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Adoption Is About You, Your Breeder and Puppy Too

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Although you can find your new best friend at a local humane society, a rescue league, or the newspaper, when you get your new dog from a breeder, you're getting it from someone who takes patience, time, and a very big heart. The advantages for both you and your puppy are great.

Owning a dog is a privalege and an amazing experience. No other creature asks so little and gives so much loyalty, companionship and love in return.

Dog breeders are a special group of people. They don't simply sell you an animal. They know their pups and sincerely want what's best for you and puppy both.

Get to know your breeder and don't be afraid to ask questions. Unlike a pet shop, they will take the time to match you to the perfect mate. A good breeder will get to know you so they can provide you with a companion that will be happy and bring you joy for the rest of his life.

The tips on this page will help ensure you come home with a healthy, happy friend for life.

 



How to Separate a Serious Dog Breeder
from the Rest of the Pack:

Congratulations, you've decided to add a new member to your family!

After you've chosen a breed from our dog breed guide (see www.doggies.com) and searched for conveniently located dog breeders (see our breeder search), you can use this checklist to guide your dog breeder evaluation.

Don't give in to impulse buying! Sticking with this list and waiting for a dog breeder you are comfortable with will help ensure a good fit, and a happy, healthy dog.

Part One- The Basics
Part Two- Investigate
Part Three- What You Should Get With Your Puppy

 

Part One: The Basics
Before you answer that ad for "puppies for sale" or "dogs for sale", learn the correct answers for your breed at www.doggies.com so you can ask the following questions of a breeder.
  • What size (height and weight) is correct for this dog breed?
  • Does this dog breed need to be brushed or combed more often than once a week?
  • Does this dog breed require professional help in clipping or grooming?
  • How much ground needs to be covered in daily exercise? Is a one-mile walk a lot or not very much for this dog breed?
  • Is the dog breed you have selected one of the dog breeds that are subject to any genetic diseases? Have the appropriate tests been performed to avoid those diseases?
Contact rescuers of the breed (http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm will get you started) to know how the breeder should answer this question:
  • What are the most common reasons given for giving up this dog breed to rescue?
Part Two: Investigate

Confirm that all of the following are true.

Reputable breeders are more than happy to tell you about their dogs, environment and breeding conditions.

  • Puppies for sale are born on the premises - not shipped in.
  • Breeder does not sell puppies to wholesalers, brokers, dealers or retail shops.
  • Dog set up is clean and well kept.
  • Breeder insists that the puppies for sale will be at least seven weeks old before being placed.
  • Sire and dam of the litter are at least two years old and were tested for genetic health before the breeding.
  • Breeder volunteered information on the health testing of most of the immediate relatives of the sire and dam, volunteered proof and offers a guarantee against genetic health problems of at least two years. (Note: It isn't possible to produce dogs entirely free of genetic problems.)
  • Puppies for sale and dogs for sale have been introduced to children and other animals as part of their socialization.
  • Breeder reviewed some of the problems some people have with the breed.
  • Breeder asked if you plan to breed the dog.
  • Breeder is available as a resource for advice and support for the life of the dog.
  • Breeder promises to take the dog in (not return your money) if you can't keep it, for the life of the dog.
  • Breeder provides a contract for your review and goes over it with you.
  • Breeder raises no more than 3 or 4 different breeds of puppies for sale and dogs for sale. It is very difficult for a breeder to be competent in more breeds.
  • Breeder is a member of a breed club.
  • Breeder's primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy, rather than getting paid.
  • Breeder asked you lots of questions about your lifestyle, family, experience with dogs and other pets, why you are looking for a dog for sale.
  • Breeder was happy to answer all your questions and made you feel comfortable asking for advice.
  • Breeder acknowledges to you that they are familiar with the Breeders.NET Code of Ethics and have agreed to be bound by its standard of behavior.
Part Three:

What you should get with your puppy

  1. a properly executed Registration Certificate. Registration materials may be withheld if a written statement is provided of when, and under what conditions, they will be provided (e.g. until the time of spay or neuter by the new owner as verified by a veterinarian, or if a written certification identifying the exact date of birth, and the AKC, UKC or CKC (in Canada) registration numbers of the Sire and Dam are provided instead).
  2. written, three-generation pedigree.
  3. health record including a diet, inoculation and parasite control record, and health guarantee.
  4. basic diet and care information.>
  5. time frame during which the puppy or dog may be examined by a licensed veterinarian, at the buyer's expense, and, upon written recommendation of the veterinarian for specific reasons, the puppy or dog may be returned to the seller for a full refund of all money paid.

DISCLAIMER

Breeders.NET assumes no responsibility for the quality, health, or temperament of any dog, nor the warranty, guarantee, integrity, honesty or reliability, expressed or implied, by any person whose name appears on this list. All such warranties, guarantees and promises are between buyer(s) and seller(s) as individuals.

All buyers are strongly encouraged to carefully document, in writing, all representations, promises, statements, warranties and guarantees made by sellers of puppies for sale and older dogs for sale. Such documentation should be signed by the seller. Breeders.NET cannot and does not become involved in resolving conflicts and disagreements between buyers and sellers. Breeders.NET's responsibility is limited to requesting assurance from listed breeders that they abide by terms of the Breeders.NET Code of Ethics.

COMPLAINTS AND REDRESS

Breeders.NET is interested in the integrity of the breeders listed in its directory and welcomes comments and feedback (whether positive or negative) from anyone who contacts the breeders listed.

To file a complaint against a breeder listed in the Breeders.NET directory, you must provide specific information that describes why the member is alleged to be deficient in his or her responsibilities with regard to the Breeders.NET Code of Ethics. Complaints must be written and signed by a person who has had direct interaction with the listed breeder. Complaints should be sent to Breeders.net. The listing ID number, included as part of the listing, must accompany the complaint.