SO YOU'RE
LOOKING FOR A PUPPY.
Here is what you should be looking
for.
First, take a moment to consider if
you really want a dog. Dogs take time,
space, attention, love and money. And,
will you and your living arrangements be
able to provide all this for your dog for
the next 10 to 16 years?
Next, check out several different
breeds. When looking at puppies, ask to
see the parents. Ask what kind of medical
problems are in the breed, and if hip
dysplasia is one, are both the parents
OFA certified. This is not a guarantee
but it will give you better odds. Look at
the temperament of the puppy (not too shy
or overly aggressive). Try to determine
what type of puppy will go well with your
life style, show dog, pet, good with
children, very active home or very quiet
home.
Keep in mind that although you will
have a lot of questions; the breeder will
also be interviewing you. They will ask
things such as: do you have a fenced in
yard, have you owned a dog before and
what happened to it? How many hours a day
will the puppy be alone? Why do you want
this breed and if it requires grooming,
will you be sure to keep the dog well
maintained?
You should receive some kind of
written agreement that the breeder will
take the puppy back if it is not working
out. Do not be surprised if they have a
spay/neuter clause in contract. This is
best for the dog and you. Will your
breeder be available for questions and
maintenance help? Please don't over-call
for every little thing.
CHECK OUT SEVERAL DIFFERENT BREEDS
OF DOG!! UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU
WANT, LOOK AROUND!! CHECK OUT SEVERAL
DIFFERENT BREEDERS. ALL PUPPIES ARE CUTE
BUT YOU WILL HAVE THIS DOG FOR MANY
YEARS.
Catherine Lord
25 year breeder of
Standard Schnauzers
More Help
- Do you really want a dog?
Suggestions: Borrow a dog. Dog
sit. Spend some time with a dog,
one on one. Ask "real"
questions of dog owners you know.
Get clear about what you have to
offer a dog and what it takes to
have the dog you want.
- Check out several different
breeds. Suggestion: Pro
Dog Networks, Dog Breed Database
Search.
- Check out many different
breeders. BreederBase.
    
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