Where to get a new dog PDF  | Print |  E-mail

It is a personal decision of whether you want a mixed breed or a purebred, and if you prefer to adopt or buy.   Since there's not much controversy or differences of opinions on the subject of adoption/rescue, in the article below I'll only cover breeders. 

 I came across this website that was referred to in the latest edition of the Whole Dog Journal.   http://www.wonderpuppy.net/1breeding.php  There is no way I can improve on this information, or even add to it.  If you want to purchase a purebred dog, reading through the information on this site is a MUST. 

A reputable breeder, at a MINIMUM, will:

Breed physically and mentally healthy, genetically sound puppies.

  • In order to breed genetically healthy puppies, health tests and/or screening on both parents as well as all puppies must be done. 

Is knowledgeable about the conformation, health and welfare of her breed. 

  • When you see ads for (as an example) Teacup Yorkies, you know this breeder is NOT educated about her breed.  The word "teacup" is NOT ACCEPTED on any AKC registrations for ANY breed.   Be aware of "new miniature", "rare colors", etc.  Know what your breed's standards are before you look for a dog.  The most expensive dog will fit the AKC Standards the closest.  Dogs bred out of those standards should be greatly reduced in price. 

Screens prospective homes carefully, and will only sell to appropriate buyers.

  • A reputable breeder does not sell to just anyone who happens to have the money.  Good breeders do NOT put tiny toy pups in homes with very small children, Huskies in apartments or Akita's with 1st time dog owners.  Breeders want a good fit, and if that isn't there they simply will refuse to sell. 

Allows buyers to see the mother, and the father if he is on the premises.

  • When a breeder is nice enough to "meet you halfway" to deliver a pup - beware!  Chances are they do not want you to see either the parents or the conditions the pups live in.  Good breeders have waiting lists for their dogs, they don't sell out of the back of a pickup truck at the hardware store. 

Expects to maintain contact and follow-up with all of her puppy homes for the life of the dog. 

  • A reputable breeder will be a source of help and information for the life of your dog.  Not all health problems show up in the first few weeks of a dogs life.  If your breeder does not maintain contact with her puppies as they grow and mature, how can she possibly breed for health?  Anytime there is a genetic condition or disease, your breeder should be the first person you call.  Any breeder worth her salt will make contact with your vet, get all of the specifics and likely will NOT repeat that breeding again. 

Has a detailed contract with limited health guarantees and SPECIFIC wording that requires spay/neuter for all puppies. 

  • Good breeders are careful about what is in their sales contracts.  First and foremost, pups placed in pet homes are either:  1) spayed/neutered BEFORE leaving the breeders home; or 2)given only limited registrations.  (meaning you can not register a litter of that dog with AKC).   Many cover other topics like imminizations that may be given, what brand of food, health guarantees, etc.  Be very wary of anyone selling a pup without a written and executed contract. 

Will take back any dogs she has sold, at any time, for any reason, for the life of that  dog. 

  • Let me reitterate this statement.  A good breeder will take back any of her dogs for the life of that dog for any reason.  Period.  These kinds of breeders take extraordinary steps to ensure their offspring do not end up in shelters. 

Will never, I repeat never, ever, sell to a pet store. 

  • If you sell your dogs third party, please tell me how you could breed for health when you relinquish pups at 5 or 6 weeks old????  You can not possibly know if those matured into healthy dogs or not.  Breeders who sell to pet stores are breeding to make money.  A good reputable breeder breeds to improve her breed. 

The above is not a comprehensive discussion on the different types of breeders, or where to get a purebred dog.  Other topics like hybrid vigor, mixed breed "designer" dogs, etc. are discussed in the site at:  http://www.wonderpuppy.net/1breeding.php   Please take the time to peruse through this site, it is the best source of information I've found to date.