QuestionHi,
Im a resident of Georgia and I am purchasing my first puppy (pomeranian). I've looked all over the internet for breeders in my area. I've found one woman who has puppies available. I've emailed her and seen pictures of the puppies. My question is, WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK HER? I've heard some things about PUPPY MILLS and want to make sure I am getting a good healthy puppy. She hasnt asked me any questions or told me anything except how old they were (supposedly 8-13weeks), and how much they would cost ($500)..any advice would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerYou shouldn't buy from someone who has more dogs than they can properly socialize or care for. You should make sure you get a chance to look at and have contact with the parents.
Here are some thoughts I have saved from someone else on buying a pup:
There is no excuse for ignorance in today's world- that goes for the breeder and the buyer!
Over 50% of the puppies raised in the U.S. are raised by people who NEVER have another litter. Relatively few of these people are well informed prepared for the experience and do a good job. They don't usually stand behind their puppies. Very few are equipped to take adequate care of all puppies until they can be placed in good homes, regardless of how long that takes. Another LARGE PERCENTAGE of puppies are raised by "PUPPY FARMS" that sell numerous litters of many breeds, or sell to retailers for resale. A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER NEVER SELLS TO PET SHOPS OR BROKERS!!!
That leaves relatively small percentages of puppies being raised by experienced people who are dedicated to one or two breeds and raising puppies for reasons other than maximum profit. Not all of these breeders are knowledgeable and conscientious.
Be aware that AKC registration does not mean quality. It only means that your dog is a purebred. "Pet quality" puppies should be considered as just that! Even litters from very well bred parents usually contain only a few "show or breeding" quality pups.
The rest of the litter sold as pets can well supply the pet-buying public, providing that the buyers realize that, while pure-bred, these puppies are not breeding stock.
We often hear a lot about responsible breeders today and I certainly agree buying from a responsible breeder only serves to benefit the new owner, breeder, and the pup or dog involved in the purchase. There are many responsible breeders to choose from in all the given breeds and just as many irresponsible ones too!
I go over pretty extensively what I classify as a " RESPONSIBLE BREEDER" below. You are welcome to skip directly to that section, (By Clicking Here) but PLEASE take the time to scroll back up here and to find out about responsible ownership and what I expect from a "RESPONSIBLE BUYER".
TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PUPPY BUYERS
1. Don't hurry. If getting a dog, any dog, right now, is your goal, then you are not serious, and you will get what you ask for: just any dog!
I for one am not interested in selling to buyers who decided this morning they need a puppy! When I offer a dog or pup for sale believe me it is not "just any dog"!! In most cases the puppy I have for sale will be between 4-6 months old, it has lived with me in my home and YES I spend numerous hours,days, and weeks working and playing with the puppy, I have become attached to it and I only want the best home I can find for that individual dog. I would rather keep a dog or pup than place it with some one who has no knowledge of this breed or does not have knowledge of what it takes to be a responsible dog owner.
2. Read more than one breed book.
Do not base your whole understanding on generic breed descriptions -no two dogs of any breed are exactly the same. Do your homework!
3. Narrow your breed choice to only one or two breeds . If neither one works out, beginning research on a third will be easier.
Once you have narrowed down your breed choices and you have done some research via book or the internet it will be easier for you to know what to ask breeders when you phone,visit, or email.
4. Contact the national breed club. Basic information on the breed is usually free, and in-depth resources are available for moderate sums. A local club representative can often handle specific questions.
The national breed club for the breed you are interested in usually will have a contact person for you to talk to via phone and/or email.
5. Request names of club members in your area you may visit, talk to and from whom you can learn.
6. Attend dog shows or performance events in which the breed participates.
Dog shows are a wonderful place to see almost every given breed there including the breed you are researching. How ever it is also a very stressful place for the breeder who is paying to show there dog that day and trying to acquire champion points, so please be considerate and wait until after the breed is Judged before approaching a breeder, they are often very stressed and busy grooming there dog(s) when preparing to go in to the ring.
7. Be honest when you contact a breeder about who you are and your level of knowledge.
I for one like to know right up front - what you already know! I love to talk to people either in person or via the telephone.; I do not mind answering all the questions and concerns you may have on my dogs or the breed in general. Each conversation takes a different turn and what I may wish to discuss with a total novice wishing to purchase there first pet puppy would not be the same conversation I would be having with a veteran breeder who is looking for a show dog. Let me know right up from if you are looking for a certain; quality (pet or show) size,color,and sex. It often saves time for both of us. You may be looking for a chocolate parti male or cream female.. in which case I am more than happy to refer you to another breeder since neither of these two things I would have available now or in the near future.
8. Inform the breeder if you are ready to buy, have changed your mind or are still researching.
Most breeders including myself like to know at what stage you are at in your purchasing decision; be considerate! I would rather be told you have changed your mind or you are still researching the breed than to be left hanging after you initialized interest in buying a pup I may have available, this allows me ample time to start screening the next person on the waiting list.
9. Do not ask to be on the active list or expect special consideration unless you are ready to put down a deposit.
Once you have made connections with the right breeder for the ideal pup, send a deposit to reserve your dog. Keep in mind that deposits show earnest intent and are rarely refundable.
We do require deposits on pups and dogs- this shows me your are serious you want this particular dog/pup or a particular pup from a certain litter.
10. If you are no longer interested, or have purchased a dog from someone else, contact the breeder and remove your name from the waiting list.
In no way should price ever be the determining factor on what dog you buy and from whom. The old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds true in the dog world in most cases.
We have all seen the ads for dogs for sale; they usually read something like;
"POMERANIAN: teacup 8 wk. old female, great w/children, all shots, $300(Anytown ,NY) (321)321-1234"
-There is no such thing as a teacup, miniature, pocket baby ect... Do your homework!
Please do not email me or call me looking for such things as a teacup... the answer will always be the same "WE HAVE NOTHING AVAILABLE!"
I do not care to place any of my puppies with someone who has not even attempted to research the breed. Poms have one standard that being 3-7 pounds ( anything over or under that is objectionable ).
-The poms we offer are with in that standard 3-7 pounds with the average pom being
4 to 5 1/2 pounds.
-As To Price- if you are looking for a certain price range be up front and honest with the breeder as far what your price expectations are. I do not advertise my pups/dogs in local newspapers ect... and I do not offer dogs for sale at $300.00... you can expect to pay on average 600.00 + for pets and $1500.00 + for show quality dogs.
If you are in the market for a dog, consider carefully what appeals to you not only aesthetically but also in terms of what type of canine pet will fit comfortably into your lifestyle. Talk to vets and owners you meet at dog shows and look for your future companions through breed magazines such as The Pom Reader or Pomeranian Review. Many times, the ideal dog, even among the more easy-to-find breeds, cannot be found next door or even in the same city. For instance, I sell most of my puppies to people who come from farther than 200 miles away, and I rarely meet the new owners before they pick up their little guy or gal.
Exercise patience when looking for your special dog. You may need to make several contacts before finding a breeder who currently has puppies or who will soon have a litter. If none of the breeders you contact is expecting a litter within your desired time frame, ask for a referral to another breeder. Take notes, and watch for the same name to pop up from various sources.
If you would like more information on purebred dogs, or would like a free AKC Dog Buyers Education or Responsible Dog Ownership packet, write to the AKC at 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606-3390;
call (919) 233-9767; fax (919) 233-3627; or E-Mail to info@akc.org.
RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS PLACE PUPPIES WISELY-
"It is a breeders responsibility to make sure every single puppy goes to owners who will provide the kind of home for them for the next 15 to 18 years that they have provided in the first months of that pups life. That means careful screening and asking lots of questions.
It's like being an adoption counselor.
"Responsible breeders know that the negatives are just as important as the positives." They know that dogs requiring lots of coat care or training time may not be a good match for someone who's a workaholic. They know that tiny dogs may not fare well around a family of active small children. They know that a large, powerful dog may be too much for someone in frail health. They never sell dogs to people they believe will not be able to provide suitable life long homes for thier puppies or an adult dog they place.
"Responsible breeders are also familiar with AKC rules, record keeping and regulations concerning the sale and registration of AKC registrable dogs.
"There are also practical considerations. Breeding is not a profit-making activity. A RECENT study showed an average loss per litter of near $1,575, and that's without accounting for your time. Responsible breeders learn to ignore the financial realities in order to find just the right home for each puppy.
RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LIFE
"Perhaps the best part of being a breeder is having those great families you selected call you with news of puppy's first tooth, first vet visit, first birthday party, first dog event, first win. It's getting letters, holiday cards and
family portraits with your puppy smack in the middle.
What's not to love about being a breeder at these times?
"But now can come the difficult part. It's the 15th phone call asking how to cut toenails. It's the nice young couple getting a divorce and neither one can keep the puppy. It's the distraught owner calling from the vet with news of an unforeseen hereditary illness. It's the devastated mother telling you that the dog you encouraged them to train bit their child's friend. "A responsible breeder are there for all situations---both good and bad. They know that they were responsible for the birth of this puppy, and that also means they are responsible for the dog until the day it dies. They are willing to answer as many questions as they are asked, to provide resources and information and are always concerned about there puppies. They are also willing to take a dog back at any point in its life. A "TRUE" breeder would never turn their back on a dog they have bred."
What to look for in a puppy and a breeder-
MOST BREEDERS WILL EVALUATE ALL OF THE PUPPIES IN A LITTER AND THEN BASED ON EXPERIENCE, WILL PLACE THEM IN ONE OF THREE BASIC GROUPS.
THE PET PUPS DO NOT MEET THE STANDARD FOR THE BREED IN SOME WAY. OFTEN IT TAKES AN EXPERIENCED EYE TO DETECT THE REASON THE PUP HAS BEEN PLACED IN THIS CATEGORY. PET POMERANIANS ARE IN NO WAY ANY LESS BEAUTIFUL OR LESS HEALTHY DOGS, HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT QUITE WHAT THE BREEDER WOULD LIKE THEM TO BE IN TERMS OF THE STANDARD OF PERFECTION. REPUTABLE BREEDERS WILL INSIST ON A "SPAY NEUTER AGREEMENT" WHEN SELLING THEIR PET POMS. THIS IS A CONTRACT WHICH STATES THAT OWNERS AGREE TO HAVE THEIR POM PUP ALTERED AT AN APPROPRIATE AGE. REGISTRATION PAPERS ARE ON LIMITED REGISTRATION ONLY, THE OWNER MUST SEND A VETERINARIANS CERTIFICATE CONFIRMING THE ALTERING, THIS INSURES THAT ONLY THE BEST DOGS ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THE BREED.
BY FOLLOWING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE INSURING THAT
THE POMERANIAN BREED WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.
THE SECOND CLASS OF PUPS ARE THE BREEDING QUALITY DOGS. THESE POMERANIANS MATCH THE STANDARD CLOSELY ENOUGH TO BE USED TO IMPROVE THE BREED.
THE LAST CLASS OF PUPS ARE THE SHOW DOGS. THESE PUPPIES ARE WHAT EVERY GOOD BREEDER STRIVES FOR. THEY MATCH THE STANDARD SO CLOSELY THAT THEY CAN COMPETE WITH THE MANY BEAUTIFUL POMS CURRENTLY BEING SHOWN AT THE DOG SHOWS, WITHIN THIS CLASS IS THE TOP QUALITY, THAT IS THOSE DOGS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO POSSIBLY BECOME CHAMPIONS!
Where Do I buy?
Pet Stores: Pet stores buy the least expensive dogs possible, and then mark the price up drastically to cover costs of rent, employee wages, phone, and all other expenses incurred in operating a business. Frequently, pet stores do not give health guarantees, and when they do, it is difficult to get them to honor them. ** Editors Note: Since this paper was written for Germany, let me remind the reader that MOST Pet stores support an institution called PUPPY MILLS here in America.
Commercial Breeders: A commercial breeder is a person who normally mass produces puppies. They are in it for the money. They may not sincerely be concerned about the placement, health or longevity of their dogs. They normally have many litters per year. **Editors Note: See above comments on Puppy Mills.
Occasional Back Yard Breeders: These are people who just happen to own two registered dogs of opposite sex and same breed. They may be sincerely concerned about the homes available for their dogs, but the quality of parents may be less and their knowledge of health concerns and registry may be minimal.
Hobby Breeders: Hobby breeders normally will give you background on the puppy's parents and SHOULD give you a health guarantee. They are concerned primarily with the betterment of their breed. They normally show their dogs to exhibit their quality in either conformation or obedience, or both.
It is recommended you always buy a dog directly from a dog breeder. The price may be less or the same for a dog of better quality. Also, being kept in a container, as in a pet store, away from human interaction is very damaging to a young puppy's psyche. Whenever possible buy a dog from a "hobby" breeder. Dogs as a hobby, like any hobby, cost money. They do not make money. If you are getting a dog in order to try to make money you will be disappointed. It may seem that a dog breeder is making money, but over the long run much more money is spent than is earned.
"Hobby" breeders already know this and indulge in their hobby for the betterment of a specific breed of dog, without regard to trying to make money.
Now that you have decided you want to buy a dog, we must ask what is the purpose for which you want the dog? Do you want it just for a family pet? Do you want to show it in a dog show? Do you want to try to breed it? If so, WHY do you want to breed it?
If you want just a good family pet it is recommended that you neuter the dog before 1 year of age. A female should be spayed before her first heat season. There are "old wives tales" to the effect that a female is better if she is allowed one head season and/or one litter of puppies. This is not true. A female will live longer, healthier life if she is never allowed any heat season, much less a litter of puppies.
Left intact, most male dogs will develop cancer, beginning with the prostate gland, at sometime during their life. Their life expectancy, health and enjoyment of family and life will be greatly enhanced by being neutered at a young age.
Do you want your female to have puppies so your children will experience the miracle of birth? Most children watch only the first part of the birth of the first puppy and then leave in disgust at the mess. Having your dog give birth is a messy dirty, time consuming job for you and a life threatening experience for the dog. Remember, you may have to keep several puppies for the duration of their life because you could not find homes for them. **Editors note: There are several instructional videos you can rent/purchase in place of this messy puppy business for children.
Producing a litter of puppies is a risky business at best.
Before buying a puppy, research the breeds and breeders. There are numerous books printed with recommendations on choosing a breed and how to buy and care for a dog.
BREEDER INTERVIEW
**Note: This Breeder Intereview is New, and was compiled by
Holly Martin
Thanks Holly for allowing me to add this here.
BREEDER Questions
Before taking a pup home, the breeder should intereview you. At the same time, you should interview the breeder. Below are a list of questions you should ask. Feel free to print this and take it with you.
1. How old do you require the parents to be before you breed them?
2. How many females do you own?
3. How often do you breed your females?
4. Are you involved in competition?
_Show _Agility _Obedience _Confirmation _Field _Rescue _Other
5. What faults do your dogs have?
6. Do you provide references of people who have bought puppies from you?
7. Do you raise the puppies in your home?
8. Do you offer a full money refund in the event that the dog develops a problem (disease, disorder, etc.)? Do you require the pup to be returned or euthanized if it develops a problem?
9. Will you be available for us to contact throughout the duration of the puppy/dog's life?
10. Do you provide info on how to contact or visit the sire if his not on site?
11. Do you evaluate the puppies temperaments?
12. Do you belong to a Breed club or organization?
13. Have you signed a breeder's "Code Of Ethics"?
14. On what basis was the sire chosen?
15. Do the puppies have their first shots? Have they been wormed?
16. How do you socialize the puppies during the 8-10 weeks that you care for them?
17. What further socialization techniques do you recommend?
18. What brand of puppy food do you recommend?
19. When should the puppy be switched to adult dog food?
20. How many more shots need to be administered before exposing the puppy to the outside world?
21. Why did you choose this particular stud for this mating? What faults and strengths were you expecting from this breeding?
22. How many litters has this Bitch had?
23. What were the results of previous litters? (i.e., how many champions, field champions, etc)
24. How many dogs do you own?
What to look for in a Healthy Pup
When evaluating puppies these are
some things you should be looking for.
1. Do the puppies have discharge from the eyes, nose, or anus? Do they appear healthy?
2. Are the puppies coats soft, full, and clean?
3. Do any of the puppies or adults exhibit fear when around or near the breeder?
4. Does the facility appear clean and sterile?
5. Do the puppies have plenty of energy when awake yet calm down easily when gently stroked?
6. Does the breeder seem knowledgeable about GSD's?
7. Does the breeder have no more than 2 breeds of dogs and 1 litter at a time?
8. Does the breeder provide pictures and info on both parents?
9. Does the breeder suggest or insist upon spay/neutering? *Good sign of reputable breeder*
10. Does the breeder OFFER BOTH parents medical records? *Good sign of reputable breeder*
11. Does the breeder ask that you fill out a questionnaire (as buyer)? *Good sign of reputable
breeder*
12. Can the breeder direct us to a puppy that best fits our lifestyle?
13. Are the pedigrees 3-5 generations back?
14. How many titled dogs are in the first 3 generations?
15. Does the breeder wish to be informed of the puppy/dog's accomplishments and problems throughout the duration of its life?
16. Do I feel comfortable with this person?
17. Do I feel pressured or like I'm asking too many questions?
-GENERAL PARENTAL INFO-
Full Name
Height
Titles
Weight
Birthday
Coloring**
**Note: Ensure coloring is ACCEPTABLE by AKC and UKC. SILVER LABS are NOT an acceptable color, nor are WHITE Labs.
-MEDICAL PARENTAL INFO-
Hip Clearance (OFA)
Elbow Clearance(OFA)
Eye Clearance (CERF)
Thyroid Checked
Patellas Checked
Screened for Von Willebraun's Disease
Screened for Hemophilia A
Cleared by cardiologist for heart problems
Cleared for any other hereditary diseases common to the breed **
Poodle Health & Genetics
**Note: Each breed has their own particular problems they are known to carry. Please research your chosen breed carefully to ensure you ask the proper questions. Medical problems listed here are specific to GSD's and Labrador Retrievers, not other breeds. The link provided is also not all inclusive, but at least can give you an idea where to start.
-CHECK FOR...-
Written Contract
Bill of Sale
Health Guarantee
Genetic Disorder Guarantee
Parents Medical Records
Parents Pedigrees
Puppy's Medical Records
Puppy's Pedigree
Voucher for Spay/Neutering
Puppy-Owner Contacts
Info on Feeding, Housebreaking, & Training
-SUPPLIES-
Most breeders will recommend you have the following
on hand PRIOR to taking the pup home:
Dog Food/Treats
Food/Water Dishes
Crate
Collar
Harness
Leash
Bed (Not to be used until pup is fully potty Trained, for puppies tend to pee on soft, absorbant
things)
Pooper Scooper
Container for poop
Bitter Apple (Gives furniture a bitter taste to prevent chewing)
Chew Toys
Squeaky Ball
For either a deposit or the full sale price, request a receipt showing the registered names and numbers of both parents, birth date and sex of puppy and puppy's individual tattoo number; as well as the amount of money, the full name, address and telephone number of the breeder and your full name, address and telephone number
Good luck-feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
-Trish
Gemini Poms
www.geminipoms.com
