If you’re looking for a puppy, be sure to do your research and ask lots of questions. By following these tips, you can find a good dog breeder who will provide you with a healthy, well-bred puppy.
When looking for a good dog breeder, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to find someone who is reputable. Do your research and ask around for recommendations. The AKC is a good place to start, and there are also many online resources available.
It’s important to find a breeder who is committed to responsible breeding practices. This means they should be using only healthy dogs of the correct age for breeding purposes, and they should be following all AKC guidelines.
The breeder should also be willing to answer any questions you have about the puppies. They should have extensive knowledge about the breed of dog you’re interested in and be able to answer questions you may have.
It’s important to find a breeder who is breeding for the right reasons – not just for profit. A good breeder will care about the welfare of their puppies and will want to place them in homes that are the best fit for them.
If your breeder offers you two puppies, check out this guide to littermate syndrome in dogs to help you understand the potential pitfalls.
Be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle and activity level, as this will help the breeder determine whether their puppies are a good match for you.
Health checks
The breeder should also be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies, as well as for the puppies themselves.
Breed specific health checks should be available for both the parents of the puppies. This is more than just a vet checking the dog over. This is likely to include x-rays to ensure hips and elbows are sound, and possibly some blood tests to rule out genetic diseases.
The results of these should be available to view online, so if the breeder says they cannot find the paperwork, or it isn’t available to view online, there is a good chance they either didn’t have it done or the results were not good so they didn’t upload them.
Premises
You should always visit the premises where the puppies are being bred. This will give you a chance to see how the dogs are living and interacting with each other. It will also allow you to meet the parents of the puppies and see how they interact with their breeder. Meeting the adults dogs that will be involved in the breeding process will give you a good sense of their temperament and health.
The breeder’s premises should be clean and the dogs should appear to be healthy and well-cared for. There shouldn’t be any evidence of malnourishment or disease. The puppies themselves should be lively and playful, and there should be no signs of ill health. The dogs should have plenty of space to run and play, and they should look clean and well-cared for.
The puppies should be well-socialized and healthy. Make sure you ask lots of questions about the care and breeding of the dogs.
Find a breeder whose surroundings are similar to your home environment, as this will make for a smoother transition for your puppy.
Once you’ve found a good dog breeder, be sure to stay in touch. This way, you can get updates on your puppy’s progress and ask any questions that may come up. A good dog breeder will be happy to keep you updated on your puppy’s development and will be there for you if you need any help or advice.
Contract
Make sure you get a contract from the breeder that outlines your rights and responsibilities as the new owner. This should include information about the health of the puppy, the breeder’s contact information, and a clause about returning the puppy if you cannot care for it.
The contract should also include a health guarantee that covers the puppy for any genetic diseases. This means that if the puppy develops a disease that is determined to be genetic, the breeder will either refund your purchase price or provide you with a replacement puppy.
Be sure to read over the contract carefully before signing it. If anything is unclear, be sure to ask the breeder to explain it. Do not sign anything that you do not agree with.
Picking up your puppy
The breeder should also have the puppies vaccinated and wormed before they go to their new homes. They should also be micro-chipped for identification.
When you go to pick up your new puppy, make sure you have everything you need. This includes a collar and ID tag, food and water bowls, a crate, and any other supplies you may need.
The breeder should provide you with a health certificate, as well as any other paperwork that is required in your state. Be sure to keep all of this in a safe place, as you will need it when you take your puppy to the vet for his or her first check-up.
Finding a good dog breeder is important if you want a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Keep these things in mind when looking for a breeder and you will be sure to find one who is responsible and committed to providing the best care possible for their dogs.
Check out this post on puppy socialization to give your new addition the best start.
