For those contemplating adding a new furry member to their family, acquiring the perfect pup may appear like a seemingly simple task. After all, what more can there be besides collecting the funds and heading to the nearest pet shop? While it may seem straightforward from the outside, the reality of purchasing a dog requires much more time, dedication, and calculated thought to ensure you end up with a well-bread, built-to-last breed.
In addition to selecting a pup that will mesh well with your family’s lifestyle, you’ll want to spend ample time researching reputable breeders to ensure your purchase is responsible and ethical. Unfortunately, many pet shops and backyard mills produce low-quality dogs that come with a long list of potentially devastating side effects, from poor bone structure resulting in joint pain to chronic health effects leading to early death.
Ultimately, spending the hours to dig into different breeders will land you with a life-long companion who is happier and healthier. Not sure how to weed out irresponsible individuals? Read on for five tips for selecting an upstanding, reputable breeder.
Meet multiple breeders
Although it may be a hassle to meet and interview multiple breeders, carving out the time to get to know the people behind the puppies can guarantee you a fit, healthy pup. By visiting their home or kennel, you can scout out the litter, observe their boarding conditions, and build a solid relational foundation with the breeder. That way, you can get a feel for their passion, attitudes, and dedication and dodge irresponsible individuals looking to make a quick buck. Ultimately, by meeting with multiple reputable breeders, like Snowy Pines White Labs, you’ll be able to make a more informed, worthwhile decision.
Write up a list of questions
One of the most critical steps to take when choosing a responsible breeder is writing out a list of questions to ensure they know every detail about your pup and their lineage. Often, high-quality, well-known breeders keep in contact throughout your dog’s life, sometimes requiring updates and title information to confirm their line history remains intact. Well-bread dogs have extensive health and genetic testing and tracking, which means you’ll need to quiz your breeder to ensure they run a credible business.
Choose a breeder who knows your pup’s lineage
When selecting a breeder, you’re well within your right to insist you meet or at least obtain detailed pictures of your pet’s parents and other dogs raised in their specific line. A red flag when interviewing potential partners is secrecy around or inability to prove lineage. Seek out breeders who take pride in having a long line of well-bread, healthy pups and have extensive knowledge about your furry friend’s genealogy.
Ask for extensive medical information and documentation
In addition to proof of lineage, you’ll need to have extensive knowledge about your pet’s medical history, like OFA and CERF screenings. If you speak with a breeder who is hesitant or outright refuses to show you health information and documentation, strike them from your list and move along to the next.
Patience is key
Many antsy prospective dog owners make a detrimental error by jumping the gun and purchasing a dog without obtaining the proper information. While it is exciting to bring a new friend into your household, applying patience and sitting with your options is key to sidestepping an expensive mistake.
Parting shot
While it may take time and patience to select a responsible dog breeder, the benefits will be worth the wait when you bring home your healthy furry friend. Watch out for red flags, like unwarranted secrecy, inability to answer questions, and incomplete paperwork, and you’ll be in the clear to purchase your dream dog.
