How much is that doggy in the window? The one with the ‘scraggly’ tail. Unfortunately, not all dog breeders have the right motives. There are those who selfishly put wealth before health.

They are more concerned with counting cash than lavishing their litter with love.

It’s a tragic state of affairs and their abhorrent behaviour besmirches the reputation of breeders across the country. That’s why it is imperative, as a prospective pet parent, to do your due diligence when it comes to adding to your family.

A money-driven breeder will likely rush you into a purchase, while showing very little affection for the puppy they are parting with.

A reputable breeder, on the other hand, will have paid their pups plenty of attention, made their happiness and health their sole priority, and will be able to relay information about the routines, nuances and characteristics of each individual fur baby.

The ‘good’ ones will always stand out from the crowd; they’ll be relatable, share your passion for puppies and give you time to come to a decision.

They’ll show as much interest in their dogs’ welfare from the first conversation to the last, and ensure that the living conditions for their four-legged friends are enriched and maintained to the highest standards.

The environment, coupled with the personalities of both barker and breeder, will usually speak volumes and tell you everything you need to know about their upbringing, but don’t be afraid to do your research and/or ask questions.

 

 

Why is finding the right breeder so important?

There are the obvious perks of planning and preparing an extensive search for your new pup.

But that initial excitement can be curtailed by the perils and pitfalls of nailing down the right breeder.

This dilemma epitomises the ‘pleasure and pain’ scenario, but the time, energy and detail dedicated to this search is more than worth it.

Finding a reputable breeder can be somewhat of a minefield at times, filtering through candidates with a fine tooth comb, meaning the procedure can be rather overwhelming for some.

However, mastering this part of the process will ultimately help you find the perfect pet, one that will be happy, healthy and blessed with a long lifespan.

Rushing into picking and purchasing a new furry flatmate, and ignoring the necessary checks and protocols, can have many negative ramifications, which can spiral out of control.

Without any knowledge of health, history or lineage, new owners might have to deal with illness, ongoing and costly veterinary visits or even death, all of which can be extremely distressing for all parties.

Assured breeders, who follow the appropriate breeding practices, and follow them to a tee, will help to negate these risks significantly, and allow everyone to enjoy the best possible start to their new lives together.

 

5 things to look for when choosing a dog breeder 

 

1. Personality

Make a point of meeting your breeder in person, whether it’s at a kennels or in their home. This will give you the opportunity to gauge their credentials best on both personality and the cleanliness/organisation of their environment. In these sorts of situations you generally can judge a book by its cover.

 

2. Rapport

Face-to-face interaction will also enable prospective puppy purchasers to get a sense of the relationship between a breeder and their litter. It’s important to determine whether the breeder is attentive, passionate and considerate, and whether the puppies are receptive to their landlord and comfortable around humans in general.

 

3. Patience

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Upon meeting with any breeder, be sure to be armed with a list of questions. Be inquisitive; after all, choosing a new canine companion is a big commitment and a big decision so it is important to have your queries and curiosities answered. You can never ask too many questions. Also, ensure that the breeder doesn’t force or rush a transaction.

 

4. Medical history

Reputable breeders won’t have any hesitation when it comes to showing proof of health screenings. They also won’t mind reciting the medical history of that particular breed or explain the ins and outs of any health conditions/issues that typically affect them. This will allow new pet parents to be fully prepared in the long-term.

 

5. Evidence

The proof is always in the pudding, or in the puppy, as the case may be. Researching the bloodline of your pup, or seeing their mum up close and personal will allow you to develop an image of how they are going to grow up, in terms of size, appearance and temperament. 

 

 

Avoiding bad breeders – What are the main signs? 

If your breeder comes across as the antithesis of points one to five from the above, then this should serve as an immediate red flag.

Those who put an emphasis on wealth before health, putting cash before a duty of care, then have your wits about you and avoid at all costs.

If the offending breeder doesn’t appear to want to spend time chatting to you, and is pushing for payment, then the alarm bells should be ringing.

The same can be said if they seem reluctant to welcome you into their home and, instead, attempt to arrange a neutral meeting point.

The environment in which they raise their litter can tell you a lot about the level of care and attention they’ve been receiving and the quality of their upbringing.

As can the welfare, well-being and physical appearance of the mother, who will generally be a walking advertisement for the breeder, if they’ve been raised in the appropriate manner. Any signs of the breeder trying to hide what should be their prized asset, should be duly noted.

Finally, if the breeder tries to hand the puppy over before it is eight weeks old – which is illegal – or tries to mask any form of medical condition, they should be blacklisted!

 

Take time to observe the signs

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas, so it’s imperative that you find the right breeder who can provide you with a happy and healthy canine companion.

Pet parents, or those seeking to become one, can generally sniff out a fraud when push comes to shove, especially when it impacts on our precious pups.

Watch out for the warning signs, pay attention to any potential perils or pitfalls, and, more than anything else, trust your own judgement.

If breeders are evasive, unwelcoming, promise the world yet fail to deliver, and constantly have money on their mind, then keep them at arm’s length and move on.

A good breeder will be engaging, hospitable, generous with their time, happy to answer questions, they’ll dote on their dogs, and will always have their puppies’ best interests at heart.

This is where you’ll find your forever (fur) friend, one that will be happy, healthy and live a long and prosperous life.

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