Why buy a purebred dog?

 

What are some things to look for in a breeder?

 

This is a list of things to look for in a breeder, it is by no means a complete list and should only be used as a guideline, however having said that a good breeder should be able to satisfy some if not all of these points. A reputable breeder is a breeder that strives to produce quality dogs. Good breeders take as many precautions as possible to ensure that they are breeding good dogs.

 

* They screen for know genetic defects in their breed. A breeder should be able to tell you about know problems in a breed, and more importantly what they, as a breeder, are doing to prevent them.

 

* A good breeder should be able to talk to you about the breed standard(s) of the dogs they produce “A Breed Standard” is a detailed description of a particular breeds. It describes a breed’s “ideal specimen”. The breed standard should be what a breeder strives for. This person should be able to talk to you about the breed’s history and purpose. And what characteristic their breed(s) typically have.

 

Even if all that you want is a “pet” you puppy should be a good representation of the breed. And show quality dogs should be an excellent example. I do not believe that a breeder must show their dogs to be a good breeder, however be very cautious of a breeder that does not participate in any “Canine” sports. This means that your puppy’s pedigree should have a number of ancestors that have “titles”, such as championship, obedience degrees and/or other working titles. A pedigree with lots of titles is a good indication that the breeder cares about the breed. Your breeder should be able to talk to you about the pedigree of your puppy.

 

* They vaccinate all of their puppies (In Canada they also either microchip, or tattoo their puppies). Your Puppy should be healthy. Things to look for in a healthy puppy include, but are not limited to: clear eyes; moist but not dripping nose; teeth and bite clean and correct for its specific breed; clean shiny coat, the puppy should not be emancipated.  

 

* They provide their dogs, especially brood bitches and puppies, with quality food and supplements. They should be able to answer questions about nutrition, and how to keep your puppy healthy.

 

* Good breeders they take care not to breed their females on their first heat cycle, and not to breed females two heat cycles in a row. Doing this is very hard on the female’s health, and is considered by many breeders to be unethical.

 

* Good breeders are able to answer questions about their breed, and should be able to continue to answer question after you have purchased a puppy.

 

* Good breeders keep all of their animals in clean, healthy environment, if possible (be very leery of breeders that will not let you do this) ask to see the parent(s) of you puppy. These dogs should be in good weight, have healthy clean coats and living conditions, should not have toenails that are too long, and should have good temperaments (although the mother might be protective of her puppies, other dogs in the  kennel can give you a good example of the temperaments that that kennel produces.)

 

* Good breeders love their dogs, 

 

* Good breeders do not mass produce puppies. They breed their dogs selectively and should always be striving for “the betterment of the breed”.

 

Written By Nicole Guidry

Crickhollow Kennel’s Perm Reg’d

Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds

http://www.geocities.com/crickhollowdoxies/