Why get a
purebred dog?
One of the
advantages to purebred dogs is that they have characteristics that are typical
of the breed. You can learn what the dog’s nutritional needs are and how much
attention you will likely have to give to it. You can also learn approximately
how big it will get and that his or her exercise needs are, as well as how much
grooming will be involved. The advantage of getting a dog from a good breeder
is that he or she will help you find a dog that will be a good fit for you. Or
else steer you towards a breed that would be more appropriate.
What are
some things to look for in a breeder?
This is a
list of things to look for in a breeder, it is by no means a complete list and
should only be used as a guideline, however having said that a good breeder
should be able to satisfy most if not all of these points. A reputable breeder
is a breeder that strives to produce quality healthy dogs. Good breeders take
as many precautions as possible to ensure that they are breeding good dogs.
* They screen
for know genetic defects in their breed. A breeder should be able to tell you
about know problems in a breed, and more importantly what they, as a breeder,
are doing to prevent them.
* A good
breeder should be able to talk to you about the
breed standard(s)
of the dogs they produce “A Breed Standard” is a detailed description of a
particular breeds. It describes a breed’s “ideal specimen”. The breed standard
should be what a breeder strives for. This person should be able to talk to you
about the breed’s history and
purpose. They should be able to tell you about the characteristic their
breed(s) typically have.
Even if
all that you want is a “pet” your puppy should be a good representation of the
breed. Show quality dogs should be an excellent
example. I do not believe that a breeder must show their dogs to be a good breeder, however be very cautious of a breeder that does not
participate in any “Canine” sports. This means that your puppy’s pedigree
should have a number of ancestors that have “titles”, such as championship,
obedience degrees and/or other working titles. A pedigree with lots of titles
is a good indication that the breeder cares about the breed. Your breeder
should be able to talk to you about the pedigree of your puppy.
* They vaccinate
and give wormer to all of their
puppies. Most breeders will not allow a puppy off their premises until the
puppy has had at least two if not three vaccinations. In
*Your
Puppy should be healthy. Things to look for in a healthy puppy include, but are
not limited to: clear eyes; moist but not dripping nose; teeth and bite clean
and correct for its specific breed; clean shiny coat, the puppy should not be
emaciated.
* Good
breeders provide their dogs, especially brood bitches and puppies, with quality
food and supplements. They should be able to answer questions about
nutrition, and how to keep your puppy healthy.
* Good
breeders they take care not to breed their females on their first heat cycle.
Doing this is very hard on the female’s health, and is considered by many breeders
to be unethical.
* Good
breeders are able to answer questions about their breed,
and should be able to continue to answer question after you have purchased a
puppy. Even if you have a question years after you purchases or adopted the
dog.
* Good
breeders keep all of their animals in clean, healthy environment, if
possible (be very leery of breeders that will not let you do this) ask to see
the parent(s) of you puppy. These dogs should be in good weight, have healthy
clean coats and living conditions, should not have toenails that are too long,
and should have good temperaments (although the mother might be protective of
her puppies, other dogs in the kennel
can give you a good example of the temperaments that that kennel produces.)
* Good
breeders love their dogs,
* Good
breeders do not mass produce puppies. They also do not breed their
female dogs excessively. They breed
their dogs selectively and should always be
striving for “the betterment of the breed”.
Written By
Nicole Guidry BSW, MA
Crickhollow Kennel’s Perm Reg’d
Miniature
Longhaired Dachshunds
http://www.geocities.com/crickhollowdoxies/