Picking a Puppy

Thursday January 06, 2011 03:51pm

Picking a puppy should involve a lot more thought then most people give it.  I believe that if people spent more time and effort researching the puppy they are getting up front, they would have fewer issues later.  Lately, I have been seeing dogs at very young ages having elbow and back problems.  This could have been prevented if the owners had bought a pup with ALL the proper health clearances.  Also, the more educated the general public is in buying a puppy the less room there would be for poor breeding practices.  Think of picking out a puppy like buying a used car from a dealership.  If you go to buy a car you would first check out a car fax report or have your mechanic go check out the car.  If their is a dealership that is selling cars that do not pass your "test" you would not by your car there and after time that dealership would no longer be in business.  The same could be said about a dog breeder.  So let's discuss what goes into picking a healthy puppy that fits into your lifestyle and from a reputable breeder. 

First, pick a breed that fits into your lifestyle.  For example, if you like sitting on the couch watching TV all day then a basset hound might be just the breed for you.  If you like hiking, hunting and camping then a Labrador Retriever might be the breed for you.  Going to a dog show such as the up-coming Rose City Classic at the Portland Expo Center is a GREAT place to research breeds and find out what dog would fit best into your family.

Second, after picking a breed research that breed for its breed specific aliments.  Unfortunately, all breeds have some, and knowing that, look for a puppy that comes from parents with preventive medical analyses.  For example, it is common for Labrador Retrievers to have hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease and even eye problems. So, if I was looking for a lab pup I would want the pup's parents to have their hips, eyes, elbows, and heart checked for degenerative disease.  Here is an example of what a canine health certificate for hips and elbows looks like.

Third, you should look into the titles that the parents have.  For example, if you want a calmer lab you do not need one with field titles and vice versa if you are looking for a hunting companion, field titles are exactly what you want in the parents of your future puppy.  Here is and example of a pedigree, for more information on what titles mean visit the American Kennel Club Website.

Finally, the breeder that you choose should have at the very least all of the pups vaccinated, de-wormed, dew-claws removed (not all breeds), and the pups should be eating  high quality puppy food.  Some breeders (depending on price of pups) will also have the pups eyes certified, and be micro-chipped.

All of these things; breeding, health clearances, and titles are going to make your pup's price a little more expensive but it is well worth it!  If you have any questions feel free to ask me.  I would LOVE to help you pick out you next family member!

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