Finding the Right Puppy

So you've done your research on the breed or type of dog that's right for you, and now you're ready to find that puppy.  Take a little extra time now to save yourself hours or years of trouble through the life of your new family member.

• Don’t get the first cute pup you find!  In fact, if you’re going to look at a litter, leave the checkbook at home, and make a decision without a cute pup in your lap.  You can always pay the next day, but buying a family member on impulse isn’t wise.

• Don’t buy a pup from a pet store!  They almost always come from puppy mills, despite what the store employees may tell you ("our puppies all come from private breeders” – well, a puppy mill is technically a private breeder!).  Aside from ethical issues, you may face larger problems with physical health, mental health/socialization, etc.

• Buying a pup from a newspaper ad is a very chancy route.  Most of these are from unknowledgeable people trying to produce puppies for cash.  They will almost certainly not have done the requisite health testing to produce healthy pups and may not have done much socialization, either.  While some great dogs can be found here, it's a gamble.

• Want a particular breed?  Check the local rescue groups for that breed These are wonderful dogs, available in all ages, and they usually come with some training already.  They generally are living in foster homes, so the rescuers know them well and can match you exactly with the pet you’re looking for.

• Or, contact the local breed club for a referral.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE BREEDER

• What health testing have you done on the parents?

OFA (hip/elbow dysplasia) and CERF (eyes) are a must; other tests will vary according to breed.  Your research and info from your breed club will help you know what to ask about.  Don’t listen to anyone who tells these are unnecessary or “only for show dogs” -- don’t you deserve a healthy pet?

• What genetic problems are common in this breed?

All breeds have some genetic problems.  If someone tells you his breed is entirely healthy with no inherent problems, that’s your cue to find another breeder who will be honest.

• What are conditions of buying this puppy?

You don’t necessarily have to sign a 11-page contract, but responsible breeders want to know where their pups are going.  Most will require spaying/neutering of all puppies not going to a competition home.  The best ones have a (written) standing offer to take back the dog if ever you cannot keep it; they don’t want to run the risk of their carefully bred and nurtured dogs ending up in a puppy mill or a fight ring.  If the person just wants your money and never cares to see you again, go find someone else.

HELPFUL SITES

http://www.nopuppymills.com (lots of good info here)
http://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html (good questions to ask your breeder, etc.)