Tips for Finding Purebred Dogs

Tips for selecting a pure breed dog

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The world’s full of dog lovers. When it comes time to decide to get a dog there’s more to it than just finding a wagging tail. Not everybody wants to own just any old dog. Many people are interested in getting a purebred dog. There are loads and loads of mixed-breed dogs that would also make great companions. However, getting a purebred dog has its benefits. They are more predictable as to their nature, and their pedigrees are worth something.

The first thing to do is locate a responsible breeder. These breeders won’t sell a puppy to the first dog lover searching for a dog. They have the puppy’s best interests at heart. Many times unsuspecting people will purchase a puppy from one of the puppy mills or buy one from a neighbor because the neighbor supposedly has ‘papers’ on it. This will often result in getting puppies that are in poor health and have undetected temperament problems.

Dogs can have genetic health problems as a result of poor breeding practices. They can also develop behavioral problems that can be costly to treat with special training sessions. They soon go from being a warm friendly puppy to a walking pile of grief and heartache. There are ways to avoid these pitfalls. The following are some tips for finding purebred dogs.

  • The first thing to do is to figure out what breed is going to be the most compatible with your personality and lifestyle. Would you be better off with a show dog, a protection animal, or a family pet?
  • Different breeds of dogs behave differently. Match your dog up to your own temperament. Learn about them, what grooming requirements they may need, how badly do they shed, how much exercise and activity they require, and what foods are the best for them, among other things.
  • If possible, join a breeder’s club and get information about prospective purebreds. Ask around to see if anyone you know has information about the breed you’re considering. Visit websites like www.akc.org and do your homework.
  • Locate a reputable breeder. The temperament of a puppy is formed within the first six weeks. It’s a genetic trait influenced by its mother and breeder-controlled environment.
  • A reputable breeder will have some requirements for you to meet. You’ll have to sign a written agreement clearly spelling out obligations for everybody involved. They should also give you a guarantee for returning the puppy if a veterinarian should find something seriously wrong with its health. If you don’t want to find the breeder yourself there are puppy-finder companies that will do it for you and give you a guarantee that whatever breeder they find is ethical and your puppy will be healthy.
  • The best time for you to pick your puppy up is from eight to nine weeks old. This gives it time for some much-needed socialization it will get from its litter mates. You should get your puppy a complete veterinary examination within 24 hours of picking it up. Obedience classes are a great idea after that.
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