Find a good source for your
puppy
It can take many months to find the right one
and it's worth it!
MetPet.com Staff Writer
 Now that you've selected the breed or type of
puppy you want, where are the best sources? Puppies and kittens used to be sold in
pet stores everywhere. Now, however, most pet stores carry only supplies along with
some gerbils, mice, hamsters, fish and other small pets.
One reason was that the increased demand for
purebred puppies led to the proliferation of backyard breeders and "puppy
mills." These are people who breed dogs for profit without worrying about
sanitation, genetic disorders, disease and proper socialization. This resulted in
generations of dogs who were sickly, prone to disease and even psychologically
unstable. Another reason is that pet stores are simply not safe places for the
youngest puppies.
One word of caution, just because a breeder
has registration papers from the AKC or other well-known organization, does not mean that
the puppies (or kittens) are sound. Tens of thousands of animals are registered
every year and there is no way to police all of the breeding activity.
Finding a purebred puppy
First, check with a local or regional breed club to see if there are shows in your area.
Breeders who take the time and go to the expense of showing their dogs are most apt
to care about preserving the best qualities of the breed. At the show, you will be
able to see a number of dogs first hand and meet some of the local breeders. Some of
the breeders may have litters not yet claimed or have ones due in the near future.
You can put your name on a list for future litters, pick up some business cards, get
referrals to other breeders and so forth.
As in all things, there is some controversy
regarding the registries and clubs. Breed standards are set by groups of humans and
are based on how the dog looks from his skeletal and muscle structure, hair, eye color,
set of the tail, etc. Standards change over time as preferences change. There
is always some politics, favoritism, showmanship and infighting mixed in with the genuine
desire to breed superior dogs.
Second, check with a local or regional breed
rescue organization. Although most rescue dogs are adults, there may be an older
puppy or very young adult dog. Volunteers within the organization may also know of
reputable breeders with litters in your area.
Third, it never hurts to ask! If you
see the kind of dog you are looking for walking down the street, ask the owner for the
breeder's name. A friend, relative, co-worker, veterinarian or groomer may also have
good referrals.
Fourth, check the breeder ads in dog
magazines and internet breeder listings. By now you've done the research, you know
the breed standard and you know what you are looking for. Some breeders ship dogs
across the country and even overseas. If you have not dealt with that breeder before
or have some sterling referrals, you are definitely taking a risk in buying a puppy sight
unseen.
Finding a mixed breed puppy
The best place for finding a puppy is the local animal shelter. Although it can be
disheartening, you may have to visit one several times before you find what you are
looking for. Just because you go to a shelter in search of a puppy does not mean you
have to leave with one. Unfortunately, most people want to leave with all of them.
Other options include friends, neighbors,
coworkers, veterinarians and animal hospitals, groomers, pet store bulletin boards and
even the classified ads.
|
