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Dog or puppy shopping? What to look for in a Breeder. Not all kennels are created equal. Before paying any money it is important to do your research and verify the credibility of the breeder. The web is a great place to start. Many breeds have forums and idea sharing that can be extremely helpful when trying to select a breeder. Use other’s experiences as a valuable recourse in the decision making process. You must distinguish those looking to make a fast buck from those breeders who stand by the quality of their dogs. The more advanced breeders will sell both pet and show quality pups. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before sending a deposit to a breeder: 1) Are the breeders experts? The breeder should be able to answer and provide you with valuable information that will help transition the dog into its new home. The great breeders out there will provide care sheets, questionnaire’s, and short term food supply. Make sure the passion and knowledge is there. You want to make sure you have a nice healthy puppy. The breeder I purchased my dog from suggested Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray For Dogs & Cats 16oz Make sure that they produce the type of dog that you really want. 2) Can you see the kennel in person? So you have found a credible breeder who produces dogs you like….. now you need to know if you can see the kennel in person. Many times the kennels can be spread throughout the country, and not every one will have the luxury of seeing the kennel in person. Things to look for: the kennel is clean, dogs are all up to date on shots, and the breeder can provide papers, and proof of show competition. 3) Do Breeders ship? Most of the breeders out there today will ship their dogs within the country as well as internationally. United States domestic purchases of breeder produced pups are a common occurrence. Air travel can be a traumatic event for a young puppy, make sure that you do NOT have the dog shipped before 8 weeks. Any good breeder knows the first 7 and 8 weeks are important for adequate socialization. 4) Which pup is mine? Breeders work on a deposit list. Generally, this is a first come first serve system. The person who puts the first deposit down will have the first pick. The deposits are divided into male and female picks. In some instances the kennel may decide to keep a pup for themselves, in this case they will tell you in advance. Deposits are generally non-refundable so if you write the check, make sure you are committed. 5) Who are the parents of my pup? I can not stress the importance of this point enough; you ALWAYS want to see the parents of your puppy. This will give you a better understanding of color, physical structure, and behavioral attributes. If the parents of your dogs are AKC champions, expect to pay more money. This means that the parents have been certified show dogs and have competed in past dog competitions. On the larger breeds, make sure the parent’s hips have been tested. If you are deciding on a large breed, you will want to use 1-800-PetMeds Joint Enhancer For Dogs 60 Ct Seeing a picture or interacting with the parents of your puppy is an absolute must. A good breeder will make a world of difference for both you and your puppy. I purchased my one year old Staffordshire Terrier from a breeder one year ago and still keep in contact and exchange photos with her. It was clear from talking on the phone with her that she loved dogs, and she loved talking about them. I was a first time owner of the Staffordshire Terrier and she was very helpful in answering any and all questions. The point is, a good breeder will make themselves a valuable resource for the greater good of the puppy and owner.
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