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American Humane Association'The nation's voice for the protection of children & animals /aA.",V~ i r 1'7

Buying vs. AdoptingConsider the Source When Getting a Puppy

If you're ready to get a dog, congratulations! You'll add a loving member to your family and enrich your life. The best place to find a dogor puppy is your local animal shelter or breed rescue group. They have plenty of purebreds, mixed-breeds, big dogs and little dogs -you're sure to find a great companion.

And when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you'll give a dog a second chance at finding a home and you will not add to thenation's pet overpopulation problem. The reality is that an estimated 3.7 million unwanted pets must be euthanized at animal sheltersevery year - many because they could not find families to adopt them.

If you don't find your ideal companion at your local shelter or breed rescue group, you may choose to purchase a puppy instead ofadopting one. In this case, it is important to be certain you are buying from a responsible breeder that breeds and sells only healthy well-socialized puppies.

Responsible breeders typically do not sell their puppies to pet stores. Most responsible breeders want to meet and screen prospectiveowners to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes. Sadly, most pet store p'uppi"escome from puppy mills where dogs are-notbred for good health and temperament and where they are often raised in inhumane conditions.

Finding a Responsible Breeder

There are several ways to find a responsible breeder. You can look to your local kennel dub directory, attend a dog show, or get areferral from a friend or family member. You can also look at newspaper or lntemet dassified ads. Some responsible breeders doadvertise their dogs through these channels because it is a great way to reach a lot of people.

However, puppy mills and irresponsible breeders also use newspapers and the lntemet to reach unsuspecting families that are justexcited about finding a puppy and may not know the warning signs of an unscrupulous breeder. When you read an ad like this, it can bedifficult to tell:

Golden Retriever puppies. AKC registered. Two female, one very blonde, one red. Last of the litter. Adorable. 8 wks.Call Susiel

The following are questions you can ask to understand whether you're getting a puppy from a quality source -- a responsible breederwho is as concerned as you are about pet overpopulation and the care and future of their puppies.

1. Is the puppy raised in a clean home environment?2. Are the puppy's parents on the premises and available for viewing?3. How many dogs and puppies does the breeder have?4. Have the puppies received vaccinations, worming and a veterinary health exam?5. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed's possible genetic disorders?6. How old is the dog's mother and how often does the breeder breed her?7. Does the breeder provide high-quality puppy food to the mother and puppies?8. Does the breeder sell mixed-breed puppies?9. Does the breeder require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered?

10. What kind of "papers" does the dog have?11. Will the breeder take the puppy back if there's a problem?

Is the puppy raised in a clean home environment?

Vllhen considering buying a dog that is advertised in a newspaper or online, always visit the breeder's home. Responsible breeders mayhave outdoor exercise runs, but they do not keep dogs or puppies in outdoor cages. There should be an indoor room with food, waterand bedding where the puppies and their mother spend most of their time as part of the family. The room should be lean and well-maintained. If the breeder will not allow you to visit the home or tells you the dog was bom in another city or state, there is a highlikelihood that the dog comes from a puppy mill or irresponsible breeder.

Are the puppy's parents on the premises and available for viewing?

Always ask to see the puppy's mother and father. Responsible breeders will want to introduce prospective buyers to the dog's motherand father. Sometimes breeders use stud dogs that do not belong to them, and in this case it is acceptable if the father is not on thepremises. The mother dog, however, should always be present It is important to note the health and temperament of the parents. Ifthey are unfriendly or show signs of malnutrition or illness, there is a good chance that the puppy may have health or temperamentproblems.

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How many dogs and puppies does the breeder have?

Responsible breeders generally breed only one litter of puppies at a time and generally have only one breed of dog. Very experiencedor show breeders may have two or three litters available at one time. Puppies need a lot of social interaction with people beginning atan early age to develop sound temperaments. This socialization cannot occur effectively when there are too many dogs and puppies inthe environment Multiple litters of puppies and multiple breeds of dogs on the premises indicate that you could be dealing with a puppymill

Have the puppies received vaccinations, worming and a veterinary health exam?

Responsible breeders will always provide you with a health certificate showing that the puppy received its first set of vaccinations.worming and an examination by a licensed veterinarian.

You should never buy a puppy that has not had this initial veterinary care. Almost all puppies are bom with intestinal worms becausemother dogs can serve as carriers even though they themselves are not infected.

All puppies are also at risk for several serious diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper. To ensure they are adequately protectedagainst these diseases, puppies need to receive their first vaccinations before they are separated from their mothers. AIl initial exam bya licensed veterinarian will also give you peace of mind that the puppy has been checked for illness and genetic defects.

Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed's possible genetic diSOrders?

Certain breeds of dogs are at risk for specific genetic disorders. For example, German shepherds, golden retrievers. Labrador retrieversand some other large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. If you're oonsidering one of these breeds, it is a good idea to make sure thepuppy's mother and father have had their hips certified by a veterinarian using a special x-ray called 'OFA Hip.'

Collies are prone to two types of genetic eye disorders, and collie puppies should have their eyes examined by a veterinaryophthalmologist between five and eight weeks of age.

There are other inherited disorders, such as elbow dysplasia, that cannot be predicted with testing. Click here for a complete list ofgenetic disorders by breed.

Responsible breeders will be knowledgeable about their breed's genetic risks and honest about genetic disorders in their dogs. Theywill be able to provide OFA Hip or other test documentation when indicated.

---7~"How old is the dog's mother and how often does the breeder breed her?

Responsible breeders will not breed a dog until her second heat, which is typically at one and one-half to two years of age. and willbreed her no more than every other heat cycle or about once per year. This ensures that the mother has time to rest and reooverbetween litters. Puppy mill breeders typically breed their dogs at the first heat and at every heat cycle thereafter until the dog is womout and can no longer produce litters.

Does the breeder provide hlgh-quality puppy food to the mother and puppies?

Responsible breeders feed their pregnant dogs, nursing mothers and puppies high-quality puppy food because it contains a higher levelof fat and protein than adult dog food formulas. Food given to puppies and nursing mothers should meet the standards of theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials for growth and reproduction. If the breeder is feeding the puppies or mother an adult dogfood or a low-quality dog food that does not have the appropriate level of nutrients, the animals oould have or oould develop heathissues.

Does the breeder sell mixed-breed puppies?

Most responsible breeders breed only one type of purebred and put considerable time, effort and financial resources into breeding onlydogs with good health and temperament

Responsible breeders try to produce puppies that come as close as possible to the breed's standard in conformation and temperamentSo-called 'designer" mixed breeds such as Yor1<ie-poos,oockapoos, Malti-poos, puggles, Labradoodles, and goldendoodles are oftenbred by puppy mills or novices looking to make a quick profit These mixed breeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club(AKC) and have no reoognized breed standards.

Does the breeder require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered?

Responsible breeders often require that you have the puppy spayed or neutered before the age of six months. This is a good thing.Responsible breeders reoognize that most people do not have the time or resources to breed their new pet responsibly. They alsorecognize that pet overpopulation is a serious ooncem and they do not want their puppies to add to this problem.

What kind of "papers" does the dog have?

Registration papers from the American Kennel Club merely prove that both the dog's parents are of purebred lineage. AKC registrationis not a reliable indicator of good health or temperament or responsible breeding practices, as many puppy mills produce AKC-registered puppies.

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Responsible breeders may breed dogs that indeed have AKC papers, but the presence of these "papers" is not an indicator of thebreeders' quality.

Will the breeder take the puppy back If there's a problem?

Good breeders love their animals and are concerned with their welfare and future. Responsible breeders may not be able to refundyour money, but they will accept your dog back and take the responsibility of rehoming him if you find you can no longer care for him forany reason.

" Back

http://www.americanhumane.orglanimals/adoption-pet-care/buying-vs-adopting.html 4/5/2011

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