Before going to a puppy breeder, it is important to decide which breed of dog is the best match. A dog breeder at a kennel will ask you questions, so a good idea would be to research some of the breeds that you are interested in. One option may be
t
he smaller dogs such as the Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Cairn Terriers, Poodles, West Highland White or “Westies”, Tibetan Terriers, Pekingese, Papillion, Japanese Chin, or the Lhasa Apso.
If you are interested in a larger dog consider the Great Dane or a Mastiff, or a medium-sized dog such as an American Cocker Spaniel or a Border Collie. Research different breeds according to their size and personality so you get the right match. Many large dogs are at shelters and pounds, unwanted and neglected by their previous owners. About 25% that are abandoned are purebreds, with the remaining as mixed breeds either of known or unknown backgrounds. You may be able to adopt a large or small breed from a shelter rather than purchasing one through a dog breeder or a kennel.
You Have Decided – Now What?
Local dog breeder clubs usually have a list of the different puppy breeders in your area and the breed of dogs that they raise. Phone numbers are generally listed with the clubs as well as information their kennel, including their location. Now that you have decided on the breed you want, it would be a good idea to check them out with breeders and owners of that breed. You need to make sure this is the breed you want.
Another good ideas is to check with veterinarians in the area. They can refer excellent breeders and kennels who raise that particular breed, as compared to you checking out unknown breeders through the want ads or magazines, with no experience about that breed. Many perspective puppy buyers get information from pet shops, newspapers, national dog magazines, and websites. Sometimes this is not a good thing, especially if you lack knowledge about the breed you want. If you can, find someone close by who has a puppy or an adult dog of the breed you want. Visit with them, watch the dog, and learn about the dog’s personality and who he actually is. Do not be afraid to ask questions; make a list before you visit. You may find there are traits about the dog you don’t like but didn’t know about, traits that may change your mind about that breed.
One example is the American Eskimo. Everybody wants one of those cute little white fluffy puppies; they cannot keep their hands off them. But once they grow up, they like to play in the water, splashing in their water dishes until the water is out of the bowls and onto the floor – and them, digging holes if they get too hot on a daily basis, and defend their owners to a fault. They shed twice a year, blowing their coats and look awful during this time. They need lots of brushing and care, and are very affectionate and want to be with people. Many owners eventually may change their mind down the road, wanting either to return the dog around one year of age, or give it away. It is best to check this out before purchasing the puppy, as it is a hardship on the dog and the family, when the dog is removed from a family he has learned to love and care for. A responsible dog breeder that runs a good kennel will always share the good and more challenging points of the breed.
Visiting The Kennel And Puppy Breeder
There are many types of dog breeders who raise puppies to sell. Some sell because of money, some sell because they love the breed, and some sell to supply pre-orders of their line. Either way, you should choose approximately three puppy breeders to visit with, in order to get a good comparison of the breed you want. Any hesitation or avoidance of your questions on the part of the breeder needs to be looked at carefully. Maybe that is the breeder you do not want to do business with. But generally, between the three breeders most of your questions should be answered.
The breeder of choice should be the one who has the most knowledge about the breed you want, does not hesitate but is open and honest with you, supplies a health guarantee, and really seems to like his animals. If you are at the breeders’ establishment, the puppies should look healthy and have lots of energy. Make sure you view the parents of the puppy, as that is what it will eventually resemble.
Finding good dog breeders and puppy breeders does take time and effort, but a well run kennel is more likely to produce healthy, happy and well socialized puppies, which is what you really want.
US $4.50
