Find the right questions to ask breeders.
Talk to more than one breeder, and request license and registration information as well as references from any breeders you are considering acquiring your pet from. Though many of our breeders are AKC registered, please remember that this doesn't necessarily ensure the quality of their breeding practices. Due diligence is vital if you are to find a healthy pet!
Here is a set of questions you will want to ask the provider of your newest family friend:
Breed Specific Questions
- How large will this animal grow?
- What living environment best suits this breed?
- How active is this breed and how much exercise space will it need?
- Is it best living in a multiple-person, family-type situation, or one-on-one?
- Is it good around other types of animals? Children? Large groups of people?
- How old does this breed typically live to be?
- Can this pet be left at home alone while I'm at work, or does it need fairly constant companionship to be happy?
- What are the attributes of this breed that make it 'not for everyone', and why might those attributes work for me?
- What health conditions or problems is this breed normally pre-disposed to?
- Which obedience, behavioral, or training programs work best with this breed?
Breeder Specific Questions
- Do you ship your animals? (Why?)
- How long have you been breeding?
- Does your breeding program include multiple breeds or types of animals?
- Can I visit your kennel/ cattery? (if applicable)
The majority of breeders will be more than happy to satisfy any inquiries you may have about their breed, specific kennel, cattery, or breeding program. Take diligent notes and ask for referrals from previous customers, vets, etc. Many breeders who do not provide shipping will be more than happy to provide you with a reference for a breeder closer to your area. Different breeders may offer health guarantees, including proof of genetic testing to ensure the animal you are considering carries no inherited diseases, as well as other helpful practices.
References
Purina: Your Pet, Our Passion Dog Breed Selector, http://www.purina.com/dog/breed-selector/default.aspx
"About Buying A Dog" Unattributed, The American Kennel Club
PetNet Promoting Socially Responsible Pet Ownership Selectapet, Your text to link...
American Kennel Club Investigations and Inspections Department, AKC Inspections Fact Sheet u>Your text to link...
The Fox Files Investigates Dog Breeders, "We Witnessed Everything From 'happy' To 'heartbreaking.'"By Chris Hayes FOX2now.com 8:26 p.m. CDT, November 1, 2010 Rolla, MO. (KTVI-FOX2now.com)
www.petchoice.org
"How to Pick the Perfect Pet" Unattributed, The Seattle Humane Society 2011
"THE Most Frequently Asked Question," by Dr. Larry Cohen, www.drlarrypetvet.com