what to look for when going to buy a puppy?

Question

myself and my husband are going to look at a labrador puppy that is for sale.It has no papers.What are the questions that we should be asking...What jabs should it have had and also what are the signs to look out for that it is unhealthy.

Answer 1

So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go along.

1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?

2. Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog?

3. Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog?

The Breed For You

Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament. Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.

You and Your Dog

Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy. We strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating before buying. Remember, dogs are for life
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Your AKC breeder referral contact will direct you to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.

How Much Does A Puppy Cost?

This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment.

Can You Afford A Puppy?

The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan available in 50 states, can help you budget sensibly and responsibly for the lifelong healthcare needs of your dog.

Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.

Caring for your dog

All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog care. AKC's own books, The Complete Dog Book and AKC Dog Care and Training Book, contain information on proper dog care. We recommend you have these or some other authoritative reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can help you to provide this essential care.

Your dog and your neighbors

All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbor.

Answer 2

First things first, look at the parents...the puppy is a product of his parents. If the parents aren't there, there is a reason for it, and it is usually not a good thing...

Other than that, just make sure it has clean eyes, free of discharge and redness. Not sneezing or coughing. It is hard to tell anyone how to picl out temperment just be seeing a pup for an hour or so, just becaus e there is one specific pup that seems laid back doesn't mean he will always be like that. He may just be tired from excessive play while you are there. So there is no real good judge of personality. Besides it's more how you raise him that it will be high strung or calmer. It's all in the training.

As for jabs? Vaccines I think you mean...it depends on the age of the puppy, however you should NEVER bring home a puppy younger than 7 weeks old, and if the breeder is willing to hang on to him/her till 8-10 weeks with the rest of the litter and mom...DO IT! These are REALLY important socializing times for a pup, and the litter and mom, can teach any pup more than its human during those few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck

Answer 3

You want to ask when the first shot was given. Some breeders start at 6 weeks some 8 weeks. You should not adopt a puppy younger then 8 weeks old. You want the most lively puppy not a mopey looking puppy. Make sure the eyes are clear of any drainage. Also ask if they have been wormed that is important. Also ask what kind of food is being fed, you will want to continue using that food. If they are using puppy chow, change it to a better food gradually by mixing the food together for about a week or so to get them used to it and their body can adjust to the change. Make sure it can walk well with no problems. You also want a puppy that comes up to you and does not run scared or you will have problems. I would ask why it has no papers also, if it is pure lab it should have papers. If both parents are on site I would ask to meet them to observe their behavior. If you dont like the temperament of the parents then I would decline the puppy, they usually inherit the temperament of one or both parents.

Answer 4

No papers = puppy mill or a mix.

If there is a certification, make sure it's AKC (American Kennel Club) or UKC (United Kennel Club) stamped, if it's APRI stamped, then it's a puppy mill puppy.

Also, make sure it's from a reputable breeder, not a puppy store (puppy mill puppys). Does the breeder rescue, does the breeder agree with the parent organization's code of ethics? Do they rescue? Are they willing to reimburse for genetic faults? Are they active with the breed, either showing or working? (Yes, the breeder quality is more important than the puppy itself!)

Look at the puppy's temperment and any obvious signs of illness or genetic faults. Also ask for vaccination records.

Also, you should take the puppy to your vet as soon as you get it for a routine checkup and any vaccinations (and deworming) that are needed.

Answer 5

Hi,

The best way to get a new puppy is to go to a good breeder, who is a member in good standing with a large kennel club. The best known are the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC). A dog breeder who is member of these clubs will have healthy, disease free puppies with gentle, non-aggressive temperaments.

Once you find a breeder that you like, go and see the breeder at their home. A good breeders home will be neat, clean (to eyes and nose) and visually presentable.

The mother of the dog (the brood *****) should be gentle, kind, clean and friendly to you and your family. The puppies should be clean smelling, friendly with clean eyes, sweet smelling coats and shiny, soft fur.

On the other hand, If the brood ***** or puppies seem physically dirty, sick; or aggressive or shy in personality, I would advise you to consider finding another breeder.

Best,

The Chicago Dog Whisperer

Answer 6

I would ask why he /she breeded with dogs and have no papers /pedigrees ?
The dogs should (depending on the age )have several shots .
Unfortunaly is that in that "puppy" age the doggie can look healthy , wagging his tail and all ...but you can not look inside . I (only my opinion /thought )would always ask myself why does anyone breed without beeing registerd ..and i (my own thought too )would get a dog from a registerd breeder or from a shelter .I would not like to support ppl that just "breed " for the hell of it .

I saw that soo many times over here (germany ) that ppl buy dogs from ppl that just breed without any knowledge and end with big vet bills .

Answer 7

First no papers no more than 100 $ here in ohio. That includes UTD on shots microchipped and altered. Labs are a dime a dozen. They are going down as fast as pits and rotts anymore. We have found that they have been so overbred there are many social and behavior problems than any other breed.

What shots will depend on age.

Send me your email address Ill send you a pick I just got this morning on an update on one of my yellow labs. She is gorgeous. She was adopted with everything done for $100.00. She was being euthanized when we pulled her from the shelter. She is a perfect example of spay and neuter so these beautiful creatures don't have to die through no fault of their own.

Answer 8

There are lots of things that I think people forget about because they are so cute.... I would say to be sure to see the environment they spent their first couple of months in and ask the people about their first shots (and de-worming). I say this because my parents got the sweetest dog from a "breeder" and she had fleas ( more than a few) and she got tapeworms as a result. These are easy to take care of, but still....................

Answer 9

There is all the obvious things - sit down on the ground and see if it comes to you on its own - does it look like its in good condition - can you see the mother and what condition is she in etc but ask if you can have a vet check done on it before settling on purchasing it - a common problem for Labs is hip displaysia and if they have it - it is VERY expensive to fix (if it can be fixed) as for what injections it needs - his will vary from country to country so your best off asking a vet for this information.

Answer 10

Ask If you can take it to your local vet to get it checked out for any signs of worms or other health problems. If they are truly a good owner they will not mind.