How To Get The Most From Your Dog Breeder
One of the aspects of being a reputable dog breeder is to know what type of dog behavior to expect from puppies as they grow into adulthood.
Although it is easy to predict the future temperament of a litter by observing their parents, the right breeder has the knowledge and understanding of the breed that goes way back to it’s history. This knowledge and understanding gives the breeder a better insight of his/her dogs’ behavior and temperament. Breeders should be able to tell you why a dog behaves a certain way, its personality and what drives the dog to do certain things and act the way it does.
A good dog breeder can also tell you the puppy’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and what changes to expect as it gets older (physically and mentally). Does it enjoy being around children? Does it get along with strangers and other animals? Is it needy or independent? What are its grooming and exercise needs? Is it a good watchdog? The right breeder should be able to answer these questions and more.
It is important for him/her to make sure that you, the potential buyer, are well equipped with the necessary tools and information to create the best home for the puppy. Furthermore, a responsible breeder will want to make sure that the puppy will be happy living in your home and that you all are the ideal family for it.
Arm Yourself With Breed Conformation Information
A breed conformation is defined as a specific way of describing a certain breed; the shape, size and structure that are common with the standard type of dog breed.
Before visiting a dog breeder, you should check the official breed standard of the breed you’re looking for. The official breed standard is posted on the AKC.org website. By checking the site, you will have the knowledge of what the puppy is supposed to look like, before you make the purchase. In addition, you won’t be fooled by a dishonest breeder into giving him more money for something that is allegedly a “rare” size, color, or look, but is actually a disqualifying fault.
An honest breeder conforms to the standard of the breed and will only sell puppies with disqualifying or severe faults for a lesser price (up to 50% off). He/she should let you know that these puppies are less expensive because they are considered as pet-quality dogs and not show-quality dogs.
Finding A Professional Dog Breeder That Puts Health First
If you are thinking about getting a specific pure bred puppy, the best route is to go to a professional breeder. If you want to make sure that the purebred puppy is in great health, has a sound temperament, and one that will match your personality and lifestyle, then you need to find an honest and knowledgeable breeder, one that will help you find that perfect puppy.
The Importance Of Finding The Right Breeder
Nowadays, finding a reputable breeder is not as easy as it used to be. Many self-proclaimed breeders are nothing more than regular dog owners practicing “backyard breeding”. Many of these backyard breeders lack proper knowledge, history and understanding of the breed, other than the one that they own.
Therefore, you need to thoroughly research and find a legitimate breeder, one who is honest and well educated about a specific dog breed. A reputable breeder should be able to give you pertinent information about his/her puppies, as well as answer questions you may have regarding the breed, even after you have purchased the puppy. Most importantly, a reputable breeder should have a genuine interest and love for his/her dogs.
One advantage of going to breeders is that they have first-hand experience and knowledge of raising that specific dog breed. These are two important factors that they can pass down to you which will help you raise a healthy and happy dog. Reliable breeders are concerned about many aspects of their dogs, with health being number one.
Health
A reputable breeder’s top priority is to make sure that his/her puppies are free of genetic diseases that are common and dangerous to that specific breed. For instance, a breeder of Labrador retrievers should test their puppies for diseases and disorders that are common with the breed, such as developmental diseases of the bone and joint, retinal dysplasia and tricuspid dysplasia.
That breeder should have an updated certificate for eye evaluation obtained from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, that ensures the puppy does not have genetic eye disease. The results of the eye evaluation should be registered at the Canine Health Information Center, where potential buyers and owners can go and check the results.
