Questions to ask when buying a puppy

[Bummle]

We are considering buying a puppy - what questions should i be asking the breeder

[DTCwordfan]

Gosh I need a glass of wine....I read that as "Questions to Ask when Burying a Puppy."........

[Bummle]

OMG! Poor you - have 1 for me while you are at it!

[Bummle]

Ah yes good point and I wouldn't expect any different

[RAV1D]

What's the lowest you'l let em go for ?, Is It Male of Female ?, How old is it ?, What have you been feeding it on and how much and when?

[Buenchico]

This advice, from the RSPCA, might help:
http://www.getpuppysmart.com/

Chris

[TonyV]

Brummie - what breed are you looking for - If you are going Kennel Club route make sure breeder is registered - lot's of fake certificates out there and buy the stongest pup you can see - not the runt

[didoatwork]

Try to see both parent of pup so you know what it will grow up into.

[craft1948]

I once got turned down when I went to buy a cockatiel..............

[jules77]

Dont bother about whether they are a KC accredited breeder or not, as some people registered on the scheme are puppy farmers. Try to find someone who comes recommended, what breed are you looking for, you would be better to go through one of the Breed Clubs and they would point you in the right direction?

Check up on what health tests are appropriate for the breed and ensure the parents have been tested, usually hip scored and in some breeds puppies are eye tested at around 6 - 8 weeks, but there are lots of different health tests dependant on the breed you are buying.

I would ask how old the mother is, and how many litters she has had in the past, I wouldnt touch someone who is consistently breeding each season off the same bitch and I would check what relation the sire is to the dam.

[Jemisa]

Find out what VET bills are like and whats the best insurance to buy. and remember to read all the small print.

jem

[woofgang]

Ask why that particular litter was bred and why that particular sire and dam were chosen. The answers should be around producing good healthy pups and not making money. The sire and dam should have been chosen for their particular strengths and not because the bitch happened to come into season at the right time and the dog was handy. Ask what will happen to the other pups. Ask about previous litters. You will probably have to go on a waiting list if the breeder is any good.

[riptide]

You do not mention breed but whatever it is, always ask to see the parents and check that they are friendly. Make sure you find out what diet they are on as a change in diet can upset their digestive system at a young age. Make sure that their back dew claws have been removed, this should be done shortly after birth when the vet checks them out, presume they had this done. I bought a shi-tzu from a home where they had not removed the back dew claws and my poor puppy caught his eye. Never go for the one that is hiding in the corner, much as he seems endearing, the most friendly one is best. Always remember that a dog left for a long time will become destructive whatever the breed. A puppy will need 3 meals a day to start with so someone should be about in the day. Good luck with your choice.

[notasyoungasiwas]

Why go to a breeder? There are SO many unwanted dogs and puppies in anmial rescue centres all over the country who get overlooked time and time again because people go to a breeder. Personally I think breeders should not be allowed to breed for several years and thus allow the dog population to recover a little bit, too many poor dogs, not enough homes. Every single dog I have ever had has been a rescue of some sort. Plesase consider a dogs home Bummle.

[carmalee]

this is a road fraught with pitfalls - if you are set on getting a puppy from a breeder and not from a dog's home (mongrels are much much tougher btw) go on line and research the particular breed you want - then go on again and again and find out as much as possible - talk to experts and don't rush into anything - I could tell you lots horror stories of people who have paid absolute fortunes for pedigree dogs and ended up broken hearted. There are reputable breeders out there but there are also a million shysters who are just using your kind heart to feather their nests.

[woofgang]

errm not all dogs have back dew claws, in fact most do not.

[Bummle]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice, it will be a great help. We have had rescue dogs and cats (and chickens) over many years but now that my husband has decided to retire after over 40 years at sea he would like a puppy and we are interested in a miniature poodle - very intelligent dogs which do not shed hair (oh the sweeping and the hoovering) and which don't have to be done up like a dog's dinner (excuse the pun) if you don't want them to be. My first dog was a poodle and he was a great companion for over 15 years. My husband knew this dog too and thought he was great.

[lankeela]

I like Poodles 'au naturelle' with a curly perm - and very intelligent they are too. The KC website has a list of breed clubs, find the nearest to you and ring the secretary who will have a list of club members who occasionally breed, you can also ask about health testing requirements at the same time.

[lankeela]

http://www.the-kennel...eed/list.aspx?id=4098