Archives for Adopting A Puppy category
The Basset Hound – Laid Back And Loving
The Basset Hound (if you want a purebred) or a Basset Hound mix (if you don’t mind not having a purebred) can be a Medium/Large dog that typically weighs between 45-75 pounds. Their height averages between 11″ to 15″.
The Bassett is long and low and their height/weight ratio makes their already short legs look even shorter. In fact, their name comes from the French word “bas” which means low. Their gentle, loving, patient nature makes them an excellent companion dog for the home while their keen sense of smell and hunting instincts continue to make them excellent hunting companions.
Recognized by the AKC in 1885, the acceptable colors for the Basset Hound are a variety of hound colors, but they are typically white with chestnut or sand colored markings. The fairly dense coat is short, straight, hard and smooth. Their coat is easy to groom and only requires an occasional brushing and shampooing.
This loving, gentle dog is perfect for family life. For the mix breed the colors are not important.
They are excellent and patient with small children, even when they are not socialized with them. They are affectionate with their family and love to be around their family. They are great with other dogs and pets as well, although early socialization is good for non-canine pets because they might chase them due to their hunting instincts.
They are easy going and fairly inactive when they are inside, making them great for apartment life as they enjoy relaxing and laying around inside. They are more active outdoors and require regular play, exercise and time to run. If you don’t have a yard, you should plan to at least take them on a daily walk.
They are fairly easy to train, but if they are on the trail of a scent, they will not pay any attention to you. For this reason, a fenced in yard is best. They have a tendency to gain weight, so monitoring their food intake and giving them ample exercise is important.
The Basset Hound originated in France and dates back hundreds of years. Their ancestry can be traced back to the Bloodhound.
Originally used as hunting dogs, the Basset Hound uses its excellent sense of smell to track animals. Even though they can still be used for hunting, they are seen more as companion dogs today. If you like when you take your Basset out for a walk there is an excercise you can do that will keep his mind active for what he was bred for without having to actually hunt.
What you do is make up a puree of whatever his fav meal is and put it into a squeeze bottle. Then you just make trails for him to follow with his fantastic sense of smell. This will make your pup very happy and doing what he loves doing best.
Few breeds equal the Basset Hound’s gentle, forgiving, laid back nature. They are perfect for active families and for those that just enjoy an occasional walk provided their Basset Hound can have daily outside time. Whether you have small children or other pets or dogs, the Basset Hound can fit into just about any type of family dynamic with little to no adjustment problems.
Enjoy the new Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog article on Basset Hounds and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.
Puppies & Big Dogs
Teri’s Dog Training Tips
The Puppy Blog
Technorati Tags: Basset Hound, laid back and loving, Basset, Basset Hound mix, hunting, sense of smell, great with children, apartment dog
Jan 09, 2012 | | Adopting A Dog, Adopting A Puppy
Welcoming A New Puppy Into Your Home – Are You Really Ready?
Are you really ready to bring a little furry friend home? I mean, are you really ready? Sure it sounds all wonderful in theory, but before you run out and take home the first puppy who melts your heart, there are some things you’ll need to consider carefully. Let’s take a look.
Do You Have Time?
Puppies need your time, and lots of it. If you’re constantly rushing to get everything done, you may want to seriously reconsider the idea of taking home a puppy. A puppy is a new creature to this world. They need your time and attention to learn how to properly live in it. Puppy is going to need your help learning how to potty train, how to behave properly around other pets and people, as well as lots of your attention for playtime. Do you have that time to give a deserving puppy?
Is Your Family in Agreement?
This new family member is going to affect everyone in the family. That is why it’s a good idea to make sure everyone in the family agrees to accepting this new family member. This ensures the puppy comes into a completely welcoming home and that you don’t create any unwanted issues and tension between family members, and the puppy, too.
Are You Ready For The Work?
Puppies take a lot of work. Are you ready for that? Are you prepared to have mop and paper towels in hand constantly? Are you ready to get up in the middle of the night to tend to your puppy’s needs, to play even when you don’t feel like it, to make vet trips, and to make trips to the store to buy pet food? Are you ready to handle emergency situations with your puppy? Are you ready to spend the hours and hours it takes to physically care for your puppy; training, bathing, brushing, feeding, and other care?
Can You Afford a Puppy?
Puppies cost money. Even if you can get a puppy absolutely free, your puppy is not going to be free for long. Or, maybe you’re buying a purebred pup. Either way, the expenses don’t end when you take the puppy home, they just begin. You’ll need money for food, bowls, toys, treats, bedding, crates, leashes, collars, grooming, shots, neutering or spaying, licenses, training or obedience classes, routine medical bills, unexpected vet bills, and more. Be prepared for this and honestly decide if you really can afford that furry friend.
Do You Have Support?
We’ve mentioned that it’s hard work taking care of a puppy. Will you have any support to help you when you need a break? Think about this before you take puppy home and you’ll save yourself a ton of stress. Support can come in many different forms; the neighbor down the road who walks your dog once in a while, the family member who’s willing to dog-sit when you go out of town, the friend who can offer puppy potty training advice and help.
If you’ve honestly answered these questions, then you’ll be in a very good place to make a realistic decision about whether you can adopt a puppy or not.
If the answers show you’re not quite ready for a puppy, then waiting until the time is right is the proper thing to do. You and your potential puppy will be much better off. If the answers show you are ready, congratulations! It’s an exciting time as you venture into a whole new world of pet parenting!
For more information about training a new puppy, see our sister site, Teri’s Dog Training Tips.
Technorati Tags: welcoming a new puppy, new puppy, puppy, puppies, are you really ready, puppy training, puppy accessories, purebred pup, free puppy, Dogs & Puppies Adoption, TC Champigny
Nov 30, 2011 | | Adopting A Puppy
Selecting Your Golden Puppy
Well, you’ve decide to get a puppy. Choosing a breed is one of the toughest things you have to do as you need to choose what kind of dog you want. The second toughest thing to do is to choose which puppy you want. Golden puppies as they are known are especially cute. Golden Retriever puppies have become very popular since the series of movies that came out about them. The Buddies series have been a great promoter of Golden Retriever puppies.
Once you have decided on a breeder that you can trust, you’ll need to choose your puppy. This decision could take you some time, as it can be quite a few weeks or even months before the right litter is whelped – although it will be worth the wait. If your breeder has a few litters available when you look for your Golden puppy, you may be able to compare.
Some breeders may require that you put a deposit down on the puppy of your choice, if the puppies aren’t a certain number of weeks old, usually about 8 weeks of age. The good litters rarely go unsold, as most are already spoken for before the puppies are seven weeks old. If you want to get in on a good litter, your best bet is to get to your breeder early – before all of the puppies are sold.
When you arrive to get your puppy, you shouldn’t be alarmed if the breeder does the selecting for you. Most quality breeders will spend quite a bit of time with the puppies and they will know just what their individual temperaments are. Some breeders may even do temperament tests to determine the temperament of the puppies they have with each and every litter.
By performing these tests, the breeder will get assistance in selecting which puppy goes to which type of home. The choice will depend on the type of home and yard that you have, whether there is somebody home all day, whether you have kids and what ages they are, and whether there are other pets. If you’ve chosen one of the better breeders, you should let him do his work and help you select the puppy that he or she thinks will be your best match. Breeders can obviously select you a better puppy, as they have been around the litter for several weeks – and you have only been around the litter looking at them for a few minutes.
Although all Golden puppies are appealing to the eyes, you need to base your reasons on more than looks. Before you pick your puppy up, you should always make sure that he has a strong build, with straight legs. The puppy should be firm and muscular, yet be squirmy and active when you first try to pick him up. You should also make sure that he has healthy teeth and gums, and look over the rest of his body to make sure that he is healthy.
If your breeder does allow you to select your puppy from the litter, then you should take the puppies that you are considering away from the remainder of the litter and observe each one carefully, and how they react to you. Puppies that are around 7 weeks of age should be apt to explore their surroundings. Even though they may be a little cautious at first, the puppies should still be keen to look around and sniff their surroundings, and should not appear too fearful.
When you single out the puppies, make sure you speak to the ones you are interested in and see how they react to your voice. Try moving around and playing with them, and see how they respond to you. Some puppies will be faster to respond than others, although you shouldn’t pursue any interest in a puppy that doesn’t show any interest in moving objects or their surroundings.
If you take your time and evaluate each puppy that you are interested in, you can find the best puppy for you and your family. Golden Retriever puppies are great to have, providing you get one that’s healthy. Getting a healthy puppy should be your main concern, as a healthy puppy will grow into a strong and healthy adult that should be around to brighten your life for years to come.
Selecting your Golden puppy is a very important decision for you and your family. Remember to research your breeders, let the breeder help you choose, and ALWAYS check to make sure that the puppy you choose is a healthy puppy.
Technorati Tags: selecting your Golden puppy, Golden, puppy, puppies, Golden Retrievers, The Buddies, breeders, dog, litters, getting a healthy puppy, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, TC Champigny
Oct 27, 2011 | | Breeders
Choosing The Right Breeder
Choosing the right breeder is important when you decide to get a new Golden Retriever puppy. The first choice you will face is where to get your puppy from. No matter how hard you try, it’s nearly impossible to know whether or not the puppy you are buying will grow up to be healthy and strong. In order to even expect that your puppy will grow up to be healthy, you’ll need to trust the individual that you get your Golden from.
There are three options available to you, in terms of breeders. You should carefully think about each one, as they all will vary. Below are the three options you have to choose from, and a little bit of information to help you make this very important decision.
Breeder Or Pet Shop
A pet shop is probably the worst place that you can get your Golden Retriever puppy. The puppies they have for sale here may be bred poorly, and raised in poor locations to say the least. At these types of places, the puppies are thought of as a profit and nothing more. There is little to no emphasis on quality here either – as most pet shops prefer quantity over qualify.
Due to the way the puppies are bred and raised, pet shops make quite a bit of profit. With there being so little that goes into the breeding and care of the puppies, pet shops make a lot of money. They mainly rely on impulse buying, not giving you a lot of time to evaluate the puppies that they have for sale.
It is very important to see the place where your puppy was born and raised and to meet the people who bred him. You cannot do that if you are buying from a shop. You are also more likely to get a happy, well adjusted puppy if he has not been taken from his mother to the frightening surroundings of a pet shop where he probably gets very little personal attention. If you’re looking for an addition to your family, and a puppy that you know is healthy, you’d be better off looking somewhere else for your puppy.
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeders are usually people who own one or two Goldens and find it to be fun to breed their female for the fact of having puppies. Alternatively, they may breed her once or twice before they decide to go ahead and get her spayed. Backyard breeders often don’t look for quality. They may breed their female with their own male or a neighbor dog just for convenience, without thinking about the kind of puppies that the pair may produce.
Of course, backyard breeders are not all the same and you may find a good one. However, watch out for people who know very little about the breed in general, and even less about how to properly care for their Golden Retrievers. Backyard breeders may not be familiar with the problems associated with breeding, and most could care less. Their only goal here is to breed Golden Retriever puppies. Once the puppies have been bred, their remaining goal is to sell the puppies as fast as they can – for the highest possible price.
Hobby Breeders
A hobby breeder is the probably ideal way to get your Golden puppy. Hobby breeders are loyal, committed, and think of their pups as more than just a hobby. Although they do make money breeding it is not as important to them. Hobby breeders care more about the quality of their puppies than anything else, and they commit themselves to helping you get the best Golden Retriever pup possible.
Hobby breeders accept responsibility for each one of their puppies, and they stand behind each and every one of their pups. If you want the best pup you can get for your money, you need to visit a hobby breeder. They very rarely produce poor quality Golden Retriever puppies, as they care a lot about quality.
If you visit a few breeders, you will soon learn to tell the difference between a disreputable backyard breeder and a reliable hobby breeder. If you get your Golden puppy from a hobby breeder, you can rest assured that you are probably getting a healthy puppy from the start.
These are just some of the things you can look for in choosing the right breeder.
Technorati Tags: choosing the right breeder, Golden Retriever, puppy, Golden, pup, pups, puppies, pet shop, backyard breeders, hobby breeders, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Sep 14, 2011 | | Breeders
Learn How To Spot A Good French Bulldog Breeder
Learn how to spot a good French Bulldog breeder and get the perfect dog for you. Here are just a few things to check out about finding a breeder for French Bulldogs if you want a purebred dog instead of a mixed breed dog.
There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, they can be as loyal and a great companion as any other dogs. But if you’re out in the market for something that you can be sure about in terms of temperament, health concerns, and the precise look of the dog when it grows up, then you should definitely go for a purebred. And if you also would like to join dog shows, then you should know that only purebreds are allowed to join. And if you’re like the thousands of Americans today, then you would most likely would want to have a French Bulldog as your pet.
Purebred French Bulldogs can be quite expensive. So if you’re going to spend a lot of money to have a great looking, loyal, and playful dog, then you have to be sure that it comes from a good breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you a French Bulldog that is very beautiful, but a dog that you know will be able to give you the true experience of owning a French Bulldog. But first things first, how do you know if a breeder is trustworthy?
Many breeders have become such because they love their dogs. It is a source of income for many of them but mostly, it’s all about their love for that particular breed or several breeds. So, you need to see or discover for yourself whether a breeder is in it just for the money, meaning he skimps on whatever he can to make a profit, or is in the breeding game for the love of dogs. Here are some ways to help you learn this.
Be doubtful of breeders that advertise their puppies. Advertising cost money, so they are probably skimping on other costs, like maybe important health tests. And when the ads declare that their puppies are from champion lines or are sired from dog show champion parents without showing which pedigree it is, then be wary about that breeder. Do not be persuaded either by ads of breeders that boast of certification from the American Kennel Club.
And if you’re in the market for a pure bred French Bulldog because you may want to enter it into a competition, then don’t go to a breeder that sells puppies with a rare color. Although it may be enticing to have a unique French Bulldog, rarely are they qualified for competitions. Also, extreme sizes, either too small or bigger than normal, should not be bred, they can throw off the balance of the purebred line.
Reputable breeders share all information about their dogs, they even show it in their website. All photos and pedigrees are posted and all health concerns are shown as well. In fact, reputable breeders oftentimes enter competitions to show their dogs. This means that the dogs are very well cared for and they have great concern in maintaining the integrity of the breed.
And finally, but definitely not the last aspect in defining a reputable breeder, a breeder should always have tests for the health of their litter. They should let you know of the line has any recurring health concerns and should provide a guarantee or warranty that your French bulldog is healthy.
Learning how to spot a good French Bulldog breeder takes research and checking out their references. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to check them out. If you are willing to spend the kind of money it costs to buy a purebred French Bulldog then you should be willing to do what is necessary to find the right breeder.
Technorati Tags: learn how to spot a French Bulldog breeder, breeder, French Bulldog, purebred dog, purebred, dog, American Kennel Club, puppies, litter, reputable breeders, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Aug 17, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog, Breeders
Want To Adopt A Chihuahua?
What You Should Know About Chihuahua Breeders
So you are looking to adopt a Chihuahua. Here is a little of what you should know about Chihuahua breeders. The Chihuahua is believed to be first found in Mexico according to folklore and archaeological finds, but in fact their history is puzzling and there are many theories surrounding their origin. Chihuahua breeders have been producing the dog, which weighs between 1 and 6 pounds for decades now.
The Chihuahua is the smallest pure bread dog in the world. They are the only natural toy breed in the world as every other toy breed is a hybrid. Chihuahua breeders are proud of the long lineage of the breed.
The Chihuahua can be either smooth/short haired or long haired. Canada and the United Kingdom separates these two into separate breeds while the Kennel club in the United States considers them one breed.
While each Chihuahua has its own personality, in general, they are graceful, energetic and fast. They also tend to have “terrier like” qualities such as being alert, observant and keen.
The Chihuahua often stands up to dogs much bigger than itself. He or she is also very protective of their family. He is a good watch dog because he is fierce and very loyal, but does not make an effective guard dog because of his small size. The Chihuahua is also known as “Teacup” “Toy” or “Pocket” Chihuahuas. Celebrity women are often seen carrying the dog around in their purses or bags.
Chihuahuas tend to be long lived dogs. Some common genetic problems include Patellar Luxuation, eye problems, hypoglycemia, heart disease and tooth and gum ailments. When stressed or excited, a Chihuahua tends to shake or tremble.
Chihuahua breeders need to be ethical. If you are going to buy a Chihuahua, make sure the puppy’s parents have all of the health clearances.
Chihuahuas can be trained through “clicker training”. You click the clicker and give the dog a treat when she has done what you have asked her to do. This installs in the dog’s mind that when you click, she gets a treat. Once she knows the click means a treat, you can begin teaching her specific behaviors based on the click. Keep the initial training sessions short – 5 to 10 minutes – so that your dog doesn’t become bored. If you try do do a task that for too long a dog will become easily bored.
Clicker training can be used to promote every day good behavior such as sitting or more complicated behaviors such as turning around in circles.
You can adopt a Chihuahua thorough a breeder or you can rescue a dog from places like Chihuahua Rescue & Adoption: Adopt a Chihuahua in your area. If you are thinking of going through a breeder remember to ask your Chihuahua breeder whether your dog is in good health and is able to be trained. The Chihuahua is a great dog and Chihuahua breeders can help you pick out the best in the litter.
Technorati Tags: want to adopt a Chihuahua, what you should know, Chihuahua breeders, Chihuahua, long haired or short haired Chihuahuas, Mexico, small, toy, teacup, clicker training, dog, adult, puppy, adopting a Chihuahua, Dogs & Puppies Adoption, Teri Champigny
Jun 06, 2011 | | adopt rescue dogs, Adopting A Dog, Breeders
Accessories You Need Before Bringing A Puppy Home
There are accessories you need before bringing a puppy home. You want to be able to have all the things he will need to make him comfortable and feel at home. These are the first items that you puppy will know are his, so he knows right from the beginning what he can chew, rest on, sleep on, play with and eat from.
Pet accessories are an important part of taking care of your dog. Generally we use accessories to accentuate the beauty of things. When it comes to pet care accessories are used to protect your pet from harmful elements. You can also gain a lot of satisfaction from buying accessories for you pet.
There is a wide variety to choose from and you might wonder where to start, particularly if this is your first pet. Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing accessories for your pet:
1. Food And Water Bowls:
The most important thing about choosing good bowls is that they are not easily tipped over. You will probably want to check that especially the water bowl is pretty sturdy. It’s vital that your dog has free access to water at all times and one of the ways people are doing this is by buying large water systems for their pets. Much like human watering systems these will keep your dog with fresh water for longer. It is especially important to remember that with large and extra large dogs that they need bowls that have stands to the appropriate height for that breed. Large dogs a prone to a condition called bloat. The elevated stands help prevent this.
2. Dog Collar:
Whether you want a plain or fancy variety – collars are important and will be an item you use daily. This means the comfort and fit are important. Experts recommend a space between the dog’s neck and the collar to be at least 2 fingers wide. A collar should never be too loose or too tight. Make sure you get a good fit and take your dog along when you buying a collar.
3. Dog Leash:
It’s not hard to choose a leash – you just want to keep in mind that it needs to be strong enough to hold your dog. Leashes are often sold clearly marked with the breeds the leash is suitable for. Some people like to have 2 leads, one that is retractable and a regular leash, this way they can still keep their dog on a lead but it can basically run free up to its length and one to just walk with. A retractable lead comes in handy when you are someplace that doesn’t allow dogs to run free.
4. Grooming Accessories:
Depending on the kind of breed you have the amount of grooming accessories needed will vary. If you have a dog that will need relatively little grooming, that is with a short coat, then you will need only a basic toolkit. You will need things like dog shampoo, dog clippers, styptic powder, dog toothbrush, dog toothpaste (toothbrush and toothpaste can be optional, not everyone does this for their dog), dog brush or comb. These are the basics. There are many other products you can use to keep your dog clean and fragrant. If you have a more high maintenance dog you will need these plus a wider variety of brushes and combs to care for your pets coat and grooming needs.
5. Dog Houses:
If your dog will be sleeping outside then it’s important that they have their own place for shelter. A dog house will keep your dog out of the harsh sunlight or rain or even snow. When choosing a dog house try to choose the right size. The dog should fit snuggly inside with enough space to move around.
6. Dog Beds:
If your dog will be spending time inside it’s also a good idea to buy a dog bed. If you’ve crate trained your puppy than this is the ideal place to put a dog bed. This gives your dog a ‘retreat’ and they will value having their own comfy space where they can go when cold or sleepy. Again just try to choose the right size. Many dog beds are designed for specific breeds so you won’t have a problem finding a bed for your dog.
7. Dog Toys And Treats:
Most dogs love playing, and just like children, love being spoilt. It is especially important if you are away for long periods of time that your dog has something to play with. It’s best to give them a variety of toys; this will keep them away from your slippers and shoes!
Again the most important thing is the size. Treats and toys should be size appropriate. If the toy is too big they won’t be able to play with it and it won’t be fun for anyone. There is a wide variety of toys for you dog to chew, play and bite. Spend some time choosing some fun toys for your dog.
These are just some of the most important accessories you will need for your dog. There are many more things you could buy your dog but the items on this list for your dog should have everything he needs to be a healthy, happy dog.
Technorati Tags: pet accessories, bringing a puppy home, dog supplies, beds, accessories for pets, pets, dogs, puppies, before buying a puppy, accessories, Dogs & Puppies Adoption, Teri Champigny
May 17, 2011 | | Adopting A Puppy
Daddy, Can I Have A Puppy?
Sooner or later, every parent is likely to hear: “Please, can I have a puppy?”
Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a puppy. Parents should weigh the pros and cons of adding a puppy to the household before agreeing to a child’s request.
A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family-or it can be a burden. Families should consider the following before deciding:
Who will care for the dog? – Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the puppy. A child has to remember that a cute little puppy grows up to be an adult dog and sometimes not so little anymore.
Do you have space for a pet? – Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador Retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of dogs to determine the one most suitable for your family.
Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. – Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet.
If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal. If considering adopting a dog the whole family should meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member.
So when you hear “Daddy, Can I have a puppy?”, think before you answer and be sure having a dog is what you really want. A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family but if you’re not ready for the expense and responsibility it wouldn’t be fair to you and your family or to the dog or puppy.
Technorati Tags: daddy can I have a puppy, daddy, puppy, parent, pros and cons of adding a pet, children, responsibility, breeds of dogs, breeds, dogs, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Apr 08, 2011 | | Adopting A Puppy
Puppy Buying Dilemma: Pet Shop Or Breeder
The puppy buying dilemma is pet shop or breeder. Which is the best route to go and what are the pros and cons of each. Knowledgeable pet owners, when approached by a novice with the question of where to buy a pet, usually recommend buying from a breeder rather than from a pet shop.
The advantages of the breeder-bought pet are many, yet the disadvantages of dealing with these breeders are often so discouraging that many prospective buyers resort to purchasing their pets through retail establishments.
In this article, we would like to explore the advantages and disadvantages of dealing with each: the breeder or the pet shop.
Pet Shops: The Dungeons Of Pet Suppliers?
Most people envision the average pet shop as a dark, dank, far from fragrant place where animals suffering from a variety of ills, crowded into small, stuffy cages, can be bought for outrageous prices. Sadly, this is all too often the case.
The pup you buy in a pet shop is often bloated with worms, teary-eyed, sniffling and, what is far worse, not inoculated. Little or no health guarantee is offered and the prices charged for pet quality animals in a pet shop can sometimes purchase a breeding, or even show quality animal, via a reputable breeder.
Pups (and kittens too), are frequently sold at five and six weeks of age – far too early for these extremely delicate infants to be placed in new homes, much less in a disease-filled pet shop.
Then too, little practical advice is given new owners on the care and feeding of the newly acquired pet. The new “parents” are left strictly to their own devices to raise their young pups. The pet shop owner is frequently unqualified to acquaint owners with the peculiarities of whatever breed they have purchased.
There Is Some Good News Here
On the positive side of pet shops, we must list, first and foremost, availability. Puppies are on the premises, ready to be bought and, for the right price, the purchaser can immediately take home any pup he desires.
Variety, too, is a significant factor, especially for those buyers who have not definitely decided what breed of dog they want to own. Then too is the lure of all those delightful pet accessories with which the average owner immediately overwhelms his new pet with.
And, when buying a purebred puppy from a pet shop, the new owner generally receives his registration and/or pedigree papers immediately with no lengthy waiting period involved.
The 2 Breeder Types
There are, on the other hand, essentially two types of breeder: the “professional” breeder and the “backyard” breeder.
The former may have one or several brood females, using his own or other complementary lines as a stud. He is well-versed in genetics, especially those factors dealing with his own favorite breed. He is usually deeply involved in the show circuit, spending great amounts of time and money to show his line of dogs.
The backyard breeder owns a purebred female of undetermined – and frequently unquestionable – quality who does not necessarily even have “papers” to prove her purebred ancestry.
He breeds his dog, usually a family pet, to a neighborhood male whose background and quality do not usually concern him, with no regard to complementary genetic factors, temperament, or lineage.
His pups are usually priced considerably lower than those of the professional breeder, but they can in no way compare in quality of appearance and temperament with those bred by the professional.
Dealing with the backyard breeder is similar in many ways to dealing with the pet shop. The pups are sold at an early age – sometimes without some or all of their inoculations. His pups may be unstable in temperament and unpredictable in size and general appearance. And while these pups sometimes come equipped with “papers”, they often resemble the typical dogs of their breed in name only.
The professional breeder deals in dogs that are good representatives of their breed. While not all champions, by any means, the pups raised by the professional breeder carry good temperaments, are stable and trustworthy, and resemble the standards drawn up by the American Kennel Club for their particular breed.
Prices depend on the quality of each pup – either pet, breeding, or show – and the purchaser interested in a pet quality dog often receives a better price than in the pet shop where all pups of any one breed are priced identically, regardless of quality (although the males are often priced higher than the females).
Pups raised by professional breeders are usually held until they are at least three months of age. Too, they are inoculated, wormed and checked by a reputable veterinarian before they are sold, generally with a lengthy health guarantee.
The Cons Of Buying From A Professional Breeder
On the other hand, trying to purchase a pup from a breeder can be an unnerving experience. The breeders seldom live close enough so that you can visit and choose your puppy. In many cases the puppy must be shipped to you, sight unseen, hundreds or thousands of miles.
From the initial written or telephone inquiry to the final acquisition of a dog can exhaust weeks – even months! And for anyone desirous of owning a pup right away, dealing with a breeder can be discouraging and disheartening.
First, one must secure a reply from the breeder in question. Easy as this may seem, even those inquiries that are cogent, intelligent, and offer large amounts of money in return for a pup often go unanswered.
Why breeders find it so difficult to answer their mail (especially e-mail) is extremely hard to understand when one takes into consideration the vast amounts of money expended each year on advertising to encourage these very same inquiries.
Second, the breeder has to have what you’re looking for, which means a pup of the right age, sex, color, quality and temperament. If she does not, she may then inform you that she is expecting a litter or litters in the near (or not so near) future and will reserve a pup for you; that is, if such a pup ever materializes.
Next, you must be prepared to be interrogated and investigated and found to be deserving of and suitable for a pup. Breeders often impose unusual and lofty standards for prospective owners. Buyers must be prepared to be subjected to a third-degree similar to one conducted by a human adoption service or even perhaps the CIA!
If the breeder suspects that the puppy may have show potential – whether or not you are interested in this form of entertainment – the breeder will often make you feel like Judas if you do not happily agree to enter the dog in competition.
Of equal annoyance is the breeder who wants to keep your dog tied to the kennel apron strings by insisting on future breedings to or from the pups they sell. One often gets the impression that he is really nothing more than a foster parent, furnishing food and shelter to someone else’s dog, even after paying so much money for the pup.
Registration and pedigree papers are all too frequently slow in coming if, in fact, they arrive at all. Much postage and pleading on the part of the owner of the pup are often expended before satisfaction is obtained in this matter.
And last, one must become accustomed to phone calls and written notes for months after the pup has been bought from an anxious breeder eager to know how the pup is faring in his new home.
So, You Ask, Where Should One Purchase A Puppy?
Pet Shop? Backyard Breeder? Professional Breeder? The final decision remains up to the individual and depends only on his degree of tolerance for the shortcomings of each of these sources.
We personally prefer the professional breeder but would like to see these breeders come down off their lofty towers and treat the dog-buying public as if they depended on it – as, in fact, they do.
We do sincerely believe that no one but a serious breeder can give a new owner the solid, factual and informative advice necessary to care for a new pup – including proper nutrition, health care and training.
With a reputable and cooperative breeder, the odds are in your favor of receiving a healthy, stable pup who will be a credit to his breed and a source of pride and enjoyment to his family.
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Mar 23, 2011 | | Adopting A Puppy
The Best City Dog 4: Selecting Your Puppy
There is an old theory that man creates dog in his own image. Through selective breeding, people in an area develop the type of dog that fits their personality. And city dwellers have a much different “living personality” than those people who reside in other parts of the country.
When you have decided on the breed and the kennel from which to buy your puppy, the next step is the most important – choosing the one puppy that’s going to be the right dog for your needs and the right temperament for the city.
You may ask, how can one go to see a litter of pups and make any real judgments? They are all so cute and friendly. And even as you watch them, one is going to win your heart because of a funny spot he has or the way he plays with your hand. Of course, we’ll assume that you have examined each for physical problems and that they are all in good shape.
A Thorough Examination
Just to stay away from the listless, shy, or nervous pups is not enough. To make the decision on which one in the litter is to be yours, you now have to know what temperament is going to be best for your needs.
When you sit on the ground in the middle of a litter, the puppy that flails about and bites at your hand when you go to pick him up may seem cute. However when he grows up he may not be suited for a family with small children or for an elderly person, especially when living in the city with so many transients that pass by on a daily basis.
The pup that becomes quiet and comfortable when you pick him up will probably accept the rough play of children and the hustle and bustle of city life. And senior citizens will enjoy his gentle, submissive behavior. Such a pup will take to training readily.
Unfortunately, too many people seek out the bold dogs, the ones that stride through the litter so that all the other pups make way for them. Many of these dogs end up at the humane society shelter because they couldn’t get along with the kids or the older persons in the family.
The six-week-old pup that displays a high degree of social independence in his litter and that spurns praise and petting will be a tough dog to train. He’s the scrapper and just the kind of dog that is killed by a car while chasing a stray canine that has come into his territory. This doesn’t mean, of course, that he is necessarily a neurotic dog. All litters have their bullies and their wallflowers.
The bully often won’t respond favorably to scolding, and in the wrong home environment he can be a problem because he still wants to be the pack leader. But in the right home, with a strong master, this dog could be a fine pet. The opposite case can be made for the wallflower of the litter.
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Feb 15, 2011 | | Adopting A Puppy
