When buying a new dog?

Question

I've never tried to actually BUY a dog before. I just adopt them. When buying a new dog or a puppy perhaps (3 months), what are some of the questions you need to ask the seller to ensure that the dog is purebred and is healthy?

Answer 1

You need to do more than ask - you need to see AKC registration papers for the sire and dam and for the puppy.
You also need to see health checks and vaccinations for the pup and ideally know that both the sire and dam were checked for hereditary conditions particular to the breed you are contemplating buying.

Most of all, you need to go to a reputable breeder who shows the dogs and makes sure the line being bred is free of congenital problems that can be passed on to the puppy.

Don't go to a back yard breeder, puppy mill or pet shop (same thing).

Why don't you consider looking in your local shelters for a good dog or do a search for a rescue online if you want a pedigree?
You will know what you are getting and save a dog from being homeless - or worse.

Don't enrich a bad breeder whatever you do, and don't believe what they tell you without proof.

Answer 2

First of all, it is very important to know that just because a pup is registered it doesn't garauntee that it's healthy. The registration paper work just establishes that the puppy comes from a lineage that can be traced back a few generations.
Be weary of breeders who do their own shots. Some will say they gave shots but really didn't. I made this mistake twice and both times my pups died within two weeks of parvo. Beware, it's a terrible disease and puppies who are not properly vaccinated have a higher risk of catching it and have a slim chance of surviving. I perfer to have vaccintation proof from a vet(a good breeder will not do their own shots and will have a record of vet visits for the litter).
If buying from a private breeder, ask to see were the pups sleep, eat, and play. Do they have a chance to play outside or are they kept in a cage all day? Do the pups seem alert, energetic, clear eyed, and friendly? Watch for tail chasing, crying frantically when picked up, fear biting, or just lethagic. These could be signs of illness or emotional problems which could lead to expensive vet bills in the future or behavioral issues.
I personally would ask about the parents of the pups and if the breeder owned the mother and the father. That way you have the oppurtunity to see how the parent dogs behave and how the breeder interacts with them.
Do your homework on the type of dog you think you would like. Pure breed dogs are a litttle more high maintance and some breeds are prone to certain diseases. Check with AKC online and they have an abudant amount of information on all types of breeds and their characteristics. Be realistic, don't purchase a St. Bernard if you live in a one bedroom apt. and don't have time to walk it for excersice. If your sensitive to pet dander, don't purchase a pup that sheds alot.
Also, ask if the breeder has a adjustment period that would allow you to take the puppy home but would allow you to return pup if it doesn't work out. Some breeders will give you 24 hours or so as a trial period and will refund your money within that time. Also, a good breeder will let you know that they would perfer you to return the dog to them instead of the animal shelter if you are unable to care for the dog in the future(no money returned).
Also, ask about what type of food the pups are on. A pup that is fed a good food should have a shiny coat and nice white teeth. Check the gums to make sure their nice and pink and feel the coat to make sure it's soft and full. Gently lift the coat and see if it stays up or goes back into place. If it stays up when you lift it, your pup could be dehydrated.
Finally, ask questions about the breed(stuff you researched already). Does the breeder really know about the breed? If a breeder doesn't know everything about the breed their trying to sell then keep looking. A responsible breeder knows all about the breed of dog and should be able to answer your questions honestly and accurately. The last thing you want to do is buy from someone who knows nothing except that people will pay a lot of money for a certain kind of dog.
Good luck puppy shopping..

Answer 3

Make sure that you research into what breed you want. To get the best behaved dog, make sure it's not from a Pet Store. Pet Store's get their dogs from Puppy Mills- and you don't want a Puppy Mill puppy. Make sure that the puppy is at least 8 weeks old. When the puppy is 7-8 weeks old they learn the "pack order". A good quality breeder will answer all your questions on the breed- and show you where the dog(s) sleep, eat, play, etc. Observe how the puppy interacts with the breeder and their parents. Make sure these dogs are pets and not just used as breeding. The dogs should be registered into some club (preferably AKC) and up to date on all shots and worms. If the breeder is into showing- a retired one will be available (around 3 or later depending on career). A good breeder will also recommend you other trusting breeders- because they should want the best for the breed. Any other questions feel free to email me. :)

Answer 4

I would first research what breed I wanted to get. After that, I would watch dog shows on TV, and note the name of the dog of the breed in which I'm interested. You can tell the name of the kennel, as that's the first part of the dog's name. I would look up the kennel on line. You can also go on line to find out what dogs competed for Best Of Breed, and look up those kennels, too.

These are going to be people who try to breed quality dogs. They breed for conformation, temperament, and particulars to the individual breed. They test parents for genetic problems, for example and depending on breed, hearing, hips, eyes. The breeder will have documentation for all tests performed.

I think you're money would be much better spent if you did it this way. You won't have to worry about backyard breeders who don't do anything with regard to genetic integrity, nor the risk of buying from a puppy mill. Puppy mills are able to stay in business because they know how to fool people into believing they're not a puppy mill. Believe it or not, puppy mills have AKC registration! My chihuahua, whom I rescued had AKC papers, and I'm certain he's from a mill. All it meant was that he's a purebred chihuahua, and he's had knee surgeries to prove (luxating patellas is a genetic problem in chihuahuas).

Some questions you could ask are, how many times they breed their females; what happens to non-breeding stock; do they take back their own dogs if the owner can't care for it anymore; what guarantees to they offer.

Answer 5

I would want to see the certified pedigrees of the parents (a real pedigree, not a Continental KC or Universal KC or similar piece of paper), with all the OFA and CERF certificates, the results of any thyroid testing, or other tests applicable to the breed.

I would expect a specific statement about what their health guarantee covers, and what remedy they would offer if there was a problem. This is not just a vague promise to guarantee health for one or two years, but exactly what are they guaranteeing.

I would expect to see a copy of their sales contract, including a spay/neuter clause for pet quality dogs, and a different contract if it's a show prospect.

I would expect a statement in the contract that they would take the dog back at any point in its life, for any reason. Not that you would expect to get your money back, just that they would take the dog.

I would expect them to want you to come visit the kennel and see the dogs first hand. I would also expect them to ask you as many questions as you ask them, about where you'll keep the dog, your experience with the breed, willingness to train the dog, veterinary references, and so on.

There's a lot others, but these are the big ones, IMO.

Answer 6

for purebred ask to to the parents papers, if the male belongs to someone else they will have a copy of the papers
they say to visit 3 breeders before you buy - make sure they are kept in clean conditions and any dogs there look healthy

Answer 7

you need to meet the puppy in his home where he was raised. Reason, so you can see the puppy's real personality, they act different when unsure of new surroundings.

You need to see the parents. Reason, so you can have a good idea of what you are getting.

Other important things to know:

Have they been wormed? How far are the pups in their vacinations? What food are you feeding them? What sort of registration papers does the pup have? IE, anything other than AKC or your countries equivelant is worthless; meaningless. What sort of health guarantee is offered?

All that comes to mind at the moment. Hope I've helped.

Answer 8

first of all you ask is it akc registered? then of coarse will come the price. which should be high depending on what you are buying. when you get one of these animals they have lintages that go way back into its background. you need to ask what are they feeding this dog or puppy. so you start them out with whatever they are at first to make sure it will eat. you buy a neating pad (for animals) and you get a stuffed toy to make it think its near its mom. you also can buy several little blankets or knit them for it to sleep on. they need a kennel and it should be no bigger then for them to lay down. it will make the dog or puppy secure. its good for them get them chew bones and find out what type of shots are needed next and get shot record. you need to see if there is anything wrong witht he dog if there is dont' get it. the dog should have clear eyes and distinct. it shoudl come u to you its best one that shys away isn't the best one. sometimes the runt is best cause they are smaller depending on what type of dog you want. me i have a 6 lb dog which i love. make sure all the papers from the vet are there and then make sure you take to the vet fo r rest of shots and update them. goo dluck and be happy with your new pet.

Answer 9

well i just got a dog on saterday and these are what i asked:
when were they born?
how much do they weigh?
can i see the parents?
how much do you want for them?
do they come with papers?
have they had shots?
are they dewormed?
how many times after this should i deworm him?
is he the runt?
why is he so small?
how much do the parents weigh?
how long do you expect him to live?
how much do you think he will weigh full grown?
can i have contact info please incase i need it?
how long have you been breeding?
do you have expiriance with this breed?
what are some common heath issues that can arise?
what do you feed him?
how many weeks did he drink his moms milk?
and soooo many more! its a difficult process! you want to know every LITTLE detail to make sure you get the best pup possible! im super happy with my baby boy (chihuahua) he is just the sweetest~!!!~

Answer 10

ask for the paper on the pup-there should be akc papers to fill in -send in to register the pup.there should be sheet of vet's shots-basically worm,kennel cough,etc.ask about inherited problems.if there any -ask if any tests were done on parents.for instance sheperds and hip dypasia,irish setters with eye problems,poodles with skin problems etc.i would suggest looking online for breed health problems to assist in making decision on your choice on the pup you will live with for 10 to 15 years.