Choosing the Right Dog Breeder
Eric Shannon
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to search for a breeder from which to purchase the animal. This can typically be as simple as opening the advertising part of your local newspaper, however you need to be sure that you're choosing a reputable breeder. There are many ways to verify that the breeder you’re contacting is dependable, knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy.
The first thing to do is ask for references. All good breeders will be happy to show you references from clients he's previously worked with. These will be individuals or families who have bought a puppy or even used a stud service and will be eager to share their experiences. Someone you know is also a very good option recommends picking a breeder that. If your friend or family member was happy with the treatment and service he received, you will probably be pleased also.
When you meet the breeder, be prepared to answer plenty of questions. An outstanding breeder will probably ask you more questions than you ask him. Great breeders want to make sure that the dogs they breed are positioned in the right type of situation. They could ask if you have kids, what size home or property you have, and many more questions to help them let you know whether the puppy you want to buy is the right breed for you and your family. A breeder that does not ask these kinds of questions might just be out for the money from selling the litter and is probably not the sort of breeder you wish to get your dog from. A top-notch breeder always has the best interest of both the puppy and the clients as his top priority.
You will also want to secure some type of guarantee. A very good breeder has already had the puppies looked at for potential health risks prior to ever selling the dog. A few problems though, aren't detectable until later in life. If you acquire a Labrador pup, for instance, and 6 months later see that it's got hip dysplasia (a genetic defect in the hip joints, it's typically undetectable until the puppy is about a year old), an honest breeder will give you a refund, because this ailment comes along with thousands of dollars in vet bills. Genetic defects like this one are avoided by utilizing selective breeding (hip dysplasia in dogs has between a twenty-five percent and eighty-five percent chance that it's hereditary), however, periodically, a puppy will contract the disorder even if there isn't a history of it in either parent’s bloodlines.
Besides searching the newspaper or using the world wide web for a breeder, they can be located through local veterinarian’s offices, pet supply stores, and at dog shows. Dog shows are an incredibly wonderful option since the breeders that attend these shows are typically showing 1 of their dogs or even are there to see the performance of one that they bred and sold in the past. Their presence also shows a commitment to their dogs, which is a positive sign that you might want to do business with this breeder.
About the author: Eric Shannon is a freelance author who also publishes the Dog Lovers Report, which is a biweekly newsletter with a very large readership. He also runs Beds For Doggies, which carries a large selection of Dog Beds, Dog Couches, and Dog Furniture.