To start with, you need to ensure that the breeder is registered. There are many unethical breeders out there who will sell you a puppy without any thought for the welfare of the animal. Buying from a registered breeder ensures that they are following strict guidelines and only breeding healthy dogs.
A puppy purchased from a registered breeder will have been raised with the knowledge that they will soon be part of a family. The puppy has been socialized and cared for since birth, which is important in developing the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies from pet stores are often poor quality and come from puppy mills. Puppy mills are commercial breeding kennels where puppies are kept in poor conditions without any human contact, socialization or proper veterinary care. The puppies at these facilities are often sold online or through classified ads and newspaper ads. Many people who purchase puppies from these places don’t realize that they are buying from a puppy mill until it’s too late – when the puppy becomes sick or dies after being brought home.
The next thing to look out for is health testing. Many breeds of dog have been developed over hundreds of years, but this has meant inbreeding which can lead to health problems. Health tests are carried out to ensure that when two dogs are bred together there is no risk of passing on harmful genes. The tests vary according to breed but would include hip dysplasia, eye problems or heart defects. If there are any health problems identified, then only dogs with good genes should be used for breeding purposes.
Some breeders will allow you to meet their puppies before purchase so that you can see how they interact with people and other animals and make sure they have been socialised properly. You should also ask about their temperament as this can vary greatly between breeds and even between lines within a breed e.g., Miniature Schnauzers tend to be friendly whereas Giant Schnauzers tend to be aloof!
Puppies sold by registered breeders are a much better option than those from backyard breeders or pet stores. You can be sure that they have been raised in good conditions and are healthy, as well as having been well socialized by their mothers and other puppies.
Puppies from registered breeders will also come with an official pedigree, which means that you can trace back the dog’s lineage to ensure that it is purebred. This can be very important for some breeds, such as poodles, where some members of the public may attempt to cross-breed with other dogs to produce new breeds without regard for their health or temperament.
You’ll also be able to meet the parents of any puppy you buy from a breeder, which can help you determine whether or not the dog will suit your lifestyle before committing to buy it. To know more about Puppies for sale from registered breeders contact us.