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Important things to look
for when choosing to buy from a breeder
What defines a responsible breeder?? Is it
their love of their dogs? Love of the breed? Their lifelong commitment to each
and every puppy they bring into this world or simply they are cheaper then
everyone else you've talked to??
As a breeder it is their responsibility to the breed, the dogs and the buyer
that should be topmost. With that in mind here are some questions you should ask
every breeder you talk to:
Do they provide a written health guarantee?This is important, not only for you
but also for the dog and the breeder. They should be willing to stand behind the
health and integrity of their breedings, protect the puppies they bring into the
world and be prepared if for any reason something happens. It should include not
only compensation for the next few days but if for any reason any genetic faults
should arise. They should be willing to compensate or take back and replace a
dog under these circumstances.
Do they vet check and give appropriate vaccinations before they sell the
puppies? At what age are the puppies sold?Once again this is important to make
sure that you are getting a puppy that is healthy and has no underlying
problems. It should include a physical examination, a record of any medication (deworming,
etc), shots (brand and type) and any testing (stool check, etc). In toy breeds
it is recommended that all puppies should not go to their new homes before 8
weeks of age The preferred age of going is 10 to 16 weeks depending on the puppy
(smaller ones take longer to mature so should stay with Mum a bit longer) and
the breeder. No puppy should leave the breeders home before a vet check.
Can the parents be seen?In some cases the parents wont be with the breeder,
perhaps both or perhaps either the Mum or Dad. In most cases you can generally
be sure to see the Mum and perhaps the Dad. You can then be able to see the
temperament and physical characteristics that have gone into that new puppy.
There are no guarantees that your pup will look just like Mum or just like Dad
(just like many human children look nothing like their parents) but it gives you
an idea of the dogs the breeder is utilizing.
Can they give any references?This might include previous puppy buyers, other
breeders and vets.
How long have they been breeding?If they are just starting out they are new to
the scene and might not be as informed as someone with more experience. Remember
though, just because they have been doing it longer doesn't mean they have been
doing it right.
Are the puppies registered? Is there a Minimum Donation difference between registered and
unregistered?Canadian Kennel Club rules to charge extra for CKC registration or
even to have the buyer pay for this right. All CKC breeders must permanently
identify by either tattoo or microchip each and every puppy before it leaves
their home and provide In Canada it is against the law to represent in
advertising or other means a dog as purebred if it is not eligible for Canadian
Kennel Club registration. It is also against CKC registration papers to the new
owner within 6 months of purchase. It is not necessary for all breeders to be
CKC club members but membership does show a commitment to purebred dogs by the
breeder. You can check out the Canadian Kennel Club website at
www.ckc.ca
for more info on what CKC registration is all
about.
How are the puppies being raised? Are they in a kennel? Are they integrated with
the family? Any other pets?Certainly the first few weeks of a puppies life are
extremely important in their formation of what they consider is their world.
Puppies raised in a kennel environment tend to perceive the world somewhat
differently then those raised in a home environment. Many home raised puppies
have a head start on housebreaking, socialization with people and perhaps even
other species (cats, etc). Keep this in mind when you consider comparing
breeders.
Are these dogs from champion lines?I know, I know . You just want a nice pet,
right? But don't you want that yorkie you bought to end up looking like a yorkie????
There are many, many variations within each and every breed of dogs with
numerable faults and even some genetic mutations. A breeder who breeds for the
show ring strives to breed that perfect dog of course there is no such thing but
its the challenge that drives them on. With champions in the pedigree you can be
more confident that your puppy will end up looking like a good representative of
the breed.
Do you require a spay/neuter agreement?All dogs bought, as pets only are better
of altered They are happier, healthier and their owners never have to worry
about an unplanned pregnancy, male marking or the dog escaping when the mood is
right (just to name a few). Most responsible breeder will insist on this as they
understand the heavy responsibility of breeding (as well as its risks) and
prefer their pups be happy pets with no sexual encumbrances.
If for any reason in the future you cant keep the dog will the breeder be
willing to take it back?This shows a commitment to that dog every responsible
breeder understands that life is not always smooth sailing and should for any
reason the new owner be unable to keep the dog for any reason that the only
responsible thing to do is take the dog back and either find it a new home that
is appropriate for that dog or keep that dog themselves. Get this in writing!
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