Buying From A Responsible Breeder

Buying a dog is a big step to take. Besides raising children, having an animal is probably the next biggest responsibility you'll have to take in your life. You have to care for them, keep them healthy, and above all train them to behave the way you want them to and how they are expected. Buying from a responsible breeder can make the job a lot easier.

The advantages to buying from a responsible breeder

Researching and selecting a dog breeder after you have decided you want a purebred dog is a lot of work, but will generally pay off in the end. And although your future is never written in stone, a good dog breeder has already done the hard work to help ensure the puppies are healthy and have desirable traits. If you can interact with a breeder's dogs you will have a better idea of how your dog will turn out. There are definitely some advantages to buying from a responsible breeder than just buying from an animal shelter or pet store:

· A good breeder will have a pedigree of at least three generations for your dog so you know you're not getting ripped off. This can especially come in handy if you're planning on buying a show dog and need those papers.

· A guarantee that your dog is free from any type of inheritable disease or condition, and a full replacement or refund if something unexpected happens.

· All the care and grooming information that you will need to keep your dog clean and healthy. Some good breeders will even contact you to make sure that everything is going well.

· A puppy that has been given plenty of opportunity to socialize and train so that they will be used to that after you leave and will adjust quite easily.

· A puppy with the temperament that will match you and your family; as well as your lifestyle and home. Personality can be one of the most difficult things to change; a good breeder will help make that decision much easier and will tell you if the dog will not fit with your lifestyle.

· Plenty of help; a mentor to help out.

There are several questions you should ask every dog breeder you meet that will help ensure that you get the puppy that fits your life:

1. How many dog types do you breed at a time? A responsible dog breeder will only produce a litter of puppies with the intent of improving their breed, not just to make a lot of money. If you happen to come upon a place that looks like a "puppy mill" then turn around and walk out.

2. Do they belong to a local or national breed club? Most reputable dog breeders will belong to either the local or the national breed club and will actively compete with their dogs. And although this doesn't imply responsible breeding, it is a step in the right direction.

3. Is there a contract to sign? Many responsible dog breeders will have the dog owners sign a contract to ensure that the dogs are treated kindly and given the proper care.

Buying from a responsible breeder definitely has its advantages and can help you find a perfect match for your family. Make sure you take the needed time to interview and visit different breeding facilities to find what you're really looking for.

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