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Buyer Beware - Choosing a Breeder

If you are in the market for a dog. You may have your heart set on a specific purebred. The common advice to getting a healthy registered purebred dog is buying from a breeder.

A breeder is a good idea! But which breeder do you choose? Not all breeders are honest. Having no oversight over the practice of breeding dogs means you have to make a good choice. There are many good breeders and they outnumber the bad ones. Do your homework and research about breeders in your area. It is always a good idea to pick a good breeder.

Before You Visit A Breeder You Should...

There are a few things you need to do before you go visit the breeder. Be prepared. Do some research on the breed of dog as well as the breeders history. You should check the pedigrees of both parents.

o Talk to other people who have used the same breeder. Word of mouth is the best way to figure out the quality of breeder.

o Be a spectator at a dog show for sources of breeders. Look at the dogs entered by each breeder. See how well the dogs rank in the show.

o Through the Kennel Club research if the breeder is an owner of AKC registered dogs.

oTake notes at the dog show, make contacts and record your findings. Talking to knowledgeable people will help you make the best choice of breed.

o Do research online at various dog websites. The internet is a great source of info on all kinds of breeds, more specifically, the breeds you are interested in.

oCheck with the National Kennel Club online to find out more on your preferred breed.

oCheck online for local groups. Go to their shows or meetups. Talk to dog owners and handlers.

Make sure the dog you want is a match to your personality and lifestyle.

Once you have collected enough info on a specific breeders, make an appointment to visit their locations.

Choosing The Right Breeder

You made yourself an appointment. You show up at the breeders kennel. You are ready to talk about the dog you want. How can you tell if the breeder is a good one?

Knowledge of the breed is the best way to have confidence when visiting a breeder. Ask questions and let the breeder know you are serious and knowledgeable of the breed.

On your visit consider the following:

oTake a good look around. Have a list. Observe if the dogs are active and their kennels are clean. Do the dogs look healthy? How is the dam behaving? Are the other dogs well tempered?

o Talk to the breeders. Is he or she showing more interest in the dogs than you? Do they ask you questions about your lifestyle, expectations, interests in the breed? The more interest and concern for the well being of the dogs they show the better quality of breeder.

o Does the breeder want to visit the dogs potential home? Does the breeder want a follow up visit or keep contact with you?

o Will the breeder make you wait to receiver your new puppy?

o Does the breeder ask for references from your vets office or other people?

o What kind of contract does the breeder have? Is it a clear document explaining all of the terms?

o Does the breeder place any restrictions on you purchasing the dog?

o Can your breeder confirm the pedigree of the parents of each litter?

If your breeder is able to clearly answer your questions, seems knowledgeable of the breeds, and can put you at ease. You have found your breeder! Some breeders will not let you get your puppy right away. Trust the breeder to give the dog up when it is ready.

Article provided by Gary Flarity of Oh My Dog Supplies, search for current discounts on personalized dog bowls online.

Please read the ASPCA article at Airline’s Puppy Deaths Spark Debate about Commercial Breeders

For a Kennel Evaluation Guide go to PGAA's Evaluating A Breeder.