Since there is no national standard for dog breeding techniques, it is up to the puppy buyer to do their own research before purchasing a dog. Ethical dog breeders devote their lives to learning about their breed’s history, canine health, genetics, and structure.
Ethical dog breeders take the necessary precautions to ensure that the puppies they rehome are healthy. By performing necessary genetic testing on the breeding pairs and providing them with the best care, ethical breeders are able to produce healthy and happy puppies.
What Do You Need to Look For in a Breeder?
The first and most crucial step in selecting your new best buddy is to identify a competent breeder you can trust. Breeders are wonderful resources: not only do they connect you with your ideal dog, but you can also rely on them throughout your dog’s life. Consider a breeder your advisor for everything dog-related, from selecting the proper dog to caring for it indefinitely.
Before committing to a breeder, like any significant decision, do your research. Here are some pointers for locating and collaborating with an ethical breeder:
Ask the Right Questions
One of the most significant advantages of working with a good breeder is that they can be relied on for the whole of your dog’s life. When meeting with a breeder for the first time, bring a list of questions about the breed and the puppy – you can never ask too many questions, and there are no stupid questions! Watch how they react. Are they patient with your inquiries? Are they clear in their explanations? Do you think you have a good relationship? Responsible breeders want to see their pets in happy, loving forever homes and are eager to share their expertise.
Look for the Puppy’s Parents
There is no better method to predict how your dog will develop than to look at his parents! It will provide information about your dog’s temperament, size, and looks.
Obtain a Complete Medical History
Reputable breeders like OFA and CERF certificates would gladly confirm health checks. They will also discuss common health issues in that breed, so you know what to look for in the long run.
Be Patient
Expect to meet a breeder and take home a puppy on the same day: the breeder will usually keep the puppy at the kennel for the first two or three months of its life so that it can mature and socialize with its mother and littermates. This transition is critical because it allows you to puppy-proof your home and get the required items before welcoming him home.
Get Documentation of Your Puppy’s Pedigree
If you have an excellent meet-and-greet with a breeder and want to proceed, don’t leave the premises without getting the appropriate documentation of your puppy’s pedigree or papers. Be wary of a breeder who refuses to give you papers, wants to charge you more for papers or says they will mail them to you later.
How To Tell If The Breeder You Chose is Responsible?
Responsible dog breeders do not sell their puppies to the first person who comes in with cash. Naive consumers routinely purchase puppy mills. Too often, this leads to buying puppies in poor health or with temperament issues that are not immediately apparent.
A dog with genetic health problems due to poor breeding techniques or who develops substantial behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization can cost thousands of dollars to treat, not to mention the anguish and heartache.
The Puppy’s Overall Health
A puppy should be a joyful, energetic ball of fur. They should be tidy and plump, like a sausage, rather than skinny and frail. Before purchasing, they should be examined by a veterinarian. They will get their microchip and their first immunization during the vet check. Fleas and intestinal worms should also be treated.
Ask to see Both Parents
Good breeders will allow you to meet the animal’s biological parents. It is not uncommon for a parent to be out of the country! If this is the case, request the sire’s contact information so you can learn more about him.
Parents pass on their personalities to their puppies. What you see of the parents is what the puppies will look like in the future! Make an informed decision!
Cooling Off Period
Good breeders will allow you to return your pet after purchase and receive a refund for a set time or the cooling off period. This is especially crucial if you have another pet at home and are unsure about compatibility. The normal cooling-off period is seven days from the date of purchase. As a result, ensure the breeder has a cooling-off period agreement.
Avoid the Pitfalls
The Humane Society of the United States encourages you to walk away if the breeder you’re working with does not meet all of the minimum criteria outlined. Remember that your dog will most likely live for 10 to 20 years, so it’s well worth ensuring you’re working with a respectable breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs and keeps them in clean and humane surroundings.
Get a Referral
You can identify respectable dog breeders by asking your veterinarian or trusted friends for recommendations, contacting local breed associations, or attending professional dog shows. Remember that a responsible breeder will never sell her dogs through a pet store or any other method that does not allow her to meet with and thoroughly interview you to confirm that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will give a responsible, lifelong home.
Why is Genetic Testing Important?
To diagnose affected pets and guide future breeding decisions, owners can utilize a genetic test to confirm their dog’s status for this mutation. Without a DNA test, which is painful and expensive, a dog on a regular diet will almost likely get stones. DNA testing can help dog breeders discover acceptable mates and reduce unhealthy litters and needless inbreeding.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a simple method for us to learn more about our canines. An individual’s genetic coding contains a wealth of information. A variety of tests can be performed on a sample of your pet’s DNA-containing cells, either separately or as part of a profile, to provide important information about your pet’s genetic composition.
Dogs have been genetically tested for more than two decades. It is straightforward and convenient, becoming more cost-effective as technology advances. Because the cost is comparable to routine blood profiles, it is quickly becoming a standard disease identification and preventive test.
How Can I Test My Dog?
Most DNA tests need a simple mouth swab inside your dog’s mouth, usually from the cheek. Some DNA tests may need the collection of a blood sample from your dog, but this is unusual.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Several tests can be performed in the laboratory, either independently or as part of a profile, including:
– The DNA mixed-breed ancestry profile can help you determine which purebreds are most likely to have contributed to the mix of your pet.
– Complete genetic attribute profiles can be developed for purebred, hybrid, and mixed-breed dogs. This provides valuable information by analyzing dozens of medical conditions and traits.
– Specific breed profiles can be created, assessing just symptoms common to that breed.
Individual genetic tests can be performed when there is only one medical problem.
With technological advancements, it is now just as economical to conduct a full profile with dozens of tests as it is to run a few tests typical of a specific breed. Running the whole profile makes more sense financially and otherwise than attempting to predict which tests would be most relevant almost often. A pet does not have to become ill and exhibit clinical symptoms before a diagnosis and therapy or preventive measures can be instituted. This is because genetic testing is now commonly available.