Buying a Puppy

Buying from a Breeder Vs Adopting from a Shelter


You're getting a puppy. Someone asks you "Why don't you adopt one from a shelter?"

Buying a Puppy from a Breeder

Good breeders won't breed their dogs unless they believe that they are improving the overall breed. They stand for high quality, not quick quantity. 

A Good Breeder will have the following characteristics: 

Christmas Puppies
  • They will encourage you to come to their facility and meet the parents, and see where the puppies are raised
  •  When you come on the premises they will be clean, spacious and well maintained.  A breeders dogs will be happy, friendly, well groomed, and socialized with their family members
  • Good breeders should have you sign a contract.  That you will spa or neuter your dog unless; you plan to actively involve them in dog shows or working trials
  • The breeders will ask you to sign a contract.  Telling them you will return the dog back to them; if you are unable to keep the dog at any point in their life.
  • They continue to help after the sale by answering questions and providing support
  • The breeders will provide you with a written contract and health guarantee
  • They don't always have puppies on hand.  You don't want a breeder pumping out puppies like a factory and not giving their dogs a break from parenthood.  Good breeders will have a waiting list for their next available litter
  • They should question you about your experience with dogs and your home environment before agreeing to sell you a puppy.  The breeders don't just sell their pups to the first person with cash.  They truly want their pup to go to good homes


Pros for Adopting From a Shelter

  • You are saving a life
  • It will be an older dog, so it should be house broken
  • Up-to-date on shots, and hopefully his teeth are cleaned

 

Cons for Adopting From a Shelter

  • You have not history on the dog
  • Your dog may not be good with kids
  • Might have a bad temperament
  • It's not a puppy, it's a dog
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Shelter Living

Shelter dogs usually live in close quarters. In some shelters, they even sleep together in the same cage or next to each other. If you don't have another dog and you are not planning on getting one. Get prepared for some anxiety from your new BFF when he finds out he is on his own.

If he gets along with other dogs, walks are a great way to make new friends. You can kill two birds with one stone and sign up for some group training. Which will strengthen your bond and give you a chance to mingle with other pet owners.

Living with other Dogs

Going from living with a pack to being on his own can be hard for any dog. What makes things worse; shelter dogs are abandoned by their previous families

Most of the adoptable dogs are mixes. Even if the volunteers at the shelter swear they know the combination of genes behind a particular dog. It is almost impossible to tell the breeds that originated it.

So go and check out www.thefriendlypuppy.com and see what puppy you can find.