Ten Things to Consider When

Buying a Puppy.

 

 

1. Do plenty of reading about the breed to see if they suit your lifestyle.

2. Where are you getting the puppy? From a pet shop, backyard breeder, rescue, hobby or
   show breeder?

3. Are the parents on the premises and can you meet them?

4. What health certifications do the parents have?

5. What health concerns are in the pedigree, such as Hip Dysplasia, bone & joint disease,
   eye problems etc. Note all bloodlines of all breed have some problems, just be aware.

6. Do they belong to any breed clubs, organizations or rescues? Do they show in
   conformation, obedience, agility? Do they frequent dog parks or do their dogs just sit
   in their backyards?

7. How often have they bred the female? Has she been given a chance to recoup from her
   last pregnancy or was she rebred one after the other?

8. Are they willing to provide you with referrals or references from past puppy buyers?

9. Will they provide a health certificate for the puppy before you buy?

10. Will there be a written contract at the time of sale? And what does it entail?

Pet shops tend to buy their puppies from Puppy Mills. These places breed with no concern for the welfare of the breed or dog. They look at the dogs like they are a commodity. They breed the dog as much as possible without a thought to how this will affect the Mother or puppies. Many times, these dogs end up with health and temperament problem.

Backyard breeder (BYB) is a person who gets a male and a female and decides to breed them without consideration their conformation, temperment or looking into their pedigree. They tend to look at the breeding as a money making venture more then anything else. These puppies vary in price from inexpensive to pricey and may either come with or without papers. One should be aware that there could be issues with soundness and temperment.

Hobby and show breeders have spent a lot of time and money on researching for compatible pedigrees to insure the puppies will improve the breed. These breeders watch very carefully not to breed dogs with any health issues. Many of these dogs will see the show ring, but they also make great pets. Most will be papered. The pet quality pups may have a limited registration along with a cluase to spay/neutar. The prices may be more then the other sources mentioned but the quality of dog most likely will be better.

Rescues are wonderful source where you can find dogs of all ages. This is a great source to find an older dog if you wish to bypass the "puppy" phase. You can find both papered and non-papered dogs, but most will be fixed before leaving to go home with you. These are dogs that had to be given up, found as strays, have been abused or saved from the pound. This is where they are given a second chance at life, a chance to find a loving and caring home.