Choosing A Dog Breeder

Buying a puppy is a big commitment--after all, your new dog is going to be a member of your family for many years. For this reason, it is important that you take great care in choosing a dog breeder.

If you are looking for a dog on classified ads, or in a pet store, it can be tempting to buy a puppy based solely on how cute it is now. However, not knowing the history of a puppy or buying a puppy from someone who is just looking to make some money is not the way to go. Neglecting to choose a good dog breeder can result in a number of problems, including:

· Behavioral problems. Puppies who are bred carelessly may be inbred, or sired by dogs of which the breeder has no knowledge of its history. This can result in behavioral problems like aggression.

· Health problems. Some breeders breed puppies without knowing if health problems are present.

If you are looking for a puppy, these are a few tips to help you choose a reputable dog breeder:

Get recommendations.

If you are unsure where to start, ask for recommendations for a breeder. Talk to veterinarians, groomers, boarding kennels, local kennel clubs, and other pet owners and ask them where reputable breeders in your area are.

Visit the breeder's home or kennel.

You should visit the place where the puppies are bred and raised. This will tell you a lot about the way the puppies are raised. The area should be clean and well-kept. If there are a large number of cages with multiple different breeds, you should avoid this breeder--this could be indicative of a puppy mill or a breeder who breeds for quantity and not quality.

Ask to see the dog's parents.

There should be at least one parent of the dog on site. Reputable breeders will be happy to introduce you to the dog(s.) The parent should be socialized, approachable, and friendly. If the dog is aloof or the breeder won't let you see it, for whatever reason, consider this a red flag.

In addition, ask to see the entire litter. The puppies should look healthy and sociable.

Be prepared with questions.

You should be prepared to ask the breeder lots of questions, so make sure you do research on the breed before going. Things you will want to ask the breeder include:

· What is the health history of the puppies and parents? The parents should be screened for any diseases associated with the breed. (Each breed has predispositions to certain diseases, so this is one area where it's important to do your homework.) The puppies should have their first round of vaccinations as well as deworming.

· Refund policies. You will also want to ask about the return/refund policies. The breeder should have a health guarantee and be willing to replace or refund the puppy if it gets a genetic disease at any point.

· Ask for references. Most breeders should be willing to provide you with references of people who have previously purchased their puppies. Be sure to call them and speak with them as well.

Sadly, there are many breeders who breed recklessly, resulting in sickly puppies or puppies with behavior problems. By doing your research, you can find a reputable breeder.

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