1. Ask to see the parents, generealy if you are buying from a breeder they will have the mother and quite possibly the father around for you to see. This will not only give you an idea to what the pup will look like when it grows up but will also give you a temperment test. Ask the bitches age, a bitch should not be bred until the 3rd season usualy 1.5 - 2 years and idealy must not be bred after 4 years old. Is it the bitches first litter, a bitch should only be bred a maximum twice and no more. do the parents look healthy and in good condition bear in mind that the bitch may be a bit on the slim side after birth this will be normal imagine having to run around after 10 little babies! Do the parents look healthy and happy. In general pups should idealy leave the litter from about 9 weeks, some breeders dont let the pups go until they are 12 weeks. Pups should always be weaned, this means going onto solid foods before leaving the litter. Do the pups look healthy and in good condition? are they happy?
2. Look at the puppies sont always go for the prettiest pup. They will all be different and have different characters as i mentioned before. There will be the one who comes running upto you, the one who runs away and hides in the corner, the one whose boss of the litter and fighting with the others the one who sleeps through what is going on not having a care in the world. No two pups will ever be the same.
3. A quick temperment test..
a. hold the pup at eye level and look into its eyes, does it stare back at you for a long period, this could mean it could be a dominant pup or does it look straight away avoiding eye contact which could mean it could be a shy puppy.
b. Drop your car keys or clap your hands, does it run away and cower thats a shy puppy or does it not care. This could be your ideal pup.
c. Put the pup on the floor and roll it on its back and place your hand over its tummy holding it down. A calm character or placid pup will not move whilst a dominant pup will wriggle frantikaly whining!
4. Health test.
a. does the pup show any signs of discomfort or pain when pickked up?
b. inspect the eyes and nose they should be clean a wet nose is a healthy pup not one that has a cold!
c. inspect the ears are they clean, do they smell, do they have ticks in them. I once went along to see a litter of Anatolian Shepherds, the Kangal breed and was shocked to see that when i lifted up those ears they were full of ticks, how those pups ever managed to hear anything i'd be amazed!
d. Lift up the tail is it clean or is there signs of diareeah. Ask if the pups have been wormed and had the first innoculations.
e. open the mouth the gums should be pink, also you can see if the pup has a correct bite. can you smell the lovely puppy breathe or does it smell vile? this could mean there are mouth infections or even internal organ infections.
so after reading all about this and you have chose your puppy and you are happy with your choice Congratulations to you both!!! Always take your pup to the vet who will check it over and start a vacination program, now the fun starts here!!!!!!!!!!!
