Getting a puppy can be so exciting, but you need to know a few facts before you take the next step and choose one. You need to ensure that the breeder is reputable, and that the puppy comes from healthy parents.
About the breeder
- Is the breeder registered with any reputable associations, like the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA)?
- Ask other breeders what their opinion of the breeder is.
- How does the breeder find new parents for the puppies? If the breeder advertises the puppies as ‘free to a good home’, it should raise a reg flag.
- Are you able to see the parents of the puppy, or at least the mother? If not, why not?
- Can you return the puppy if he is not an ideal match for you?
- Will the breeder ask you to sign a mutually beneficial contract?
- Can you stay in contact with the breeder after you take your puppy home?
About the puppy’s parents
- Which health issues about the breed and the parents should you be aware of?
- What is the typical nature and characteristics of the breed?
- Is the breed suitable for you and your family’s lifestyle?
About the puppy
- Has the puppy been dewormed and vaccinated?
- How often should you groom the puppy?
- What brand of food is the puppy currently being fed?
- Are there any dietary requirements that you need to keep in mind?
- When can the puppy go home with you?
- Ask about the registration papers and when they will be ready.
What the breeder will ask you
If the breeder really cares about the puppies, he or she might ask you the following questions to help determine which puppy is most suitable for you and if you are a potentially good pet parent:
- Why do you want the puppy?
- Do you want to show the puppy?
- How well do you know the breed?
- Do you have children?
- Do you have other cats and dogs?
- Do you have a pool and is it secure?
- Will your puppy sleep inside?
- Are you willing to commit to socialisation classes and further training?
These are some of the questions and the answers might spark even more questions. Get referrals for the breeder from previous buyers and trust your instincts. Rather spend time finding the right breeder. If you are impulsive now, you may be unhappy later on. Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment.
