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Canton, GA
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What to Expect from a Breeder
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Buying from a reputable breeder is your best bet for a healthy pup.
Producing good dogs takes time, hard work and a little help from God.
When you purchase a van Dalen puppy, you purchase our time, experience, and support
for as long as that puppy remains in your life.
Motive
The breeder's motive with each breeding should be to try to maintain the
breed's
unique characteristics, produce dogs that are very close to the AKC standard
while always considering the health and temperament of the dogs he produces.
Each generation should improve the one before.
Plan
Good breeders are actively involved in the dog fancy. Ask what activities they
do with their dogs. They should be regularly showing their dogs in conformation,
as that is how good breeders know they are on the right track with their breeding
program. A breeder may be involved in obedience and hunting competitions. These
extra titles are the result of a huge effort made by the owner or breeder of
that particular dog. It also shows that besides a good conformation, the dog
has also a good temperament.
A good breeder will always use the best stud available for each breeding.
Any abnormal or out of the standard characteristic should be out of the breeding
program. Only the best dogs should be bred.
A dog's temperament is inherited. Excessive shyness, aggressiveness or hyperness
is not admissible in any breeding program. Ask to see the parents, play with
them and make sure they have the temperament you are looking for.
System
A reputable breeder has the health of the dam and sire checked.
You should a health record listing all medical treatments
the pup has received, including vaccinations and de-worms.
The puppy must be sold with an implanted microchip . This is the only permanent
identification used these days.
You should be required to sign a contract for any puppy you buy. This contract
should include a health guarantee for at least 1 year.
The breeder should be willing to supply a copy of this contract ahead of time,
so you may read it to be sure you agree with the terms.
Support
A good breeder will be willing to help at any time; even years after the puppies
are placed.
Experience
There are things that only experience can give. A breeder that has been breeding
for just a few month or a few years can make huge mistakes which may be reflected
in the puppy that you are considering to buy. It is not only good intentions
that are needed to have a good breeding program.
A reputable breeder is well informed about the breed health issues, routinely
tests for them, and informs prospective puppy buyers of any problems they have
found.
A reputable breeder will tell you about the breed's temperament and needs.
Breeders should be able to show a 3 or more generation pedigree of the litter,
and they should be willing to explain any titles on the dogs in their pedigrees.
The more titles, the better.
Dedication
Breeding dogs consume time. It is a 24/7 job. No holidays or weekends. There
will be always some one needing help or a matting to be done when you are about
to go out for vacation or for just a dinner.
Puppies need to know human contact from day one. They need to realize humans
are their best friends from an early age. Early socialization is extremely important
for all puppies.
A good breeder is willing to show you their facilities, but
if it is a private house, please respect their privacy and don't
just show up with out calling first. You should be able to
meet the dam. There will probably even be other dogs: aunts, uncles, cousins,
of the litter available. Breeders are usually very proud of their dogs and love
to show them off! The sire of the litter may not be available, as often the best
match for a particular bitch is a different kennel's dog that
might be hundreds of miles away. But there should be
photos, pedigrees, and health test results of the sire for you to see.
He will ask you many questions. He will ask about your family, lifestyle, previous
dogs you have had, your experience, your yard, and your plans for your pup: show,
breeding or pet. He cares about the pups he has brought into this world and wants
to place them in the best home possible.
Last considerations
The AKC is just a registering organization. AKC registration papers do not guarantee
quality, only that the pup's parents were also registered. It is up to you as
a consumer to do your homework when deciding where to get your puppy.
Don't be an impulsive buyer. Be willing to wait for a pup that has the best chance
of living a long healthy life. The purchase price is only a small percentage
of the money you will spend on a companion you will have for years. Increase
your chances of a healthy pup by following the above guidelines when choosing
a breeder.
Never ever buy a puppy from a pet shop or puppy mills. These puppies have been
abused. Their parents have been abused. They have been bred indiscriminately.
They have been kept in the most horrible conditions. Any papers that you may
receive are very questionable. These puppies are not necessarily cheaper than
a reputable breeder's puppy. They don't have any health clearances.
I know is hard not to feel sorry for these puppies that have been in
a small create since they where born, but If you give your money to
these people, you are contributing to their business. It would be a
better option to go to a shelter and get a puppy or dog that is in
need of a forever home.
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