There are many kinds of dog breeders. There are also many places you can locate dogs for sale. Not all breeders and places, however, can provide you with a healthy dog. In the case of backyard breeders and pet stores, it is buyer beware.

Pet Stores

You often see cute puppies and adorable dogs at a pet store. When you are looking for a pet, one of these creatures may seem irresistible. You need to stop and consider if what you are about to do is the right thing. You must ask the pet store several questions about the source and properties of the pets they have for sale.

First, you need to find out if these puppies are from a respectable breeder or a puppy mill. Because of the high demand for animals at a pet store, some companies obtain their dogs from the mass production facilities of a puppy mill. These dogs live in poor conditions and lack socialization. Their health is dubious at best.

If you decide to buy a purebred, ask about registration papers. If they do not come with the dog, or you cannot obtain them, the source is not a reputable dog breeder. If the dog is a designer dog, check the source. You can also purchase a human society animal at some pet stores. These animals may come with their own set of possible problems.

Backyard Breeders

Backyard dog breeders can be another source of puppies. You may locate them through their “Dogs For Sale” or Puppies for Sale” ads in newspapers and on the internet. Some put up signs in shops or on poles. Backyard breeders can have puppies through an accidental breeding. They can also be in the business of breeding dogs. Some may be selling good family pets of mixed breed; others have designer puppies or so-called purebred puppies or dogs for sale. It is up to you to determine the validity of the claims and the quality of the breeder and the dogs.

As with pet stores and puppy mills, backyard breeders may show more concern about money and profit than they do about their dogs. Ask questions about the animal. Does the breeder know anything about this breed? Can he or she tell you about possible health problems or genetic defects? Can you meet the litter of another dog or see the kennels? Are the animals socialized? Do they have veterinarian records? Who was the Veterinarian?

If the animal is a purebred, obtain proof. Ask to see the papers of the parents. If the breeder is unable to produce any documentation, you are dealing with a bad backyard breeder. Be prepared to walk away or to take the consequences.

Final notes

If you want a puppy, you can choose to buy from a reputable breeder. You can also choose to deal with backyard breeders and pet stores. Always check the source of the animal. Never purchase an animal without knowing its background. Ask questions and get answers.

If you find yourself falling in love with a dog in a pet store or from a backyard breeder, go ahead and purchase it. Just remember, not all puppies in stores and from backyards come from reputable stock. There might health issues down the road. The purebred may be a mixed or crossbreed. In the case of pet stores and backyard breeders, it is buyer beware.