Congratulations, you've decided to add a new member to your family!
Don't give in to impulse buying! Do your research on breeders. Make a list of potential breeders and waiting for a dog breeder you are comfortable with will help ensure a good fit, and a happy, healthy dog.
Part One: The Basics Before you answer that ad for "puppies for sale" or "dogs for sale", ask the following questions of a breeder.
- What size (height and weight) is correct for this dog breed?
- Does this dog breed need to be brushed or combed more often than once a week?
- Does this dog breed require professional help in clipping or grooming?
- How much ground needs to be covered in daily exercise? Is a one-mile walk a lot or not very much for this dog breed?
- Is the dog breed you have selected one of the dog breeds that are subject to any genetic diseases?
- Have the appropriate tests been performed to avoid those diseases?
- What are the most common reasons given for giving up this dog breed to rescue?
Part Two: Investigate
Confirm that all of the following are true.
Reputable breeders are more than happy to tell you about
their dogs, environment and breeding conditions.
- Puppies for sale are born on the premises - not shipped in.
- Breeder does not sell puppies to wholesalers, brokers, dealers or retail shops.
- Dog set up is clean and well kept.
- Breeder insists that the puppies for sale will be at least seven weeks old before being placed.
- Sire and dam of the litter are at least two years old and were tested for genetic health before the breeding.
- Breeder volunteered information on the health testing of most of the immediate relatives of the sire and dam, volunteered proof and offers a guarantee against genetic health problems of at least two years. (Note: It isn't possible to produce dogs entirely free of genetic problems.)
- Puppies for sale and dogs for sale have been introduced to children and other animals as part of their socialization.
- Breeder reviewed some of the problems some people have with the breed.
- Breeder asked if you plan to breed the dog.
- Breeder is available as a resource for advice and support for the life of the dog.
- Breeder promises to take the dog in (not return your money) if you can't keep it, for the life of the dog.
- Breeder provides a contract for your review and goes over it with you.
- Breeder raises no more than 2 different breeds of puppies for sale and dogs for sale. It is very difficult for a breeder to be competent in more breeds.
- Breeder is a member of a breed club.
- Breeder's primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy, rather than getting paid.
- Breeder asked you lots of questions about your lifestyle, family, experience with dogs and other pets, why you are looking for a dog for sale.
- Breeder was happy to answer all your questions and made you feel comfortable asking for advice.
- Breeder acknowledges to you that they are familiar with a breeder's Code of Ethic and have agreed to be bound by its standard of behavior.
Part Three:
What you should get with your puppy
- a properly executed Registration Certificate. Registration materials may be withheld if a written statement is provided of when, and under what conditions, they will be provided (e.g. until the time of spay or neuter by the new owner as verified by a veterinarian, or if a written certification identifying the exact date of birth, and the AKC, UKC or CKC (in Canada) registration numbers of the Sire and Dam are provided instead).
- written, three-generation pedigree.
- health record including a diet, inoculation and parasite control record, and health guarantee.
- basic diet and care information.
- time frame during which the puppy or dog may be examined by a licensed veterinarian, at the buyer's expense, and, upon written recommendation of the veterinarian for specific reasons, the puppy or dog may be returned to the seller for a full refund of all money paid.