I was wondering if this is a good topic for the next post. After all, I wrote a lot about it at the beginning of the series of posts: “Buying a puppy from a kennel or adoption?” (I mean the one entitled “What to watch out for when choosing a breeder”).
However, it is worth looking at this topic from the other side (not what to watch out for, but what to look for), reminding of the most critical issues and adding a few aspects worth paying attention to.
As I mentioned before, I’m not a fan of dog shows and medals received because of their appearance. Now, let me say that, in my humble opinion, the breeding goals should be the opposite of the current ones.
Health should be a priority. I would put the dog’s character traits in second place, and appearance should be third.
It would mean the elimination of inbreeding (i.e. mating closely related dogs) from breeding.
Many people will disagree with me, but purebred dog breeding (in general) has gone in the wrong direction. Choosing the “most beautiful”, i.e. the closest to the breed of individuals, caused a lot of suffering. There was an “overbreeding”, as a result of which:
– German Shepherds (from breeding lines focused on appearance) suffer from hip dysplasia and are much less fit than dogs of the same breed from 30 years ago;
– some pugs lose their eyeballs (by shortening the muzzle);
– Bulldogs sometimes faint during play due to cerebral hypoxia (deformed noses).
These are just a few examples of what kennel has done to dogs.
But to the point: what to expect from the breeder:
1. Questions. A responsible breeder will want to know who you are, what you expect from a dog, and whether you can meet its needs. This way, he will assess whether you and your family are a good match for the puppy. He will take into account your expectations, lifestyle, and approach to dogs and compare them with the character and needs of the breed he breeds.
If he judges that this breed will not suit you, trust him. Don’t take it personally; don’t take it as an insult. Remember that the breeder loses a customer in this way. He does not do it out of malice but because he knows from experience for whom his puppies are suitable and for whom they are not. He also knows who gives him puppies and why. If he refuses you, he must have a reason: in his opinion, the breed he deals with does not suit you. Instead of being offended, ask what race he would see for you and why. Consider his suggestion. He may be right. After all, he has professionally dealt with dogs and chosen the correct human-dog pairs for years.
2. Information on the needs and predispositions of the breed he deals with
3. He will only agree to give you a puppy after 10 (or 8) weeks of age. This is very important. Between 6 and 12 weeks of age, puppies learn how to be dogs and how to communicate with representatives of their own species. If they are taken away from their mother and siblings too early, they will not learn the dog’s language or the rules of polite behavior. This will increase the risk of getting into conflicts with other dogs.
4. He will tell you how he socialized the puppy.
5. That you will continue to socialize the puppy
6. He will expect information from you on how his pupil is doing.
7. He will tell you when the puppy was vaccinated and when you should take the pup for the following vaccinations.
8. He will inform you what food the puppies have been fed.
9. Perhaps you will get some food from him for the next few days: a blanket smelling of a toddler’s mother, maybe a cuddly toy.
10. He should also assure you that he will take the puppy back if you can’t continue to care for him for some reason. No self-respecting breeder wants his puppies to go to a shelter.
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