Babara Bush
You have decided: a four-legged friend should move in with you. And not just anyone, but a puppy of a certain breed! Depending on the breed, the range is large or small. With rare dogs, it is possible that you have to wait a long time and drive far before you can hug the puppy of your choice. In any case, keep your eyes open when buying a dog! Because on the Internet or on eBay classifieds you will find numerous dubious offers from “multipliers” who sell supposed pedigree dogs for less. You pay much more money for them than for a dog from animal welfare, but you still don’t have a “real” pedigree dog. Read here what you should look out for when buying a dog.
The breeder is a member of an association
“We don’t need any papers, we are only hobby breeders!” Anyone who hears this argument should refrain from buying a puppy. In order for the dog to have a pedigree, the breeders must be members of an association. Neither the papers nor the membership is expensive. Dubious breeders are not in an association because they cannot meet its criteria. Because the association controls that the breeder breeds with pure-bred animals. And almost even more important: That healthy, types and solid animals are used. Many clubs carry out regular breeding controls before the puppies go to their new owners. By the way: breeders in a club are usually hobby breeders too. But they take their hobby and animal health seriously.
Healthy parents and puppies
Mixed breeds are healthier than pedigree dogs – this is a prejudice that many dog lovers know. In fact, there are diseases in every breed of dog, from which the respective dogs get sick more often. For example, this is the case with hip dysplasia in many large and medium-sized dogs. But a reputable breeder selects the parent animals accordingly: he has the hips examined by means of an X-ray examination, only healthy animals are bred. Dubious breeders do not do this – after all, the examinations are expensive and reduce the profit. Your animals, therefore, suffer more frequently from the corresponding diseases, which confirms the aforementioned prejudice. To find out about possible diseases of your desired breed and talk to the breeder about his health care. Any reputable breeder will be ready to show you the results in writing. Many put them on their homepage in advance or publish them on the website of their association.
Before you buy: get to know each other intensively
Before deciding on a puppy, be sure to be able to visit the breeder’s home. A good breeder takes the time to answer your questions and wants to learn more about you. After all, it is important to him that his puppy is in good hands. Also, when the breeder gets to know you, they will be better able to decide which puppy is right for you. Many only assign the puppies from the fifth or sixth week, as the first characteristics of the little four-legged friends only appear then.
Family connection instead of keeping a kennel
Pay attention to the keeping of the dogs during your visit: keeping a kennel should be taboo. At the beginning, the puppies and their mother should have a place of retreat in a quiet room. If they are older, they are in good hands in rooms with more going on. This time is important for the imprinting of the puppies. The parent animals should also live in the house – unless it is a stud dog from another breeder.
Class instead of mass
Several breeds or three litters at the same time? Be critical if the breeder of your choice is breeding more than one breed. Two litters or more at the same time can occur if several bitches live in the household. But can the breeder do justice to everyone – or is it about as much profit as possible? Bitches should only have a litter once a year, so skip a heat.
Contact person instead of a salesperson
A good breeder will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed. Even after the purchase, he is interested in knowing how his protégés are doing. The conversations should be less of a sales talk and more of getting to know each other. After all, the breeder is not selling you a washing machine, but rather your potential new family member. Be critical if breeders advertise unsustainable statements such as “allergy-free dog”.
Purchase price and contract
There is no pedigree dog at a bargain price. Anyone who buys from a multiplier does not get a pedigree dog, because breeding means selection according to health, character, and visual criteria. Of course, a high purchase price does not necessarily mean quality. Some designer dog sellers such as Golden Doodle and Co. sell their puppies more expensive than regular reputable breeders of recognized breeds. Feel free to ask how a higher purchase price can be explained. With the purchase comes a contract and the handover of the family tree, which secures both parties. Often there is also a health certificate.
More than a business: handing over the puppies
A good breeder does not give up their puppies until they are eight or nine weeks old. At this point you have the necessary basic immunization, are chipped and dewormed several times. Past deliveries are not good for the dog’s development. Again, the puppy shouldn’t move in with you too late. The easier it is for him to bond with you and get used to his new home. The breeder will not hand over the puppies “between the door and the hinge”, but will take their time and answer your questions on the day of handover. Many provide a familiar blanket and some of the familiar food to help the puppy get used to his new home.