Getting a new puppy is always exciting but there are a few questions you want to ask your breeder before you take your puppy home. In this article I want to discuss five of those questions for you.
1. Genetic testing
This is an important one. Has your puppy's parents been tested for the genetic problems that may occur in this breed of dog? And if you're considering a breed that can have hip dysplasia have the parents been OFA'd and if so do the breeders have certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to prove that. There's nothing worse than taking a puppy home and a few months later discovering that it has a genetic problem.
When it comes to Labradors, Goldens, German Shepherds and any of the big breed dogs that could have hip dysplasia I would never take a puppy whose parents haven't been OFA certified.
2. Can we see the parents?
This is an important question to ask. Now I will admit there will be times that the sire will not be on the property because the female was sent out to be bred. However in that case I want to see at least the mother of the litter. If a breeder says that you can't see the parents for any particular reason I would completely pass on the litter.
Breeders should be proud of their breeding stock and be willing to show them to prospective new puppy owners. However if the dogs are overly aggressive or have some other type of problem they may want to keep them away from you.
3. What is your guarantee?
I would like to know what the breeder offers for a guarantee on the puppies. Does their guarantee cover genetic issues? And how long the guarantee is good for is an important question as well.
4. Do you have a contract?
Does the breeder seem to be professional and have a pre-done contract outlining your responsibilities as well as the breeders responsibilities related to the sale? Is the guarantee included in the contract?
5. Current shots and have they been to a vet.
Have the puppies been examined by a veterinarian and are they current on all their shots. Does the breeder have shot records from the vet or did they give the shots themselves at their kennel?
As you can see there are some important questions for you to ask a prospective breeder that you're considering for your puppy purchase. There are many great breeders out there that are very conscientious and care about their dogs and where they go for their new home. However there are many other breeders out there that shouldn't be breeding and really don't care about the puppies, only the money.
The last thing I want to mention and it's very important you should never bring a puppy home and away from its litter until it is eight weeks old. A breeder that wants to sell you a puppy at five or six weeks old is not a good breeder and you should not even consider a purchase from him. A good conscientious, reputable breeder will not allow you to have a puppy until its eight weeks old.
Good luck with your purchase and enjoy that new puppy!
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