How To Choose A Reputable Dog Breeder
By purchasing a purebred puppy, you are making a sizable investment in your family pet for the next 10 to 15 years. Once you have researched the breeds of dogs and chosen a breed that is suitable for your family it is time to find a reputable dog breeder and select your puppy.
1. Start by asking your veterinarian, friends and local breeding or training clubs for recommendations. The American Kennel Club's website also maintains a list of reputable breeders for each breed. (www.akc.org). Attend local dog shows and watch the breed you have selected as it is shown in the ring. Talk to the owners or handlers of the dogs after they have shown in the ring. The AKC maintains a list of dog shows on their website also.
2. Call the recommended breeders to find out when they will have litters available. Ask if you can visit the puppies once born, as well as meet the mother and father, if he is in the area. A reputable breeder is interested in finding the very best homes for the puppies and should require potential owners to visit.
3. Ask questions. A good breeder should have experience and breed only one or two breeds. The breeder should be knowledgeable about breed standards in areas such as temperament, health, size and coat. Breeders who show their dogs at AKC sponsored shows are more likely to own dogs that meet the breed standards.
4. Ask if the breeder screens for health problems associated with the breed. Ask for veterinarian records and any test results which may show that the breeder’s dogs don't suffer from such health problems. Make sure the puppies have seen a vet at least once or twice before being purchased. Obtain a vaccination record for the puppy. Determine if the puppy has been given flea and heartworm medication.
5. Visit the puppies. Note where they live--good breeders keep puppies in their homes, in a clean, safe environment. Spend time with the puppies and notice if they seem happy, friendly and healthy.
6. Ask the breeder for references from people who've bought her puppies. A reputable breeder stays in contact with the owners of her puppies.
7. The breeder should require a written contract setting forth the terms of the purchase of the puppy. The contract should include a health guarantee. It should require that you spay or neuter the puppy if it is sold as a pet. If the puppy is for show, the contract should provide the circumstances under which the puppy may be bred and any restrictions on selling the resulting puppies. It should also require that the puppy must be returned to the breeder if for any reason you cannot keep the puppy.
8. A reputable breeder provides basic information about how to care for and train your new puppy, and will be available to assist you once you take your puppy home.
9. If anything about the breeder, her adult dogs or puppies appears questionable, you should contact a different breeder.
1. Start by asking your veterinarian, friends and local breeding or training clubs for recommendations. The American Kennel Club's website also maintains a list of reputable breeders for each breed. (www.akc.org). Attend local dog shows and watch the breed you have selected as it is shown in the ring. Talk to the owners or handlers of the dogs after they have shown in the ring. The AKC maintains a list of dog shows on their website also.
2. Call the recommended breeders to find out when they will have litters available. Ask if you can visit the puppies once born, as well as meet the mother and father, if he is in the area. A reputable breeder is interested in finding the very best homes for the puppies and should require potential owners to visit.
3. Ask questions. A good breeder should have experience and breed only one or two breeds. The breeder should be knowledgeable about breed standards in areas such as temperament, health, size and coat. Breeders who show their dogs at AKC sponsored shows are more likely to own dogs that meet the breed standards.
4. Ask if the breeder screens for health problems associated with the breed. Ask for veterinarian records and any test results which may show that the breeder’s dogs don't suffer from such health problems. Make sure the puppies have seen a vet at least once or twice before being purchased. Obtain a vaccination record for the puppy. Determine if the puppy has been given flea and heartworm medication.
5. Visit the puppies. Note where they live--good breeders keep puppies in their homes, in a clean, safe environment. Spend time with the puppies and notice if they seem happy, friendly and healthy.
6. Ask the breeder for references from people who've bought her puppies. A reputable breeder stays in contact with the owners of her puppies.
7. The breeder should require a written contract setting forth the terms of the purchase of the puppy. The contract should include a health guarantee. It should require that you spay or neuter the puppy if it is sold as a pet. If the puppy is for show, the contract should provide the circumstances under which the puppy may be bred and any restrictions on selling the resulting puppies. It should also require that the puppy must be returned to the breeder if for any reason you cannot keep the puppy.
8. A reputable breeder provides basic information about how to care for and train your new puppy, and will be available to assist you once you take your puppy home.
9. If anything about the breeder, her adult dogs or puppies appears questionable, you should contact a different breeder.