BUYING YOUR PUPPY…

Before you buy, ask the following - yes or no are the only answers:

  1. Can you see one or more of the pup’s parents?

  2. Is there a three-generation pedigree?

  3. Is there a buy-back policy if things do not work out?

  4. Are you able to see all the pups in the litter?

  5. If the pup dies in a couple of weeks (not due to anything you did or did not do; veterinarian’s certificate required), will the breeder replace the pup?

  6. Does the pup come with a warranty against serious hereditary diseases?

  7. Does the breeder acknowledge the existence of hereditary disease or problems in the breed?

  8. Is there a contract? (Contracts protect you, the buyer, as well as the puppy and the breeder.)

  9. Does the contract state whether the puppy is show or pet?

  10. Are the pups raised in a home environment?

  11. Are you satisfied with the cleanliness of the pups’ surroundings?

  12. Is there a record of worming, inoculations, etc?

  13. Are you satisfied with the character and temperament of the puppy you are buying?

  14. If it is a purebred puppy, are you being charged extra for the registration papers?

    15. (A dog is not considered to be a registered purebred dog unless both parents are registered with an ANKC state affiliated canine council – in Victoria, with the VCA or Victorian Canine Association – making the puppy eligible for registration. The litter should be registered before you take your puppy. Registration is the responsibility and expense of the breeder.)

  15. Are you able to talk to the breeder and obtain all the information and help you need?

  16. Is the breeder willing to provide ongoing help and advice/support?

 

It is worth noting that, regarding question #8, in Australia written contracts are not presently a common practice; however, many breeders will make and stand by verbal commitments to their puppy buyers. Otherwise, with the exception of question #14, if there is more than one NO, your next step should be to leave and look elsewhere for your puppy. Do not buy from a pet store or breeder who is not interested in doing the best he or she can to improve the breed and to provide quality care and quality homes for his/her dogs and puppies.