Puppies for sale... Should I buy them?

Question

Hello,
We are getting a dog soon... And we love Golden Retrievers!!!
Someone is selling golden puppies around where we live... they are like 8 weeks old, and I don't know if it is good to buy dogs like that... Should they be taken away from their mothers that soon? Should I ask where they came from? Also, Is it bad to buy dogs from someone like that even if they seem nice? I don't want to do something that an animal shelter wouldn't aprove of! Please only answer this question is you have experience with this kind of thing, or are sure that your answer is correct!
Thank You!

Answer 1

8 weeks old is just fine. Here are some of the questions that you need to ask the breeder:

1. Do you have both parents on site? -- This lets you see both parents and see how they behave. This is a good indicator on how the puppy will act.

2. Are the parents and puppies AKC?-- If not, run!!! AKC has some of the strictest guidelines of any of the registries. Most dogs that are not AKC (and even some that are) should never have been born because they are very poor quality.

3. Are the parents current on all shots and are currently on Heartworm preventative? -- Shows that the parents are well cared for.

4. Have all of the proper genetic tests been done on the parents before mating? -- Shows if there are any potential serious genetic defects in the lines.

5. What type of health guarantee does the puppy have? -- Most reputable breeders have a return or refund policy if the puppy has health issues.

6. What kind of contract must I sign to get the puppy? -- If there is no contract, RUN! This shows they really don't care who gets the puppy as long as they get money!

7. Will the puppy have its first shots and be wormed? -- This is a MUST!

8. How many litters has she had? How many litters do all of your dogs have per year? -- If she has had more than 4 litters, I would be concerned. If she has had more that 3 litters in two year, Backyard Breeder, RUN! If she has several litters a year out of very few dogs, STAY AWAY! Use some common sense. A dog really shouldn't have more than one litter a year. However, accidents happen, but more than three in two years means she was bred every time she went into heat.

9. Are the parents considered pets? Do they have free run of the house? -- If they are outside only, or contained to a small area of the house, they may not be well socialized. I would be very wary.

10. So you have references from your vet, neighbors, and people who purchased puppies from previous litters? -- References are so important, so that you know how others feel about the breeder. If the breeder refuses, then you should stay away!

Finally, make sure that you inspect the property where the breeder has the dogs. See how they interact with other animals, and yourself. You can tell by looking at them and interacting with them if they are well cared for.

Also, don't be surprised if the breeder asks you for some things too. I always ask for references, a letter from the landlord if they do not own their own home, if they have done their research, how they plan on house-breaking the dog, and who would be their primary vet.

Good luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me!

Answer 2

You need to ask about known health problems in either parent?You need to see the parents ,you need to observe the pups,spend some time with them as much as you can anyway.Make sure they are able to eat and have teeth.Ask about worming and 1st puppy shot.Then be aware that there will be at least 3-4 more immunizations at 3 week intervals.Be prepared for vet bills.That is the most important thing you must know.Think about where you are going to keep them inside or out.They will need shelter from heat and cold.Make sure you can walk them and give them the attention they deserve.Registration is just a fancy piece of paper.Most people don,t even send them in.And as far as Standard of breed who gives a hoot about that crap ,only the fanatics bent on SHOW,SHOW,SHOW.And their so called concern for the breed,what a crop of crap!If you like the dogs and the things I have mentioned above are good then go for it and enjoy your new pups that are just as good as any Book Perfect animal in the world .These people that are harping on THE PERFECT DOG are just plain crazy.You can,t even e-mail them to ask them a simple question.I hope I helped a little.Good Luck!!!!!

Answer 3

Puppies leave mom at 6 weeks old.

Will the dog have papers? Without papers you should not pay too much for the dog. If you wish to breed later, most people prefer papers on their dog.

Ask if the puppy has been wormed and when. Parvo shot is needed immediately because after 6 weeks old the puppy doesn't have a lot of protection from the mother.

Golden Retrievers normally cost quite a bit. The health of the puppy is most important that is why most people prefer well known breeders or pet stores.

Answer 4

eight weeks is old enough to be going to new homes. You need to ask questions though - were the parents x-rayed for hip dysplasia? What other health tests were done before breeding? Make sure the parents have good temperaments. Check out where the puppies are kept? Are they clean and healthy? Hae they been de-wormed and had 1st shots? Have they been well socialized? Ask lots of questions to make sure you're getting a healthy puppy.

Answer 5

We take our puppies (i do dog and cat rescue) away from mom starting at 5 weeks and finish weening them at 8 weeks. so 8 weeks it the perfect time. If these people are planning on breeding again dont buy them. We do dissaprove of breeders. If it was an accidental breeding than yes, we understand accidents happen and it would be safe. Goldens are hard to find and belive me i knw, we have been looking for one for 4 years in pounds and never found one. also ask to see mom and dad and get a feel for there personality. also ask to se vet records for both mom and dad. take a look at your local golden rescue and see if you like one there as well. it doesn't hurt to look. Youu may want to consider getting two as they tend to do better in pairs and ask the breeder questions like "Will you refund my money if one of them gets sick in the first week? Have they seen a vet? were there any complications durring birth? did mom feed them or were they bottle fed?

HOPE THIS HELPS!

Answer 6

8 weeks is old enough..
Why not go to the shelter and see what dogs are there.. Buying one of these dogs only promotes breeding while thousands of dogs are put down everyday. I had always gotten my dogs through breeders before and got my last one at the shelter. She was a stray, but is the smartest dog we have ever had. It didn't take long to train her and I have never seen a dog that loves children so much.

Answer 7

puppies should be older than six weeks to be taken from their mothers. ask the owners if they got thier vaccinations, if the puppies' parents were sick, and to choose a puppy choose the one that seems to like u best. make sure the owners are telling the truth about the puppies too! my opinionis just get one!

Answer 8

If selling puppies is what they do for a living, NO, that means they will just continue to breed more. If they have this litter and you plan on having the pup fixed, Go for it. It should be a nice pet.

Answer 9

NO ON IS ALLOWED TO ''SELL'' A DOG WITHOUT A HEALTH CERTIFICATE FROM A VET.
8 WEEKS OLD IS THE USUAL AGE PUPS ARE SOLD.
IF THEY HAVE A HEALTH CERTIFICATE, CALL THE VET AND ASK HIM HOW HE THINKS THE PUPS WERE TREATED. HE'LL TELL YOU.

Answer 10

As long as they aren't younger than six weeks go for it!! Congrats!