Selecting A Purebred Puppy!
So you've decided to get a new puppy! This is a very exciting time for you and your family, but you should make sure you are adequately prepared to bring your furry bundle of joy into your lives.
If you are going to buy a purebred dog, it is very important to do some research on the breed that you are interested in obtaining. You should pick out a breed of dog that has traits that will fit in with your living environment and lifestyle. For instance, if you live in a small apartment in the city and you are gone 10 hours a day, a Border Collie may not be the best choice for you. However, if you live on a farm with lots of animals and people for a Border Collie to "herd" and run around with, a Border Collie could be the perfect dog for you!
When selecting a breed, there are a few really good questions you can ask yourself.
Do I have the time and energy required to properly take care of this breed?
Is this breed too active/not active enough for me?
Is this breed good with small children or other animals or elderly people?
Does this breed require lots of training and attention, and if so, am I willing to commit to following through with this dog?
Basically, what you should be getting at with these questions is: Does this dog fit my lifestyle? Once you have evaluated your lifestyle and the type of dog you want, make sure that you are committed to following through with the dog. Who will feed the dog, who will take it on walks, who will let it out to go to the bathroom? Once these questions have been answered and you have selected the proper breed of dog for you, the fun of picking out your puppy can begin!
Once you have selected a breed, you must then find a puppy. You can find a list of breeders by contacting the AKC or the national breed club for the breed you are interested in. Sometimes, there will be a local breed club as well. For instance, if you are interested in obtaining a German Shepherd puppy, you can contact the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, and they can provide you with a list of breeders that meet their standards.
Once you have selected a breeder, you should make sure that you are comfortable with that person and feel that they are breeding quality dogs. You should ask to see the kennels and meet the sire or dam, if possible, and evaluate their personalities. This will give you a basic idea of the temperament of your puppy, although it is not a guarantee. Be informed about your breed. If this is a breed predisposed to hip dysplasia (or another congenital defect), ask the breeder to show proof that the sire and dam do not have hip dysplasia (or other defect). Ask if the puppies have had any deworming or vaccinations, and what type of food they are eating. Ask if there are any guarantees about the future health of the puppy. If the puppy has hip dysplasia what will the breeder do, etc. Be informed about your breed, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that you are comfortable with all aspects of the deal before committing to a puppy. Your breed association will probably be able to provide you with a list of specific questions to ask about your breed.
You will usually be able to take your puppy home when he is 6-8 weeks old. The puppy will require a visit to the veterinarian for vaccinations and a general health checkup. This is a very exciting time, and it will be much more pleasant if you are prepared before you bring the puppy home. Once you get past the initial research and selection, you will have a great relationship with your new friend for many years to come!