What questions should I ask when getting a dog? How do I find the solutions?

Question

I want to get a small dog, but my family doesn't, only because of the problems that come with getting this pet...so I need to find the perfect kind of dog...I want to ask questions (help me find some questions I might not have thought of) and I also want to find a place where I can get the solutions (IMPORTANT!). Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Since you did not state what small breed-here are some general Q!Good luck!





Questions to ask a breeder:


Regarding the Puppy's Background:
Specifically, how many dogs in this puppy's pedigree do you personally know and what can you tell me about them?

In this puppy's pedigree, what is the incidence of deafness, allergies, infections, thyroid dysfunction, seizures, hip dysplasia, etc.? (Genetic defects such as hip dysplasia, and diseases related to immune system dysfunction such as allergies, are surfacing in alarming numbers. These problems are more evident now that reputable breeders are openly discussing them and sharing their experiences in the hopes of reducing the occurrence of these defects. Seriously question the breeder about the appearance of any of these faults in the puppy's ancestry.)

Are there any temperament problems in this puppy's ancestry?

Have the sire and dam been temperament tested?

Do you offer Health/Temperament guarantees with your puppies?

Can you show me certificates proving that the sire and dam are OFA certified? (This is important because it tells a lot about the dedication of the breeder to eliminate genetic problems in the breed).

Will you provide me with the pedigree (at least 4 generations), the puppy's health record, and instructions on how to care for my new dog?

Do you have evidence of the puppy's AMCA certification?

Regarding the Breeder:
How knowledgeable about Alaskan Malamutes are you, and will you share that knowledge with me? (The breeder should be willing and able to answer most of your questions regarding medical care, feeding, diseases, training, what to expect as the puppy grows up, etc. If you have a question that the breeder cannot answer, he or she should have a network of sources available to get the answer for you.)

Will you make yourself available to answer any concerns I may have at any time during the dog's entire life?

Will you assist me if I cannot keep the dog? (Even with all the careful screening and education that breeders do, occasionally something happens where a purchaser must give up the dog. In the unlikely event that this should happen to you, the breeder should be willing to help place your dog in a suitable new home.)

What are the most important things you strive for in your breeding program? (Temperament should be at the top!!!)

How much time do you spend planning litters and rearing the pups?

Do you require a spay/neuter agreement on the puppies you sell? (This is a good requirement and you want the breeder to say "yes")

Will you ask me a lot of questions during an "interview" process? (All reputable breeders will have lots and lots of questions to ask you. This helps them determine if you are suited to Alaskan Malamutes in general, and to their line of dogs specifically. They need to be certain that you have what it takes to care for one of their dogs for the next dozen or more years. Don't be offended by these questions. Be happy that the breeder is doing all
that he or she can to find a perfect match between dog and your family.)
*******************************************************************************************************

Other Good questions:

Why would you choose this breed
Where the breed origanated

And others that a GOOD breeder should know!

Where you can get the solution,is from any good breeder -you can call, e-mail ext-If the breeder does NOT know then DO NOT buy from this breeder! I hope this helps!
!~ Lover of an aussie border colie mix!

Answer 2

No matter what dog you get, he's going to need attention. But since your family doesn't want a dog, here are things to consider:

1)Does this dog shed?
2)Does he bark? Or is he a quiet sort?
3)Has he had his shots? And if he's over 6 months old, has the dog been fixed?
4)Are there any health problems the dog might be prone to?
5)What kind of food is he used to?

Someone else can probably come up with a better list, but that's what I would look at.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I had the same issue as you. I did ALOT of research and found for me the Papillon is the best answer. Unfortunately it is one of the most expensive breeds, but well worth it. Also another good small breed is a Bechon Friese. A good breeder should be willing and happy to answer all of your questions. If not, then they arent reputable and don't buy from them. Aske these questions:
1) How much do they bark?
2) How much do they shed?
3) How much excersize do they need?
4) How easy are they to train?
5) Ask about the difference between the male and female personalities for the breed.
6) Drooling?
7) How they behave when alone (rebelion issues or seperation angziety)?
8) Best ways to train a particulat breed (some breeds respon better to asertive dominance, some better to affectionate reward).
9) Ask about hereditary ailements and what sort of ailments that particular breed is akin to.
10) Don't be afraid to ask to see the parents.

A great sight for you to check out info on all breeds is Dogbreedinfo.com it has nearly everything you want to know about each breed complete with pictures. Good luck, and let me know how it turns out for you!

Answer 4

What Breed is the dog? Do the parents have papers? Can you see the mom and dad? Take a tour of the facility where your buying your pup from. Do they have Microchips in them? How old is the mom? (hint, if the mom is under two years of age and your at a breeder, walk away) Is the parents OFA'd? Have their eyes been checked? How close is the breeding in the background?? What kind of temeperment do the mom and dad have? Those are the questions I'd ask, and remember if you buy a dog outta the paper, you get what you pay for.

Answer 5

Yes, I know all most every question, there is a person raving about something. For instance, I have an outside dog. Oops, I just let out the horrible secret!!! People get beat up because of this. Now I know smaller breeds need to be indoor, but mine is a German Shepherd!! I take good care of her, and she is a very nice, loving, well-behaved dog. You'd think if I would be abusing her, she would have behavior issues or something!

Answer 6

it would have helped if you told us there reasons for not wanting the dog. if there is no way then i would give up. I love and have breed yorkies. in the 5lb range. I love the look, and there personalities, and that they are smart because they are terriers. They are hypoallergenic and do not shed. eat very little. biggest problem is makeing sure they go to the bathroom enough. I use to be able to put both mom and dad in my lap at the same time. Dad just died 3 weeks ago. I have 2 of his daughters both on each side of me and there mom is between my legs. they are very loyal.oh and my littliest can give you a french kiss even with you mouth closed. Good grief I get a lot of kisses.

Answer 7

Go to the website below. It will tell you everything you need to know about getting a puppy from a responsible breeder. Plus, there is a link that tell you about each breed under the breed tab so you can browse for your future dog. They also have breeder referals which are the best people to buy from since they are apporved by the American Kennel Club.

Answer 8

Do a search for different dog breeds. Awhile ago I came across a website that listed all the dog breed and gave descriptions about them- mood, how high-maintenance they are, what they were bred for...everything. I think I was searhing for a papillon when I found the site.

Answer 9

you can say i would really like to buy this dog and you can go to the pet store