for the American Kennel Club
and who often are more interested in making money rather than concerning
themselves with the health and happiness of the dog. This type of unethical
breeding is becoming extremely common in small dog breeding, because of the
growing popularity of small dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, and
teacup dogs like the Chihuahua.
What can come from this is a puppy that grows into
an adult dog having health problems or, even worse, behavioral issues. To
avoid this it is best to keep in mind some of the following practices when looking
for a breeder. Remember, when looking for your new puppy, try to remain as level
headed as possible about the purchase of your new pooch and follow your
instincts about the breeder.
When
shopping for a dog breeder, look for one who…
Will Allow You to Visit...
Visiting where the
puppies have been raised is essential. This gives you a good idea of exactly how
the puppies and their parents are treated. You should always be looking for one that
makes the dogs part of the family, so they learn socialization from an early
age. It is best to choose a breeder where the dogs and puppies are made part of
the family, kept in the home, instead of at another location like a kennel.
It is also best to avoid purchasing from a dog breeder
where the dogs seem to shy away from visitors or if the dogs are not kept in a
clean, healthy environment. This may mean health or temperament problems right
from the start. If a breeder isn’t willing to let you come and spend time with
the dogs to help get acquainted with your new puppy, this might signal a problem
as well. A breeder that cares about their dogs will want you to get to know the
breed before sending them to a new home.
Is a Select Breeder...
Most reputable breeders only breed one, or maybe two,
dog breeds at a time. This is usually their absolute favorite breed that they
are extremely knowledgeable about. Many of them will even be trainers or will have
a few of their own dogs of that particular breed that they show in competitions.
They will also be a select
breeder because they will not have an abundance of puppies running around, but
will most likely have a waiting list for the next litter. This usually means
they are not trying to produce as many puppies as possible for financial gain.
Has Dog Records...
Although it
is not absolutely necessary that the breeder you choose keeps immaculate records of the lineage
of your puppy, most of them will have at least some type of history of the puppy.
They will also have the dog registered within the breed category and
should absolutely have records of the puppy’s vaccination history. Most do not let
puppies go to their new owners until the puppies are 10-12 weeks old, so they
should have received 1-2 sets of shots by this point, as well as removing worms
and being placed on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.
Offers Guidance...
While some dog
breeders will be friendlier than others, you should definitely look for one that is
willing to help you get on your feet with your new dog. This includes offering
advice about temperament and health issues with the breed, as well as offering a
reputable veterinarian. You will also want a breeder that offers tips for
handling a puppy, especially if this is your first time with a puppy of this
breed.
Provides a Contract...
All
reputable dog breeders will ask you to sign a written contract that is used as a
health guarantee for the dog, as well as a promissory note that you will take
care of the dog and have them spayed or neutered, as well as following up on
vaccinations. This contract means that if major health problems become an issue,
you will receive a refund on the dog. It also shows the concern of dog breeders,
who want to make sure the dog is in good hands once they leave the property.
In closing, please keep in mind that the tips
offered above will not guarantee that the dog breeder you finally choose will be a
good one. These tips should be viewed only as a general guideline and supplement to your own
research and common sense.
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