THINGS TO DO - THINGS TO ASK

BEFORE YOU BUY

1. Learn as much as you possibly can about your breed : What was it bred for...hunting, chasing, herding,  etc. What is its background...what breeds were used to make the breed. The more you know of its background the more you will know of what to expect of the breed.

 2. Search out several breeders : If at all possible look for several breeders in your area. Don't settle for one just because it is close to your home and don't settle for the one with the cheapest prices. Buying this pup is an enormous committment....give yourself some choices.

 3. Visit those breeders and check them out carefully: Look for healthy happy dogs and puppies. Look for a clean maintained area where the dogs and puppies live. Ask lots of questions...don't be a pest, but do be thorough. Do they use contracts - Do they provide health guarantees - Are there health problems in this breed - Do they certify their breeding stock clear of these problems?

 4. When visiting be objective...don't fall in love at first sight : Use your first visit to the breeder as a time to observe all the dogs and puppies and get a feel for how they are cared for.

 5. Walk away if things don't seem quite right : Look and listen carefully....if the breeder is just trying to push a puppy on you and get you on your way...be suspiscious. If you have made an appointment, the breeder should be willing to spend the time with you and answer your questions. Don't feel pushed into something you are not ready for.

 6. Don't feel you can be the puppy's saviour : if the place is unfit and the puppies don't seem healthy and happy...DO NOT feel you can be atleast one puppy's saviour. This could only lead to heartache down the road if the puppy turns out poorly.

 7. Do not buy a puppy for someone else as a surprise gift : Never buy a puppy as a gift for someone without their prior knowledge and consent. This is far to important a decision to make to not be a part of that decision. A puppy is a lifetime commitment and a lot of consideration must go into its purchase.

 8. Ask to see the puppy's parents and siblings : Always ask to see atleast the mother of the puppies. You can tell a great deal from her looks and behaviour as to how her pups will be.  If at all possible check out both parents and the entire litter of pups... observe all of them not just the pup you are interested in.

 9. Observe the other dogs in the kennel or home : Try to observe all of the dogs living in the household or kennel. Are they all well taken care of....do they all seem to be happy and healthy...are they all even tempered and well mannered? The overall appearance of the dogs and kennel or household will give you great insight on whether the puppy you choose will be what you are looking for.

10. Never buy a dog just for its looks : Don't buy a dog just because you think it is cute or pretty. Soundness and temperament are far more important in your family companion than beauty.

11. Never buy a dog from aggressive parents : Aggressive dogs will surely produce aggressive puppies. A breeder who knowingly breeds aggressive dogs should be avoided. It is not true that breeding a soft tempered dog with an aggressive dog will produce softer temperaments. The breeder may be lucky to get a softer temperament in one or even two pups, but what about the pups that turn out with the bad temperaments? Be sure to check temperaments of both parents along with the temperament of the pup you have chosen.

12. Do a temperament test on the puppy or dog you choose : Take along a copy of the "Puppy Temperament Test" or the "Dog Temperament Test" and evaluate the puppy or dog you have chosen so that you will know what you are getting. If it does not pass the test as you feel it should...move on to another puppy or another breeder. (You can find both a puppy and a dog temperament test on my AHT Temperament Page - check it out - copy it - take it with you)

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