Looking For The Right Breeder?
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT BREEDER? WE CAN HELP!
Looking to add a new puppy to your family you've decided that you want a new family companion and you have a poodle in mind you just want a pet you want a companion who will fit into your activities and lifestyle you want the best a physically and mentally sound puppy a healthy happy puppy to spend your life with.
Consider that this is a decision that will be with you for the next 12-16 years choose wisely not all breeders are created equal and neither are the puppies they produce keep in mind that anyone who owns a female dog at the time it gives birth is a "breeder" It is not always easy to tell the difference between a GOOD breeder, responsible hobby breeder, amateur breeder, backyard breeder, broker or a commercial breeder. here is some help on what to look for and
ask the Breeder.
Ask the breeder if they have proper licensing for they’er breeding program with the new “Animal Welfare Act” most breeders are required to be inspected and licensed by the Department of Agriculture who requires extensive Veterinarian care and documentation are they licensed by their City and paying all their appropriate taxes and claiming their income to the IRS? If not then they are a breeder flying under the radar and this
should be a red flag.
Ask how long has the breeder been involved with this breed? If it is a new breed or color that has recently become popular, beware of someone who has jumped on the bandwagon to make a fast buck. They may not have the best interests of the breed nor buyer in mind. Beware anyone can build a website!! Are they familiar with its historical origins? How knowledgeable is the breeder about this particular breed? Can they educate you about the breed's disadvantages especially genetic predisposition to health problems and characteristics.
Does the breeder show their dogs in conformation, obedience, agility etc. I my self used to but do not believe that this is a requirement for one to be a good breeder but having the knowledge of conformation is a plus those who actively compete in dog events also tend to have an overall higher commitment to the breed a fancy pedigree full of champions has no relevance to someone seeking a healthy happy puppy as a companion ask what is their goal in breeding? Is their goal consistent with your vision of an ideal pet? If they are breeding for health and temperament have them explain exactly what they mean.
Ask the breeder if their dogs are screened for genetic health defects like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, Von Willebrand's disease, or anything else that is common in the breed can they provide you with proof e.g., CERF and OFA/Penn-Hip certification and other relevant veterinary documentation? a good breeder will welcome your concern and be glad to offer the requested information an excellent breeder will candidly discuss the health of their line of dogs including the problems that have cropped up even good breeders can produce unhealthy dogs on occasion. The difference is that the good breeder is on a mission to find and remove those genetic influences from their breeding lines.
Ask what kind of guarantees does the breeder offer? Most will offer a replacement puppy or refund of purchase price if your puppy manifests a serious genetic defect any responsible breeder will want to keep in touch with you and be informed if your dog develops health problems truly caring breeders will insist that you return your puppy to them if you are unable to keep it for any reason during its entire life.
Does the breeder expect to sell you a puppy with strings attached? concerned responsible breeders will insist that you neuter or spay your pet puppy as soon as it is old enough. They may have you sign a contract to this effect or they may sell the puppy with limited registration (which means you have no intentions of breeding) this is a very good sign in a breeder so much so that I would be suspicious of any breeder who does not insist on spade/neutering your pet.
Ask what age does the breeder send puppies to their new homes? Avoid any breeder who wants to send home a puppy younger than eight weeks old. Many good breeders will release puppies after 8 weeks old check to see if the premises are clean and orderly. Are the breeder's dogs healthy in appearance? find a breeder who feeds a good quality commercial kibble and provides standard veterinary care including appropriate vaccinations and worming preventatives etc.
If purchasing a puppy over the internet you should speak often with the breeder let them know your a bit uncomfortable with purchasing through the net ask lots and lots of questions a good breeder will oblige as good breeder will also want to know about you! find one who enjoys sending lots of picture's and video's as a picture is worth a thousand words! ask for a reference's family, friends, clients
Often overlooked but important do you like the breeder? Will you feel comfortable relying on this person as a resource to help you if you ever run into problems with your pup? If you feel that the breeder is rude or otherwise disagreeable talks badly or bash's other breeders to make a sale look elsewhere to buy your puppy. One of the greatest advantages of buying from a breeder is the support and assistance they can offer you throughout your dog's life, Leslie
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