When you’re looking to add a pet to your home, you want to seriously consider where you look. Where or from whom you adopt or purchase your pet can have a lasting effect on its life.
Many people decide they want a purebred dog, and they want a breeder, not a puppy mill. So they look in the paper, or on an internet listing site, and find what they see as a bargain on a purebred puppy. Chances are it’s not the bargain you are going for. Anybody can breed two dogs, produce a litter, and call themselves a breeder. So what makes a good, responsible breeder?
Responsible breeders will specialize in breeding one or two specific breeds of dogs. They will know the history and lineage of the parents, and likely several generations prior. They will be very knowledgeable about the breed, including personality, physical traits, and health. Most likely they won’t advertise in the paper. You will have to inquire with local breed clubs or veterinarians.
Responsible breeders treat their breeding stock like family, not money makers (truthfully, if you breed correctly, you really don’t make a lot of money!). They breed dogs for the purpose of improving the breed and producing good specimens to represent that breed. They will typically produce a limited number of litters per year.
Breeders should allow you to visit the litter and parents prior to purchase. You should be allowed to see the living conditions of the animals. Animals should not be housed in tiny cages, or cages stacked on top of another. Crates or pens may be used, but they should be clean and roomy, and the animals should not be in them 24/7.
Breeders should have veterinary records proving the mother is current on vaccinations, and should also be able to provide veterinary records on the offspring. Responsible breeders will take the litter to the vet at least once for a health check and first vaccines. Do not trust vaccines that did not come from a vet! Only accept records that come from the veterinarian, not just a scrap of paper with stickers or letters on it. Also, be sure you receive these records before you leave with the pet.
Breeders should not allow offspring to leave the mother before at least 6 weeks of age. Many breeders will wait until 7-9 weeks of age, allowing the offspring more time to develop socially with the litter. Responsible breeders will do their best to socialize their animals, including the offspring, to other animals and people.
Ask questions!! Breeders should be willing to answer most questions. They’ll probably have a few of their own for you. Responsible breeders want to be sure their animals go to good homes.
Some breeders will have conditions to the sale, such as when you can spay or neuter the pet, what type of food to feed, what supplements to use. Ask the breeder why they have these conditions, then talk to your veterinarian. Breeders did not go to veterinary school. Your vet will know what is best for the pet in terms of diet, supplements, and health care. Be sure to take your new pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a well-check.
Something we see often nowadays is designer breeds. People think they are purchasing this great new breed, when in reality they are paying big money for a mixed breed. Peekapoos, Shiapoos, Cockapoos, Maltipoos, Yorkiepoos, well, you get the point, are all mixed breed dogs.
Please keep in mind that when you purchase an animal, you are responsible for that animal for life, including veterinary care. Don’t pay so much for the animal that you cannot afford good food and veterinary care. These animals are depending on you!
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in