HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PUP? FIND THE PERFECT BREEDER!

Breeders are definitely the best source for pure bred puppies (but also consider rescuing a dog). Each species of animal has its own special issues including congenital and genetic problems. Breeders know more about these problems and issues than anyone else, excepting, perhaps, veterinary researchers. By carefully selecting the DOGS and BITCHES that will be allowed to mate and reproduce, breeders make a conscience effort to control, if not reduce episodes of genetically or congenitally deformed animals. Responsible breeders are concerned with insuring the future of healthy, disease-free animals and with the quality continuation of the species. Very often "pet store" dogs (see Stop Puppy Mills) are from "puppy mills" -- places that breed for quantity without regard to health or genetics. Most States have laws regarding cruelty to animals. "Puppy-mill" owners, when caught, are usually charged with multiple violations of these laws. Please read The USDA and Puppy Mills to gain a better understanding of the USDA Kennel Licensing program. PGAA™ urges you to do some serious investigation before you acquire a "store-bought" pup.

Once you've decided on a particular breed, you can contact the supporting organizations (listed in the Breed Profiles at Dog Breeds) and ask for a list of responsible breeders in your area. Once you have a list of breeders, make appointments to visit a few.

Go prepared with a list of questions (go to Evaluating the Breeder for a breeder questionaire). Does the breeder participate in AKC approved competition? [DOGS can be shown in four kinds of events: CONFORMATION; OBEDIENCE; FIELD TRIALS; and, AGILITY.] A Breeder's reputation is enhanced by the number of DOGS and BITCHES produced that have achieved recognition or championships in one or more of these areas. Participation in such events is not mandatory, but may indicate a commitment to breed excellence.

Our Golden Retriever puppy, pictured here is from one of the top Golden Retriever Kennels in the Country Cloverdale Goldens. His father or Sire was CH. Cloverdale Sky High. His mother or Dam was CH. Twin Beau D's High Society. The "CH" in front of each names indicates that these DOGS were recognized by the American Kennel Club [AKC], as Champions in Conformation, that is, they were both outstanding specimens when each was compared to the established Standard for all Golden Retrievers. We did lots of research before we settled on a breed and a breeder.

A dog from a breeder will cost about the same as a pure-bred(???) from a pet store, but you can have greater peace of mind with the breeders dog. Your breeder should be a font of information about all sorts of things; from house-breaking, to feeding, to training and showing. Breeders have a vested interest in the health and well being of your DOG so they will never be too busy to answer your questions. And, most reputable breeders will "take back" or "place" the pet if something should happens that results in you and your DOG separating. Because of this return policy your breeder of choice may have a "pre-owned" dog available for adoption.

A "returned" dog can be a fine choice for a pet. They are usually housebroken and some may have received initial obedience training. These "returns" mostly come from families where living circumstances no longer allow pets, or that the "cute little puppy" grew into a dog much larger than they had anticipated.

A careful selection process will result not only in you finding the right DOG but, in finding the DOG that is right for you. Bring the pup home and begin to build and enjoy the relationship. And always remember -- while parts of your life may depend on the DOG, the DOG'S entire life will depend on you.

Last but certainly not least… if you do not intend to show your DOG in CONFORMATION TRIALS [where all entries must be fully intact (i.e., males must have two testicles)], then HAVE YOUR DOG SPAYED or NEUTERED. Over 2 million DOGS are destroyed every year because OWNERS changed their minds about wanting a DOG. Please, don't let your pup become one of those statistics.

Written by Ron Lueth, Pet Guardian Angels of America This work may be shared through the Creative Common License only if attributed to Pet Guardian Angels of America at http://www.pgaa.com

Rescue Links

E-mail us. We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions!

Visit PGAA's Puppy Selection Matrix

Top of Page

General Dog Articles Index

Return to PGAA Home Index

Legal Stuff and Copyright Information