Some breeders are unscrupulous in their practice, but by asking the right questions you can find a quality breeder.
Now that you’ve decided you want a dog or puppy, you need to decide which specific breed you want. Be sure to choose a breed that fits your finances, time, and energy to care for it. Some breeds are much more expensive to care for because they are more susceptible to certain genetic diseases. Once you have decided on a breed, now is the time to find a quality breeder.
Like any business, there are breeders who take pride in their work and truly care about their dogs. Then there are others who just want to make money with no regard for providing a quality dog to their customers.
So how do you find a quality breeder?
Before contacting the actual breeders, should I do some research? Obtaining a list of breeders that supply the breed of dog you want can often be obtained from kennel clubs. You should be able to locate a kennel club in your area by phone or on the Internet.
Referrals from friends or family who have worked with breeders before are often the best and most honest source. Going to dog parks and talking to dog owners will also help. Dog shows are another good place to find references and even talk to potential breeders.
When you visit the breeding facility, walk around and take note of how the animals are cared for and how sanitary the kennel is. Also be aware of how the dogs behave. Are they friendly, shy or aggressive?
Good questions to ask:
What vaccines and deworming are given to dogs?
Do the dogs come with pedigree papers?
Can I call some old clients?
How long have they been breeding dogs?
Do the dogs come with a vaccination card?
Good breeders should offer advice on feeding, grooming, medical care, and equipment you may need, as well as a schedule for all necessary vaccinations.
One of the best signs of a quality breeder is that they want to know if you are a suitable owner for one of their dogs. They may ask you if you have ever owned a dog. Also if you have a suitable house for the dog, and also which vet to take it to.
Some signs of a bad breeder include:
He doesn’t want to let you see the facilities.
He has no papers from the puppy’s parents.
There are no veterinary records.
They seem to have a lot of mixed breed dogs around.
With a little knowledge and research you can find a quality dog and avoid being scammed by scrupulous breeders.
