BUYERS BEWARE!

When you are looking to add a new puppy to your home you will come across many different breeders, ads, and that cute little puppy in the pet store. We would like to advise you on something to watch out for and key points in finding that perfect new addition.

The internet makes it only to easy for fraud, irreputable, irresponsible, and unethical breeders to advertise. Please make sure you do research before buying a puppy. keep in mind that this puppy is a life long commitment. No animal should be bought on impulse.

Things to watch out for:

• Never ever ever buy a puppy from a pet shop! This is a biggie when it comes to getting a healthy puppy. Almost all puppies that come from a pet store are from puppy mills. These mills mass produce puppies and often their breeding stock is kept in small cramped cages with little to no socialization. Often times these dogs receive no medical care and pass on genetic issues you may not be aware of for years.
• The same is true for flea markets. The sellers will not offer a guarantee with their puppies and most are from back yard breeders who just threw two dogs together and are looking for quick cash. These puppies are exposed to many diseases in these public places and are often sick.
• Never buy from a breeder who will not allow you to visit their home and see where the puppy was raised as well as to see their other dogs.
• Beware of breeders selling their puppies with a weight or color guarantee. Genetics take a huge role in this and there is no true way to guarantee the adult weight or color of a puppy. Many factors go into the mature weight of a puppy and coloring may change as a puppy grows.
• Do not buy from a breeder who is actively breeding more then two breeds. Almost all of these breeders are not knowledgeable in every breed they are working with and their dogs are most likely not socialized properly.  

NOW THAT I HAVE TOLD YOU SOME THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR, HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU AS A BUYER CAN DO TO INSURE YOU GET THE BEST.

• Always ask for references! A reputable breeder will be more then happy to provide you with several references.
• A guarantee must be in writing!! Do not accept a handshake and a promise. Get everything on paper!
• Ask questions! A breeder should answer any and all questions you may have.
• Make sure the breeder is willing to take back the puppy if something were to come up. A reputable breeder will always stand behind their puppies and should be more then willing to take back a puppy.
• Ask to see the parents. If breeder has used stud ask for stud owners information.
• Check out other dogs in breeders home. All dogs should look healthy and free of diseases.