Choosing a Dog Breeder
If you have decided to buy a purebred puppy, your next task is to decide where you are going to purchase this puppy. You will find the following main types of dog breeders.
Reputable breeders are people who breed puppies due to their love of dogs and concern for the future of their chosen breed. These breeders are familiar with the genetic concerns and breed standards, and carefully choose the dogs to be mated with the hope of producing healthy puppies that conform to the breed. They will be able to provide evidence of veterinary examinations and offer a health guarantee. They will be able to speak to the puppy's lineage and why they chose the parents to breed.
Preferably, the dogs are kept inside the breeder's home so that they are well-socialized. If not, he or she will tell you about the time that the puppies spend interacting with humans daily. The puppies will appear to be well-kept, and if kennels are used, they are kept clean.
A good breeder will ask questions about your living situation and plans for the puppy. He or she will refuse to sell puppies into situations where they could be harmed.
The best places to find this type of breeder are local or national breed clubs. Occasionally, they may advertise in a local newspaper or dog-related publication.
Backyard breeders are people who breed dogs to make a profit because they want to make money or they think having puppies would be fun. Generally, these people are not concerned with maintaining breed standards and are not well-versed on choosing potential mates for their dogs. This can lead to puppies with temperament or genetic problems since these issues probably weren't considered when the dogs were bred. While some backyard breeders do genuinely care about their dogs, buying from them is more risky. Since you hope to have your dog for many years, you will want to choose a dog with the least possible chance of developing health and temperament problems.
Puppy mills produce large quantities of puppies purely for a profit motive. No consideration is given to the choice of dogs to mate, and usually the dogs are housed in substandard conditions. Oftentimes, the animals are abused such as forcing a female to have puppies before she is developmentally ready or to have too many litters back-to-back. Veterinary care is usually not provided to these puppies.
Puppy mills supply many pet shops and dog auctions. Even though a pet store may offer a health guarantee for one year, most genetic issues do not show up until later in a dog's life. And, many pet store dogs can have temperament issues due to being housed too long in a cage and improper socialization. The first few months of a puppy's life are critical to its long-term ability to happily live with humans. You want to get a puppy who has been raised around people and preferably, other animals.
Buying a puppy is a decision that you will live with for years. You owe yourself and your dog the best possible chance of having a rewarding relationship, free of health and temperament issues. Buy your puppies only from reputable dog breeders.
Copyright 2008