Welcome to Select Puppy

Sometimes it’s hard to resist an adorable puppy, regardless of its background. But if you fall in love with a puppy before you do your homework on the breeder, your decision could prove to be a problem. You can run into obstacles anywhere from expensive health conditions to dangerous temperaments, because even cute puppies that come from bad breeders may very well grow into big problems.

Before you set your heart on a particular puppy, you should take the time to educate yourself on who can provide the best pet for you and your family.

Always remember to Do your homework. Learn as much about the breed as possible before beginning your search.

For example: breeder number one’s puppies are smaller than breeder number two’s. They are really cute, but you remember reading earlier that for this particular breed it is not healthy to breed for such a small frame because it can cause problems such as fragile bones, crowding of teeth, and overall poor health.

Educate yourself on health problems common to that breed. If the breed you have chosen is prone to hip dysplasia, choose a breeder whose dogs and puppies are certified to show that their line is free from incidents of the disorder. When you equip yourself with knowledge, you will feel confident that you are prepared to pick the best puppy for you and your family.

You don’t have to limit yourself to local breeders. In some cases, breeders who advertise in the newspaper may be breeders that you want to avoid. If you are looking for a reputable breeder in your area, a great way to find one is by checking with people you know, local veterinarians, and your local American Kennel Club chapter.

Whenever possible, visit the location where the puppy has lived and meet the parents, or at least one of them. Make sure that the puppies are living in healthy conditions and that they have had a chance to be socialized with other animals and people. When meeting the puppy’s parents, watch for poor health and bad temperament, because these traits can be passed down genetically. If a breeder avoids letting you visit their location, take this as a definite red flag. This could mean that the puppies are not well cared for, or that these breeders are running a puppy mill.

Ask questions. You can find a list of important questions under Buyer’s Tips.

Expect reputable breeders to be cautious about people interested in taking their puppies home, and don’t be surprised if they ask a few questions themselves. The best breeder puts the needs of the puppies first, and works hard to ensure that each puppy goes to a good home. Remember, if a breeder asks you questions, they are doing this with the puppy’s safety and happiness in mind, not because they don’t trust you. Good breeders don’t want their puppies to endure poor living conditions or abandonment later on.