Choosing a breeder from whom to get our dog is almost as important as the type of dog you choose. The breeder will determine the overall health and temperament of the dog, so it’s important to choose wisely. It may be tempting to pick the cheapest one from the raft of dogs sale adverts on the internet, but that could be a mistake.
The prevalence of these dog sale adverts in our newspapers and on the internet is testament to the fact that we love our dogs. However, it is universally recognised among welfare groups that there are too many breeders selling too many dogs.
Look in any free-ad paper, or on any advertising website and you will see hundreds of dogs sale adverts advertising everything from mongrels to show dogs. The choice of breeder is huge, and takes research to get right. We have compiled a list of questions you should ask the breeder when answering a dog sale advertisement.
Where do your adult dogs live?
Knowing how the parents are cared for, or not, is an important indicator of the quality of the breeder. The living conditions should match the type of dog. Outdoor dogs like Alaskan Malamutes should ideally live outdoors, with plenty of space. Indoor dogs should have somewhere warm, with space to play.
Where were the puppies born? Where are they being raised?
Another important indicator of the quality of the breeder. The dog sale advert can say anything, so you need to ask the questions. Puppies should be born and raised in a warm, safe environment away from other dogs. They should also be handled regularly to ensure they aren’t afraid of people.
How many litters did you have last year?
Breeders who squeeze as many litters out of their dams as possible are to be avoided at all costs. Litters can end up weak and dams exhausted. There is no right answer here, but the fewer the better.
Tell me about the sire and dam
You want to know that both parents are healthy, have good HIP scores, and no underlying health issues. It would also be nice to know any particular characteristics of the parents.
What are some of the health issues present in the breed?
Many breeds have a susceptibility to certain health issues. It’s important to know any that your new puppy may inherit. This is particularly important for pedigree dog sales.
Do you have pictures of pups from previous litters now they are fully grown?
This is a nice to have, but not essential. It allows you to roughly gauge how large the dog will be and give you an idea of what it may look like.
Can you provide me with a list of references of people who have pups from you?
Most reputable breeders will be able to provide references. It’s an established part of the industry. If you receive a list, make sure you talk to them.
Can you provide at least one veterinary reference?
A vet is about as impartial as you can get. Each litter will be inspected before they are handed over and each parent should have a health score. Again, if you get the vet reference, make sure you use it.
How long have you bred this breed? Do you breed others?
Knowledge is power, and the longer a breeder has had a particular type of dog, the more they should know about it. A breeder who has many breeds may not have the focus needed to produce happy, healthy litters.
Dog sale adverts are all over, but it isn’t as simple as phoning and collecting. You need to be especially careful, and check out the breeder before handing over your money.