RULE #1 NEVER EVER BY A PURE BRED PUPPY FROM A PET STORE!
Before you purchase a puppy, we ask you read through this page and visit the links provided. A Puppy Mill is any dog's
worst nightmare. Dogs kept in puppy mills are there only for the purpose of reproducing. Females are bred every heat until they are worn out. All animals are kept in small cages with little to no human
contact. The parents are not screened for genetic health problems and puppies leave the mother too early so that they can get to the pet store when they are still little and cute. Puppies raised in this
manner lack the proper socialization as young puppies and will display health and behavior problems later on. House training is often difficult.
If you choose to purchase a purebred puppy you should look for a reputable breeder. Finding a reputable
breeder does take a little home work, but in the long run it is well worth the effort. A responsible breeder will NEVER sell puppies to a pet store no matter what a sales person may tell you. A
responsible breeder will screen all inquiries from those wishing to purchase their puppies to ensure a happy home for both the puppy and the adopter. A responsible breeder breeds for the love of the
breed, not to make a profit. In fact, if an animal has had proper genetic screening and medical care, it is virtually impossible to make a profit. To start your search check out www.akc.organd look for a specialty breed or all breed club in your area. A reputable breeder is usually competing with their dogs in either the Breed ring or the Obedience ring. Even if
you don't plan on showing your dog you should still look to purchase a dog from someone that is. Not every dog born in a litter is a show dog, in fact usually only 1 or 2 may make that grade and the rest
are sold as loving, healthy family pets. If you are going to purchase a pure bred dog you are better off owning the brother or sister of a champion, knowing the same consideration of the breeding went
into your dog as did the Champion litter mate. When looking for a reputable breeder ask as many questions of the breeder as you can. A good breeder will not be put off by questions, and in fact may ask
more questions of you than you do of them. Ask about the hereditary health problems of the breed you are interested in. No breed is free of hereditary health problems
but a good breeder will do their very best to limit them with health screening of the parents. Costs on purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder vary, and in many cases they may be cheaper than a pet
store but in the long run you will save because you will be getting a healthier animal which means less trips to the vet and less heartache when the dog cannot be saved.
RULE #2 NEVER BY A PURE BRED PUPPY FROM A BACK YARD BREEDER.
There are a number of breeders that are referred to as "back
yard" breeders, or "hobby" breeders. These breeders do not screen the dogs they breed for health problems and usually have very little knowledge of the breed. The do not compete with their
dogs - they are simply looking to make a quick dollar off their dog. These breeders should be avoided just as pet stores should. If you can't afford to purchase a pure bred puppy from a reputable breeder
then PLEASE check out your local shelter or rescue for a puppy. Many times pure bred pups come into these groups, simply because a baby was born or the owners moved away. There is nothing wrong with
these dogs, other than a former owner who was not committed to them.
RULE #3 ADOPT YOUR NEXT PURE BRED DOG FROM YOUR LOCAL SHELTER OR RESCUE, APPROX. 35% OF THE DOGS FOUND IN SHELTERS ARE PURE BRED.
Please remember that a dog in a shelter is not necessarily there due to behavior or health problems. Most
are wonderful family pets who just couldn't stay with their families. There are private rescue organizations who specialize in specific breeds and can help you with the specific needs of the breed you
are interested in. Try searching www.petfinder.com for the breed you are interested in, and you may be surprised how many you find!
