Line: Purchasing the wrong type of dog can make life miserable for you and your dog. Plenty of resources are available, and the more informed you are, the better your chances of choosing the perfect dog, thereby helping you avoid personality clashes and future disappointment down the road.
The most popular “designer dog,” the Labradoodle boasts the best qualities of its two parent breeds, the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever.
Where to Find Your Puppy
Once you have decided on the right type of puppy for you and your family, the next step is finding a healthy puppy with a good temperament. Finding the perfect puppy may seem daunting. However, doing your homework and understanding your options will make the journey much easier and increase the odds of a better outcome and a fulfilling long-term relationship.
If you’re interested in rescuing a dog, visit your local animal shelter or humane society. Many wonderful homeless dogs are just waiting to meet their “forever” owners.
Breeders
Breeders often get a bad rap—especially in the press and from animal-rights activists—for perpetuating genetic problems and, of course, pet overpopulation. Granted, unethical and irresponsible breeders do exist, and you should avoid them at all costs. However, many excellent, responsible breeders have spent a lifetime—not to mention astronomical amounts of money—breeding and improving the quality of their chosen breed. These are the people you want to talk to.
Sorting the good breeders from the questionable ones involves research and footwork, but the payoff is well worth the time invested. Reputable, responsible breeders are the future of purebred dogs. Conscientious, dog-smart, and passionate, they care about the welfare of their dogs and their chosen breed. They are trying to improve all the time by doing their homework, studying pedigrees, planning litters, and breeding only to improve the quality of their dogs and the breed as a whole. They understand anatomy and genetics, and their breeding stock is tested for genetic problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, heart issues, and so forth. Puppies are exposed to environmental enrichment and are regularly and affectionately socialized to everything they are likely to encounter as adult dogs. Many of these breeders are top-notch when it comes to evaluating temperaments.
While a good breeder can help you pick the best puppy for you and your family, he or she will sell only to clients who meet their criteria. You will need to answer some questions regarding your dog-rearing know-how, including why you’re interested in a specific breed, whether you’ve ever owned or currently own a dog, whether you have ever surrendered a dog to a shelter, whether you have kids, a fenced yard, other dogs, and so forth. Some breeders require references, too. While this may seem a bit intrusive, good breeders feel personally responsible for every dog they produce. They want assurances that their puppies are going to the best homes for their entire lives.
In return, you will want to know a lot about the breeder. Don’t feel shy asking questions, including:
•How long has the breeder been breeding dogs? Many years in a breed alone does not guarantee quality, but look for a breeder with longevity in the breed.
•How long does the breeder keep the puppies? Most breeders do not let puppies go to new homes until they are at least eight weeks old (or longer for some breeds).
•What clubs or national organizations does the breeder belong to?
•Does the breeder compete in canine sports, such as conformation, agility, herding, tracking, or obedience?
•How many litters does the breeder breed yearly? (More than three or four litters per year may indicate a problem.)
•Can you contact the breeder if problems arise?
•Does the breeder have references?
•Is the breeder willing to take back the dog if it doesn’t work out?
•What is the breeder’s policy regarding inherited health issues (hip or elbow dysplasia, eye problems, or other genetic problems) that might arise?
•Does the breeder have a refund policy?
•Equally important, you will want to know specifics about the puppies. A good, knowledgeable breeder is happy to answer questions. At the very least, you will want to know:
•Are the dogs—sire, dam, puppies—registered with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club in the United States or the Canadian Kennel Club in Canada?
•Have the eyes of the sire, dam, and puppies been examined by a canine ophthalmologist?
•Have the sire and dam been tested for inherited genetic problems, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and heart problems?
•Have the puppies been wormed and vaccinated?
•Have the puppies been checked by a veterinarian?
•Will the breeder provide you with copies of the medical records and genetic testing results of the parents as well as your puppy?
•Will the breeder supply a pedigree (three generations minimum)?
Good breeders welcome questions and willingly answer them. If they don’t, scratch him or her off your list and continue searching.
The Paper Trail
If you have purchased your puppy from a reputable breeder, you should receive, at the very least, the following documents: sales contract that includes your puppy’s name, sex, color, birth date; your name, address, and telephone number; and the breeder’s information, purchase price, and date; and possibly breeding rights or restrictions, spay/neuter requirements, description of ownership basis, refund and/or return policy registration certificate, enabling you to register your puppy in your name with the national kennel club inoculation records for canine parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis three- or five-generation pedigree that details the puppy’s ancestry health certifications/clearances, depending on your breed, for eyes, hips, or elbows and/or heart
Where to Find a Breeder
A dog show is an excellent starting point. Dog shows provide the perfect forum for talking to breeders, learning more about the breed, and finding out who’s planning a breeding. You may even be able to find out whether anyone may have suitable puppies available in the coming weeks or months. If you’re unsure about which breed you want, you can interact with and compare various breeds of dog and watch them perform in different venues, such as conformation, obedience, agility, and rally.
While these competitive events will give you a pretty good idea of what many breeders are breeding, they are not always the best indicator of a dog’s temperament and working ability. If you’re interested in a hunting or working dog, consider also observing a field trial, lure coursing event, or herding trial to see the dogs in action.
A word of caution: dog shows and trials are normally hectic venues for participants, especially those showing multiple dogs in multiple venues. Handlers and breeders are not being rude—they’re just busy. Ask for a business card and a good time to contact them.
Veterinarians are often familiar with local breeders and the health of their dogs. They
