If you’re considering adding a new puppy to your family and have an affinity for a certain breed, you will need to do some research to find just the right breeder from whom to purchase your puppy. While it’s exciting to get a new dog, it’s important to take the time to do this, even if it means waiting awhile for a litter to become available. Following, are some things to look for:
- Is the breeder registered with the American Kennel Club? Check at www.akc.org. While this in itself is not a guarantee of quality, it is a good starting point.
- Are both parents of the puppies onsite for you to meet? They always should be. Explanations involving studs from the midwest (or elsewhere) can be a red flag.
- How are the puppies housed? It should be very clean and all of the dogs on premises should be happy and healthy looking.
- Does the breeder make you feel as if you’re being interviewed as to whether they’ll allow you to have one of their puppies? If so, that’s a good sign. Beware a breeder who lets their dogs go to anyone with the cash.
- If the breed you’re interested in may be predisposed to a common ailment, (such as hip displaysia or entropia), the breeder should offer medical certifications showing that three generations of the puppies’ lineage on both sides have been tested and are clear.
- Never buy a dog you can’t see first. Most reputable breeders will not ship their dogs.
- How many breeds of dogs does this breeder offer? More than two is a sign that they may be more of a puppy mill and less of a professional.
- What traits have the dogs been bred for? Show, family temperament or working? This is an important factor because those bred for working may have extremely strong working drives that could be difficult in a “regular” family pet environment, while those bred for show may have a great appearance but might not have the personality you’re wishing for.
- If buying a puppy from a show breeder because the dog “didn’t make the cut” for showing, be sure to find out how the puppy has been cared for in the meanwhile. He should be socialized with people, dogs, and household items. Those kept exclusively in a kennel environment may have fear or socialization problems.
- How old is the minimum age the breeder will let the puppies go to their homes? It should not be younger than eight weeks minimum.
- What are the breeder’s policies about taking the dog back if you run into problems down the road? A reputable one will not only stand by their dogs, but will usually also require that the dog be returned to them should a problem arise.
- How frequently does the dam have litters? It is a bad sign if the same dam has had many litters close together.
- If the conditions at the breeder’s location are not good, do not buy a dog because you feel like you’re rescuing it. There are plenty of dogs in shelters that need good homes and to buy one from such a circumstance only helps keep disreputable breeders in business.
- Do not buy a dog from a “backyard breeder.” This is a regular person or family who is having a litter for fun or money, and is not a professional.
- Never, under any circumstances, buy a dog from a pet store.
With a dog living about 15 years, it is certainly worthwhile to take the time to do your research. You are far more likely to end up with a healthy pet of appropriate temperament who you can enjoy for many years to come.
Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, small business consultant, and Certified Master Trainer for 18+ years. Her novel, “Momnesia,” (contemporary women’s fiction) has been designated a National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, and her nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” has been widely acclaimed in its genre. To learn more, please visit www.LoriTheAuthor.com and join Lori on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor.
