Friday, May 4, 2012

How To Find A Good Dog Breeder




So, you've decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise, train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for the next 10 to 20 years. You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek out your desired characteristics in individual dogs, not breeds, because breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes.

Because you know that about one in every four dogs in U.S. animal shelters is a purebred, you start there, because you want to do the right thing and help a homeless dog. You know that most dogs lose their homes because of "people reasons" like cost, lack of time, lifestyle changes (new baby, divorce, moving, or marriage), or allergies, and not because of something the dog has done. You've checked out the purebred rescue group for your breed, but still haven't found "The One." And you're way too smart to buy a puppy from a pet store because you know that most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilities better known as puppy mills.
So, you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder�but you don't want to support someone who doesn't have their dogs' best interest at heart.
How do you identify and find a reputable breeder? First, know that good breeders breed not just to make money�they don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting people buy puppies from breeders (or neighbors) who breed their dog to make a little money or simply because they have a dog "with papers." Too often, the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered until years later. Unfortunately, these new-pet families often end up heartbroken, with a dog who has genetic health problems or develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization. In some cases, these problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat.
To avoid these pitfalls, copy the following checklist, and take it with you as you visit different breeders. If the breeder you're working with doesn't meet all of the minimum criteria listed, The Humane Society of the United States advises you to walk away. Remember, your dog will likely live 12 to 20 years, so it's well worth investing some time now to be sure you're working with a reputable breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs.
You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting dog shows. Remember, a reputable breeder will never sell her dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow her to thoroughly meet with and interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible lifelong home.
Please don't ever buy a dog without personally visiting where he or she was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life.

How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder - Tips from The Humane Society of the United States

Look for a breeder who at a minimum:

* Keeps her dogs in the home as part of the family - not outside in kennel runs.

* Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors.

* Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time - an area that is clean and well maintained.

* Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents - at a minimum, the pup's mother , when you visit.

* Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what are called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperment).

* Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.

* Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed - there are specific genetic concerns for every breed - and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents tested (and should have the results from the parents' parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with documentation for all testing she has done through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

* Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.

* Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.

* Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.

* Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.

* Actively competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their "breed standard"), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in their specific breed.

* Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.

* Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you use a specific veterinarian.



In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her puppies to the first interested buyer!

The breeder should require you to:



* Explain why you want a dog.

* Tell her who in the family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of her time, and what "rules" have been decided upon for the puppy - for example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?

* Provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets or, if you do not have other pets, she should ask which practices you are considering for your new puppy.

* Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have companion animals.

* Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog (unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her, which applies to show-quality dogs only) and require proof that you have done so.

* Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dogs life.