When looking for a dog breeder...

[watchdogps]

Actually CKC doesn't even require pics. My friend registered her cat as a poodle. There I and some other junk registries out there. The only ones worth a darn are AKC, UKC, and Canadian KC.

The breeder should be asking him questions too. I warn people that they will have me in their lives until their dog is dead, so if they don't like me, they should find another breeder. Now that I think about it, they will probably have me around a lot longer since we have become friends as well as "family". The breeder should be concerned about the home the pup is going to, be open and willing to share information. If they seem to be willing to sell to anyone with money, don't buy. My opinion is if they don't care enough to grill their puppies homes, they may also not care if they are producing good dogs either.

 

[dainerra]

a note about CERF eye tests. They are only valid for 1 year, so the dog should have a record of yearly exams with the most recent being within 12 months.

Make sure BOTH parents have all the necessary tests as well as grandparents, back as many generations as possible. Also, not just the parents of the litter, but their brothers and sisters health is important too.

agree with WatchDogs. The breeder should also have a contract in place requiring that the dog be returned to them at any time for any reason.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

You've gotten a lot of good advice here, and suggestions/tips

I'd like to add that when I am looking at a breed of dog and a potential breeder I always keep in mind what the purpose of the breed is. I want to see some titles on the dogs for a sport or activity they were bred to do. Depending on what breed I might be impressed with some higher OB titles, sports like SchH and Ring, agility, herding, fly ball, or hunting titles. It is also always nice of the breeding stock are actively doing their job. I love to see breeders herding their dogs, letting the dogs guard property, using the dog in the hunting field.

If the dog is a companion breed, for instance a Papillon (like I have), the temperament that the parents display and the evironment in which the dogs live says a lot. Companion dogs should act like a companion, and be treated as such. If the breed has some watch dog tendancies I like to see some barking, but they should settle quickly, any shyness, especially hiding is a red flag. When I have gone to GSD breeders to look at dogs I expect different things from the dogs I meet. I expect the dogs will bark and show a lot of interest in me, but not neccessarily in a super friendly way. Again a bunch of shy dogs that show extended periods of barking -- out of fear -- would be immediately ruled out. I will refrain from extending a hand to dogs, I like to watch how they approach me first, the exception to this would be puppies.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Thanks guys, these are great. I've forwarded them to my uncle and he was very happy! If you have more advice, please continue to post it! I will continue to let him know there is more info for him to read!

 

[carolinagirl58]

I am glad to hear your uncle is receptive to this information. Most people who just want a pet don't see the problem with picking one up at a pet store. Kudos to you and your uncle for wanting to get a well-bred healthy dog.