Choosing the Correct Dog Breeder
When deciding to buy a dog, you need to be able to choose a responsible/reputable breeder.
Visiting Your Puppy
You should be able to visit the breeder’s home or kennel and see at least one of the puppy’s parents. While there, pay attention to the parent’s temperament and appearance so that you get a sense of what your puppy may be like. Also, observe the premises. Is the house/kennel clean? Odour free? Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively, and friendly. Look for signs of malnutrition (like protruding rib cages) or signs of illness, like a runny nose and eyes, coughing, lethargy, and sores. While there visiting it is important to interact with the puppies. Never agree to meet someone in a car park, etc. as this can often be people trying to sell puppies who are too young or even stolen puppies.
Does The Breeder Genuinely Care For The Puppies?
The puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.
The Breeder Should Care About The Health Of The Puppies
The breeder should be able to tell you if the mother and father dogs have had correct health checks before breeding. Have the puppies had a health check by a vet? Also, certain breeds are susceptible to certain ailments and illnesses so these breeds may have certificates of health (e.g. hip and eye scores).
‘Rare Breeds Or Sizes’
A toy dog breeder should not market “teacup” varieties. This is not an actual size classification and is usually achieved through breeding runts. So-called teacup dogs often come with a host of health problems.
Buying a ‘Rare Breed’ that is a cross of two breeds, is not a breed! It is a crossbreed. So be very wary of people charging large amounts for these dogs.
Breeder After Care
Your breeder should encourage to you contact them about your puppy as it grows. You should be able to contact the breeder for help and information. The breeder should ask for your contact details. Most importantly trust your instinct if you feel something isn’t correct then doesn’t feel pressured into buying a puppy/dog.
Bringing Your Puppy Home
A responsible breeder shouldn’t allow puppies to leave their mother until 8-12 weeks old. Puppies need time to learn to socialise. These valuable life skills are taught by the mother and litter mates.
Signing A Contract
A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract. This may state that you have to ask permission if you choose to breed your dog in future. It may also say the dog must go back to the breeder if you cannot care for it properly or find yourself in a circumstance beyond your control where you can no longer give the dog your time and attention.
Thank you to Cheryl from Posh Poochies Tipton for this fantastic blog!
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When buying a dog, it’s important to ensure that everything is done above board and in proper code. For any questions, queries, or concerns, contact us on Facebook.
