How To Find A Quality Puppy

Does it really make a difference where you get a puppy, provided you find the breed you want? Yes, absolutely. If you're not planning to breed the dog to produce winning show dogs or dependable working dogs, it might seem unimportant to seek out a breeder who strives to improve the breed with each litter. Actually, it's vitally important, and ignoring this concern can lead to disappointment, heartache and an empty bank account.

Shopping for a puppy at a pet store or from the want ads in the local newspaper should be avoided. You are likely to get a pup that was raised in poor conditions resulting in ill health and a lack of socialization. Buying from a reputable breeder is the best way to obtain a puppy. Another option is adopting a dog from a rescue organization.

Most breeders of purebred dogs breed dogs for one reason; they are head over heels in love with their breed. Their goals are constant improvement of the breed from litter to litter. When you purchase from a concerned breeder, you should expect that everything which could be done to insure correct and typical temperament, good health and conformation has been done. Breeders who care about the breed and their puppies don't lose interest in you and the pup once the payment is received. They are always there to help and guide. They want to know when there is trouble and will do all they can to assist you. Breed clubs are a great place to start your search for the right breeder and litter.

What to Look for in a Breeder

Because someone belongs to a breed club, shows their dogs and has clean facilities does not ensure that they're going to deal fairly with you or that they raise good dogs. Even a pedigree filled with champion ancestors will not ensure that you're getting a good puppy. You need to know what to ask and what to watch for.

Going to meet the breeders at their home is the best plan. The facilities used for the litter should be clean and warm. Where is it located? Puppies raised in isolation will not adjust well to the hustle and bustle of every day home life. Meet the parents of the litter. It isn't uncommon for the sire to live elsewhere. Many breeders do not keep a male, but will breed their females to the male that is most correct for that individual female.

Questions to Ask

Are both parents of the litter health checked for genetic problems common in the breed? Will the breeder give you copies of these certificates or reports?

Are all your dogs registered with the Canadian Kennel Club? And puppies will be registered?

What health guarantees are offered and under what circumstances?

How many litters does the breeder usually have per year? And how many times and how often does each female get bred?

At what age do the puppies go to their new homes?

How long have you been involved with this breed? And who was your mentor/teacher in this breed?

What health problems have been seen with relatives of the parents of the litter?

How do they socialize puppies before they go to their new homes?

The Screening Process

A concerned breeder wants to make sure that their puppy is going to a home where it will live a long and happy life. Breeders want to know that you are willing and capable of taking care of all the needs of a puppy. Expect to be asked many questions in order to determine your suitability for a puppy.

Purchase Contracts

A purchase contract is a protection for both the breeder and the buyer. All contracts will differ, but basically they usually cover health guarantees, responsibilities of the breeder and buyer and most will state that they will take the dog back if it isn't satisfactory for whatever reason. Many breeders have a spay or neuter clause in their contract for pets as a tool for controlling future accidental or misguided breedings. Be sure to understand the contract before signing and beware of extremely restrictive expectations. A conscientious breeder will ask that you sign a non‐breeding agreement as well.

Picking Your Puppy

It is not uncommon for breeders to not allow the buyer to pick his own puppy. For instance, a family with small children will not be happy with the most dominant puppy in the litter. This is the pup who will constantly be using his teeth and testing his limits. A better suited puppy for a family with young children will be the one who approaches happily, perhaps licks your hands and wants to cuddle or play gently.

Breeders who are aware of these things know that they're only courting trouble to allow an unsuitable puppy to go to the wrong home. Chances are high that that pup will be returned, or worse, taken to a shelter or placed in another home. Permanent, happy homes for both puppy and buyer alike are the goals of all good breeders.

Ongoing Support

A breeder that is knowledgeable and who is available to offer their support for the life of their puppies is invaluable to the buyer. So often a problem that a new owner is experiencing is something that the breeder may have gone through many times and has a solution to offer you. Dedicated and conscientious breeders will be interested in how their pups develop and will actively track the overall health and longevity of their litters. This is very useful information which the breeder will use to make future breeding decisions. Caring breeders also love to hear about how their pups are fitting in with their new families, any activities they are involved in, special achievements and funny stories.