When searching for a canine companion, choosing a purebred dog is just one of the many decisions to be made. There are plenty of reasons to choose a purebred, such as predictability, training, socialisation and expert care.
Once you have made the decision to purchase a purebred dog and determined what breed is right for you and your family, the next step is to choose the right breeder. The American Kennel Club shares tips for finding a responsible breeder.
> Watch out for how the breeder markets their puppies: It is important to take note of the language the breeder uses to market their pups. For example, a toy-dog breeder should not market their puppies as “teacup”. This is not a term that should be used to classify the size of a dog and is usually achieved by breeding the runts of the litters, which can often lead to health problems with the puppies.
> Take a trip to the breeders’ home or kennel: Visiting the premises is a chance for you to get a feel of the conditions the puppies are raised in. Pay attention: Is the home/kennel kept tidy, do the puppies look clean, well-fed and friendly? Be sure to look for signs of malnutrition or illness, like runny noses/eyes, sores, lethargy.
> Meet the puppy’s parent(s): When visiting the home/kennel, at least one of the puppy’s parents should be on site. Make sure you observe the parent(s) and pay close attention to the dog’s appearance and temperament. This will help you get a good idea of what your puppy will be like as an adult dog.
> Are they informative and honest? A responsible breeder should care deeply about the health and genetics of the puppies they breed. They should have extensive knowledge about breed-specific genetic diseases that could affect your puppy, and should be informative and honest about the physical and temperamental traits of the breed.
> Observe the relationship between the breeder and puppies: Be sure to look closely at how the breeder interacts with the puppies and vice versa. Pay attention if they get nervous or shy away from the breeder or any people they meet.
> Consistent and helpful: A responsible breeder should be a great resource to you throughout the entire life of the puppy. They should make you feel comfortable with asking questions and should also ask you several questions to make sure their puppy is going to a good home. – Tribune News Service/American Kennel Club
For more information on responsible breeders, visit the AKC website at akc.org.
