subject: A Major Decision - How to Choose a Puppy [print this page] A Major Decision - How to Choose a Puppy A Major Decision - How to Choose a Puppy
As warmer weather arrives in the United States, many families are in the process of making a major decision choosing a puppy. This is an exciting time. I know. I've had many new puppies in the last 30+ years. Selecting the right puppy and bringing the little guy into our home has always been a real fun experience.
But how do you choose the right puppy?
First you should decide on a specific breed of dog. I will discuss this in a future article.
The next thing is to choose a responsible breeder. There are other sources for finding a puppy. Our present dog, Romeo (the little fellow in my lap), came from the dog pound. He is a beautiful mutt, and one of the best dogs we have ever owned. I will have a follow-up article on "adopting a shelter dog."
As you look for a new dog, there are several things you should expect from a breeder.
There should also be certain things the breeder expects from you. A good breeder can be found through personal references and from recommendations from your veterinarian. A registered breeder organization can also give you a list of recommended breeders.
When you meet with the breeder, that person may ask you a number of probing questions. Don't be surprised by such questions as "have you ever owned a dog", "what is your work schedule"; "who else lives in your house; "do you have children"; "do you have a fenced yard"; "how do you plan to exercise your dog"; "how often will the puppy get exercise"; "what kind of food do you intend to feed your dog", etc.
Don't be offended by these questions. In fact, welcome them. The breeder is showing that time and money have been invested in the puppies. The breeder is looking for assurance that the puppy is going to a good environment and a suitable home.
A breeder who doesn't ask questions is only looking for a sale. In this case, you will not get the same quality and breed of puppy as you would get from a responsible breeder.
Make sure you ask about the puppy's lineage.
In other words, find out about the puppy's heritage. Ask questions about the puppy's parents and grandparents. A responsible breeder will be happy to share that information with you. They will give you papers to prove it.
A responsible breeder will expect you to have several questions.
You should try to see at least one of the parents. A parent that has a loving and mild disposition is a good indication that the puppy will have the same.
Why is the puppy's lineage important?
This is an extremely important aspect in choosing a puppy. A puppy's personality and health issues are generally hereditary.
I do not recommend the purchase of a puppy from a pet store.
Most backyard breeders and pet stores will not offer information on the puppy's lineage and any personality problems or health issues with that lineage. They will probably not ask many questions about the puppy's new home. They have little interest in your experience with the puppy or the welfare of the puppy. They are primarily interested in making a sale and the number of pets sold.
In summary, here are some things you should request from the breeder:
1. A signed veterinary health certificate, plus a written health guarantee from the breeder. This should include one against congenital defects.
2. A completed eye screening certificate and OFA or Penn Hip certificate?
3. There should be a written contract available for you to sign, specifying the rights of the seller and also the breeder's rights? At the very least there should be something in writing that spells out the rights of the buyer just in case there is any problem with the puppy.
4. Is all health information available and up to date?
5. Can the breeder provide AKC or CKC registration papers on the puppy?
6. What is the lineage of the puppies? A responsible breeder should be able to tell you lineage from generations back, as well as giving you a family tree of the puppy.
Responsible breeders will not only be able to help you find the puppy that is right for you, but will be happy to give you tips on raising and caring for your new bundle of joy. As long as you find a responsible breeder, your prospect of find the perfect puppy for you is greatly enhanced.
You have now gone to the trouble of making the purchase and bringing your puppy home to a loving environment. But don't cheat your little fellow by giving it food from a grocery store or pet supermarket that is probably several months old. By providing your new pet with high quality, nutritious dog food, you are ensuring that your new dog will live a long, healthy, and happy life.
