So you have decided a purebred dog is for you – now you have begun searching for that perfect puppy. No matter the breed here are some tips to assist you in your journey.
It’s critical that you find a breeder who sincerely cares about the puppies’ best interests, even long after they have gone to their new homes. It should go without saying but I will say it anyway – Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Never buy a puppy from an online store. Never buy a puppy from one of those online breeder puppy sales sites. Never buy a puppy from a website with a Paypal button. Never buy a puppy from a sign you see on the road or in a yard.
How To Identify a Responsible Breeder
A good breeder who breeds for health, type and temperament before cash considerations will always:
- Show you the parents (or at least the mother) of the puppy you are looking at, and the parents should be healthy, clean, and friendly. They should not be living primarily outdoors.
- Show you proof of health screening on all their dogs and puppies.
- Require proof that you will spay/neuter your puppy at the appropriate age and should not encourage you to breed your puppy.
- Be concerned about the animals’ welfare throughout its life.
- Insist the dog they sell you comes back to them if for any reason at any age you are no longer to keep/care for that dog.
- Involve you in the litter raising protocols as they are being raised.
- You should be required to sign a contract and the breeder should be willing to take the dog back or help you find a new home if you need to re-home the dog for any reason.
- Open honest and detailed dialog prior to and after any agreement/sale takes place.
A good breeder would never:
- Have a really large number of dogs and puppies on their property.
- Always have a litter available.
- Take deposits on puppies not yet born.
- Take non-refundable deposits.
- Sell puppies prior to eight weeks old. (10-12 weeks is best)
Keep in mind that there are breed-specific rescue groups across the country willing to help you with a rescue or re-home. Many good breeders run puppies on to see which fits best in their own home to further they programs and have older puppies or retired dogs ready for new homes.