With COVID 19 and quarantine, most families are finding themselves looking for companionship. There has been a significant rise in the number of animals finding new homes, puppies, and rescues/shelters alike.How do I find the best breeder and a healthy puppy?
Adopting from a shelter has many benefits, including giving a dog a second chance, finding an adult, and knowing the behavior of the dog. Many people prefer to get a puppy so as to train them and allow them to assimilate better with their families.
How to find a good puppy?
Good breeders are those that are breeder for the purpose of ensuring the betterment of the health of the breed and your companions in general. Although there are many breeders out there, most of these breeders are selling puppies for profit, running puppy mills, or breeding without evaluating the full health of the parents- resulting in unhealthy and behaviorally challenges animals.
Here are some of the things to look for in a good, reputable breeder:
- The breeder is knowledgeable about the breed and is willing to answer any questions about their breeding animals - whether good or bad - with patience.
- Keeps their numbers small (only has a few breeding animals in their homes).
- Keeps the dogs and puppies in a clean, open environment.
- Is open about visitors encourages people to visit the facility, meet the parents and the puppies prior to taking the puppy home.
- Encourages research-based vaccination, food, and health in all their animals and works with veterinarians to ensure current research is being followed.
- Wants to keep in touch, wants to find out about your family and your lifestyle to help match you to the best puppy.
- Will willingly take back their puppy if problems arise to help rehome.
- Is open about the cost of the puppy and is willing to explain why the cost is set to what it is.
- Is evaluating the parents for genetic conditions prior to breeding (including getting them OFA certified for hips and elbows, assessing their heart and eyes by specialists as well as ensuring they do not carry genes that predispose them to certain medical conditions).