If you’re considering purchasing a puppy from a dog breeder, it’s important to ensure that the pet you are considering is healthy and happy. We urge you to ensure that you are not unintentionally contributing to the puppy trade.
In order to find your new best friend, the first and most important step is finding a responsible breeder you can trust. Breeders provide invaluable information. You can rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime as well as a bridge between you and your perfect dog.
Here are some tips to assist you in determining whether a breeding company is a responsible one or only interested in making a profit.
How Can You Recognize a Trustworthy Breeder?
Anyone can become a dog breeder;however, you don’t know which dog breeder is trustworthy. These points can help you recognize a trustworthy breeder:
- Assures healthy puppies and prevents genetic diseases.
- Adheres to your state’s legislation regarding the care of puppies and breeding dogs.
- Has a good relationship with their dogs.
- They don’t over breed their female dogs in any way.
Choosing a Dog Breeder
It’s not easy looking for a dog breeder that won’t scam you. Listed here are some tips on how to make sure you choose a breeder who will provide you with good quality dogs.
1. Make an Appointment to Meet the Parents
Before you purchase a puppy, it is advisable to meet its parents to learn more about his or her genetic and behavioral characteristics.
By doing this, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn how the parents and offspring interact with each other. You will also be able to get a general idea of how your puppy will look when he or she grows up. You should ask many questions when it comes to the parents of your puppy.
In some breeders, the father is rarely present during the breeding process, because they keep their parents separate. The mother, however, should stay with her puppies through at least the eighth week or until they are able to walk.
2. Explore the Environment of Breeder
To ensure that you are buying from a responsible dog breeding company, always make sure you can visit the place where the puppies live. You can thus examine the environment in which your future puppy is being raised. This way, you can be certain you are not purchasing a puppy from a puppy farm.
Breeders who are responsible will readily invite you to their homes for a visit, but if they refuse to meet you or make excuses, that is a red flag.
You should request a video of the puppies on their property if you are purchasing a puppy from an area far away.
3. Obtain Veterinary Documents
At about 8 weeks of age, your puppy should have the following:
- Vaccinated and examined by a veterinarian (with the breeder’s veterinarian);
- A microchip
- Treatment for parasite prevention.
According to theHavanese Breed Guide, you should be able to obtain documentation from the breeder and take these animals to your own veterinarian. It is also advisable to verify the puppy’s health by requesting a copy of the consultation notes.
4. Request Pedigree Documents
If the puppies have pedigree papers, you can expect to pay a bit more for a purebred dog from a registered breeder.
The pedigree is meant to represent the three-generation family history of your dog. It also verifies that he or she is purebred. It is also possible that they will have a license or other form of accreditation indicating that they are members of a breed association.
5. Ensure That Puppies Are Raised Indoors
A breeder who raises puppies in kennels or outdoor environments should be avoided, unless your dog will live outside as a working dog.
It is more probable that puppies raised in a home will be exposed to children, other animals, and other normal household activities. Having your puppy socialized from an early age is very important when you are going to live with your family.
6. They Don’t Give Away Puppies Until They Are Eight Weeks Old
Researchers have found that puppies which are separated from their parents and littermates too young exhibit problems like aggression or fear of other animals.
This is why responsible breeders always leave puppies with their parents until the appropriate time has passed. Consider more than just when puppies are ready to eat solids – there are many other important milestones that can be overlooked.
By the time a puppy turns eight weeks old, it could develop behavioral problems that may last a lifetime.
7. Dedicated to Providing Breed Guidance
Breeders are more than willing to sit down with you to discuss what to expect from the breed, so you can make an informed decision. That includes pointing out any issues that may arise in the future.
Breeders have had to watch out for certain diseases and health problems that can affect purebred dogs.
8. Would Be Willing to Take Puppy Back if Necessary
Those who are responsible breeders are aware that things happen. An unexpected move overseas occurs for a family of military personnel. A member of the family falls ill, and because of financial and time constraints, the family is unable to care for the pet. Consequently, the pup is not suitable for the family.
Ideally, you would never wish to have to resort to this option. You should hope to never have to return your puppy. However if a breeder is responsible, they will be willing to accept the puppy back – this is another method of determining whether they are a suitable breeder.
That’s All You Should Know About Choosing a Perfect Breeder
Choosing a breeder can still feel overwhelming even after doing all of your research. This is completely normal. Puppies are more than products, and breeders are more than salespeople.
You should consider this person to be a valuable resource and mentor to you during the dog’s lifetime. In this type of situation, personalities are important.
When you don’t click with a breeder, no matter how well recommended and well regarded they are, keep looking for a better one.