From americanhumane.org
Consider the Source When Getting a Puppy
If you’re ready to get a dog, congratulations! You’ll add a loving
member to your family and enrich your life. The best place to find a dog
or puppy is your local animal shelter or breed rescue group. They have
plenty of purebreds, mixed-breeds, big dogs and little dogs -- you’re
sure to find a great companion.
And when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you’ll give a dog a
second chance at finding a home and you will not add to the nation’s
pet overpopulation problem. The reality is that an estimated 3.7 million
unwanted pets must be euthanized at animal shelters every year -- many
because they could not find families to adopt them.
If you don’t find your ideal companion at your local shelter or breed
rescue group, you may choose to purchase a puppy instead of adopting
one. In this case, it is important to be certain you are buying from a
responsible breeder that breeds and sells only healthy well-socialized
puppies.
Responsible breeders typically do not sell their puppies to pet
stores. Most responsible breeders want to meet and screen prospective
owners to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes. Sadly, most
pet store puppies come from puppy mills where dogs are not bred for
good health and temperament and where they are often raised in inhumane
conditions.
Finding a Responsible Breeder
There are several ways to find a responsible breeder. You can look to
your local kennel club directory, attend a dog show, or get a referral
from a friend or family member. You can also look at newspaper or
Internet classified ads. Some responsible breeders do advertise their
dogs through these channels because it is a great way to reach a lot of
people.
However, puppy mills and irresponsible breeders also use newspapers
and the Internet to reach unsuspecting families that are just excited
about finding a puppy and may not know the warning signs of an
unscrupulous breeder. When you read an ad like this, it can be difficult
to tell:
Golden Retriever puppies. AKC registered. Two female, one very blonde, one red. Last of the litter. Adorable. 8 wks. Call Susie!
The following are questions you can ask to
understand whether you’re getting a puppy from a quality source -- a
responsible breeder who is as concerned as you are about pet
overpopulation and the care and future of their puppies.
Is the puppy raised in a clean home environment?
Are the puppy’s parents on the premises and available for viewing?
How many dogs and puppies does the breeder have?
Have the puppies received vaccinations, worming and a veterinary health exam?
Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed’s possible genetic disorders?
How old is the dog’s mother and how often does the breeder breed her?
Does the breeder provide high-quality puppy food to the mother and puppies?
Does the breeder sell mixed-breed puppies?
Does the breeder require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered?
What kind of “papers” does the dog have?
Will the breeder take the puppy back if there’s a problem?
Is the puppy raised in a clean home environment?
When considering buying a dog that is advertised in a newspaper or
online, always visit the breeder’s home. Responsible breeders may have
outdoor exercise runs, but they do not keep dogs or puppies in outdoor
cages. There should be an indoor room with food, water and bedding where
the puppies and their mother spend most of their time as part of the
family. The room should be lean and well-maintained. If the breeder will
not allow you to visit the home or tells you the dog was born in
another city or state, there is a high likelihood that the dog comes
from a puppy mill or irresponsible breeder.
Are the puppy’s parents on the premises and available for viewing?
Always ask to see the puppy’s mother and father. Responsible breeders
will want to introduce prospective buyers to the dog’s mother and
father. Sometimes breeders use stud dogs that do not belong to them, and
in this case it is acceptable if the father is not on the premises. The
mother dog, however, should always be present. It is important to note
the health and temperament of the parents. If they are unfriendly or
show signs of malnutrition or illness, there is a good chance that the
puppy may have health or temperament problems.
How many dogs and puppies does the breeder have?
Responsible breeders generally breed only one litter of puppies at a
time and generally have only one breed of dog. Very experienced or show
breeders may have two or three litters available at one time. Puppies
need a lot of social interaction with people beginning at an early age
to develop sound temperaments. This socialization cannot occur
effectively when there are too many dogs and puppies in the environment.
Multiple litters of puppies and multiple breeds of dogs on the premises
indicate that you could be dealing with a puppy mill.
Have the puppies received vaccinations, worming and a veterinary health exam?
Responsible breeders will always provide you with a health
certificate showing that the puppy received its first set of
vaccinations, worming and an examination by a licensed veterinarian.
You should never buy a puppy that has not had this initial veterinary
care. Almost all puppies are born with intestinal worms because mother
dogs can serve as carriers even though they themselves are not infected.
All puppies are also at risk for several serious diseases, such as
parvovirus and distemper. To ensure they are adequately protected
against these diseases, puppies need to receive their first vaccinations
before they are separated from their mothers. An initial exam by a
licensed veterinarian will also give you peace of mind that the puppy
has been checked for illness and genetic defects.
Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed’s possible genetic disorders?
Certain breeds of dogs are at risk for specific genetic disorders.
For example, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers
and some other large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. If you’re
considering one of these breeds, it is a good idea to make sure the
puppy’s mother and father have had their hips certified by a
veterinarian using a special x-ray called “OFA Hip.”
Collies are prone to two types of genetic eye disorders, and collie
puppies should have their eyes examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist
between five and eight weeks of age.
There are other inherited disorders, such as elbow dysplasia, that cannot be predicted with testing. Click here for a complete list of genetic disorders by breed.
Responsible breeders will be knowledgeable about their breed’s
genetic risks and honest about genetic disorders in their dogs. They
will be able to provide OFA Hip or other test documentation when
indicated.
How old is the dog’s mother and how often does the breeder breed her?
Responsible breeders will not breed a dog until her second heat,
which is typically at one and one-half to two years of age, and will
breed her no more than every other heat cycle or about once per year.
This ensures that the mother has time to rest and recover between
litters. Puppy mill breeders typically breed their dogs at the first
heat and at every heat cycle thereafter until the dog is worn out and
can no longer produce litters.
Does the breeder provide high-quality puppy food to the mother and puppies?
Responsible breeders feed their pregnant dogs, nursing mothers and
puppies high-quality puppy food because it contains a higher level of
fat and protein than adult dog food formulas. Food given to puppies and
nursing mothers should meet the standards of the Association of American
Feed Control Officials for growth and reproduction. If the breeder is
feeding the puppies or mother an adult dog food or a low-quality dog
food that does not have the appropriate level of nutrients, the animals
could have or could develop heath issues.
Does the breeder sell mixed-breed puppies?
Most responsible breeders breed only one type of purebred and put
considerable time, effort and financial resources into breeding only
dogs with good health and temperament.
Responsible breeders try to produce puppies that come as close as
possible to the breed’s standard in conformation and temperament.
So-called “designer” mixed breeds such as Yorkie-poos, cockapoos,
Malti-poos, puggles, Labradoodles, and goldendoodles are often bred by
puppy mills or novices looking to make a quick profit. These mixed
breeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and have no
recognized breed standards.
Does the breeder require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered?
Responsible breeders often require that you have the puppy spayed or
neutered before the age of six months. This is a good thing. Responsible
breeders recognize that most people do not have the time or resources
to breed their new pet responsibly. They also recognize that pet
overpopulation is a serious concern and they do not want their puppies
to add to this problem.
What kind of “papers” does the dog have?
Registration papers from the American Kennel Club merely prove that
both the dog’s parents are of purebred lineage. AKC registration is not a
reliable indicator of good health or temperament or responsible
breeding practices, as many puppy mills produce AKC-registered puppies.
Responsible breeders may breed dogs that indeed have AKC papers, but
the presence of these “papers” is not an indicator of the breeders’
quality.
Will the breeder take the puppy back if there’s a problem?
Good breeders love their animals and are concerned with their welfare
and future. Responsible breeders may not be able to refund your money,
but they will accept your dog back and take the responsibility of
rehoming him if you find you can no longer care for him for any reason.