Buying a new puppy or dog -- what you need to know

Congratulations on deciding to add a dog into your life! Here are some tips to consider to assist you in finding the perfect companion.

AKC Registered and/or AKC Papers
The AKC (American Kennel Club) is a registry service, not a guarantee of quality. What registration papers tell you (in theory) is your new puppy or dog is the breed you are buying. That is all the papers mean. Registration papers are not a guarantee of quality or anything else. If the people you are buying your puppy from try and charge you extra for papers, RUN away from this deal. Charging extra for registration papers is against AKC rules. Report anyone trying this to the AKC. There are even some people that sell papers on a black market basis. You can contact AKC to check your papers.

How papers relate to the "real world." Papers are like the title to your vehicle. The title will tell you what type of vehicle you have, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet. The title does not tell you it is a good special vehicle or that is worth more than any other vehicle. The title just tells you the vehicle you have is most likely the type that it says it is. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.


Color
Color is simply a genetic code. Is some breeds, diluted coat color can relate to other health issues like allergies and/or skin and coat problems. There are also breeds where color relates to more serious health problems. Study up on the breed you are interested in and know what issues can arise. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.

"Special" Ancestors
Do a little research into your breed. In any breed, many dogs can and do trace back to a common ancestor. Is the dog being touted a dog from recent breed history or are you looking at a name from 50+ years ago. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.

Price
If you look in the paper, you will see many dogs listed in the $100 dollar range. Remember the old saying, "You get what you pay for." These dogs are rarely a great deal.

Free to Good Home
This is frightening. Free dogs can end up anywhere. There are "harvesters" that travel around and pick up free puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. They can end up in research laboratories, as bait for dog fighting rings, or as breeders in a puppy mill.

Dogs as Gifts
Do not give a pet as a gift!

Championship Lines
There should be at least 4 dogs with titles in the first three generations. People that breed and show dogs will be proud to show you the photos, ribbons and trophies. A good breeder is breeding to improve the breed. Remember, just because the parents were "special" dogs doesn't mean all the pups will be special. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.

Show Quality
If you are searching for a puppy in the newspaper, you are most likely not purchasing a show quality pup. To a classified advertiser, the term show quality most likely means you are paying more money. For a puppy with the potential to be show quality, go to a breeder that is showing and breeding to help improve the breed. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.

Health Guarantee
As a general rule, this means the breeder will take back the unhealthy puppy and give you a replacement. Will the replacement be from the same litter? Is this a repeat breeding? Will the replacement puppy have the same health problems? Now that you have had your puppy for a period of time and bonded with him, do you really want to know what will happen once you return him to the breeder? Good breeders have good guarantees. Know what questions to ask your breeder about health and temperament.

Educate Yourself
Learn as much as you can about the breed you are interested in. Know what questions to ask your breeder about your new dog.

Finding Your Puppy or Dog
Find a reputable breeder. They won't be as "cheap" as a classified advertised puppy, but you will get more value for your money. Consider working with a breed rescue club and adopting an older dog.
Remember if you buy from a backyard breeder (someone who breeds without thinking or knowing why and/or how to improve the breed) or from a puppy mill (commercial breeding for the express purpose of making money) all you have done is padded someone's pocket and encouraged them to do it again.

If you are now asking yourself, "Where do I get a good puppy?" Start with the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club to learn more about breeds. You can also contact the national breed club to get more information and to locate a reputable breeder. In Minnesota, start with the Minnesota Purebred Dog Breeders Association 

 

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Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Ask these questions BEFORE you go see the puppies. Once you are looking at the little darlings, it is very hard to walk away. Know how your puppy has been raised and be certain they have been socialized to people and are living indoors. When you do get you puppy, be sure to take it to your veterinarian right away. You want to make certain your puppy is as healthy as possible. The more you know about you puppy, the better off you will be. Remember, knowledge is power.

ASK THE BREEDER

How many years have you been breeding dogs?
How many years breeding this breed of dogs?
Is this the only breed of dog you have available?
How many litters have you bred?
Can you supply a customer or reference list?
If the breeder answers truthfully, you should have an idea if these breeders are legitimate or a professional breeder. Pet stores probably won't know these answers because their puppies generally come from a supplier.
Do you show your dogs in AKC, UKC, IABCA? Ideally your breeder is showing their dogs for an objective outside opinion.
Which dog clubs do you belong to?
How many dogs have you bred or owned and what titles have they achieved? (For more information on titles go to UKC or AKC .)
Some examples of titles include:
CH (Champion in conformation)
CD (Obedience title)
CDX (Obedience)
UD (Obedience)
UDX (Obedience)
OTCH (Obedience)
TD (Tracking)
TDX (Tracking)
FH (Tracking)
JH (Hunting)
SH (Hunting)
MH( Hunting)
FC (Hunting)
ScH I; ScH II, ScH III (Schutzhund)

Good breeders are usually actively competing or participating with their dogs. Pet store puppies usually do not come from breeders that are working and competing with their dogs.

ASK ABOUT THE PARENTS
What are the AKC or UKC registered names of the Sire (father) and the Dam (mother)? Both parents should have registration papers. When in doubt, check the details with the registering club.
Why did you chose to breed these two particular dogs to each other?
Are there some particular physical characteristics and personality traits that you are attempting to improve in your breeding line?

Were these dogs bred because they are excellent examples of the breed with excellent temperaments or because the breeder was looking to make some quick money?

ASK ABOUT HEALTH
Which of the following genetic tests/clearances/certifications did you obtain on the parents?
OFA (Checks for hip and elbow dysplasia) If their information was sent in, you can check this on the Internet.
CERF (Checks on eyes)
Temperament
ASK ABOUT THE LITTER

What is the name and phone number of the veterinarian that has seen and cared for the puppies?
At what age will your puppies be ready to go to their new home? (Pups should stay with their mothers for a minimum of 7 weeks, this helps their social development with dog interactions.)
What is the price based on? You may hear any of the following responses: Pet Quality, Show Quality, Breeding Quality. If you are told they are show or breeding quality, ask how the breeder has determined this. What is their experience showing dogs? Are there lots of dogs with titles and clean health checks?

ASK ABOUT THE CONTRACT, GUARANTEE and REGISTRATION PAPERS

Does the breeder require that puppies not intended for breeding be spayed or neutered?
Do you have your transfer copy of the registration papers? (AKC puppy papers are blue.)
Do not pay extra for registration papers, this is a violation of kennel club rules. Notify the registering kennel club if this happens.
Is there a money back or replacement puppy guarantee?
Do you unconditionally take back any puppy/dog of your breeding? Anytime?
Ask specifically what the breeder will do if your puppy is very sick. Will they treat it or euthanize?
What conditions must the buyer satisfy?

This should get you started on the right path to puppy ownership. As with any companion animal, be certain you are ready, willing and able to commit to a lifetime of care. Dogs should not be disposable.