Finding
A Healthy Puppy: 10 Steps To Success
By Jan Rasmusen
You’ve decided to bring a new puppy into your
life. Congratulations! You’d probably like to adopt
a shelter dog, but you have your heart set on a particular
breed or one of the new "designer" breed mixes.
You’ve done your research and decided on the right breed
for you, but you’ve heard so many horror stories about
sickly and genetically defective purebred pups.
Nowhere is “buyer beware” more important than
when selecting a new puppy. To help keep you from looking
for love in all the wrong places, here are ten steps to success:
1) Check
out shelter purebreds first. 25% of shelter
dogs are purebreds that have been checked for temperament
and common defects. Search on-line (by age, breed, sex and
location) at www.1-800-save-a-pet.com
or www.Petfinder.com.
2) Be patient!
Breeders who always have pups may run mass breeding operations
called puppy mills. These pups are often defective, poorly
socialized and sick. The best breeders breed their dogs only
once or twice a year.
3) Beware of bargains.
Today’s bargain is tomorrow’s huge vet bill. Steer
clear of dogs from pet stores, flea markets, street corners
and Internet stores. Good breeders care more about your suitability
as a “parent” than your ability to pay.
4) Meet The Parents!
Meet the dog’s parents and get clues to the pup’s
eventual size and temperament. Look for dogs raised indoors
as family members.
5) Avoid backyard breeders.
People “dabbling” in breeding have no idea what
genetic problems they are passing along. Look for breeders
who’ve studied the breed and are active in breed clubs.
And always check references.
6) The terms “USDA inspected”
and “kennel club papers” mean little. The
USDA merely establishes minimum-care standards, and papers
are no guarantee of quality, health or even lineage.
7) If possible, buy locally.
Selecting a pup from a photo, even when accompanied
by a health “guarantee,” is asking for trouble.
Also, shipping dogs like cargo can cause permanent psychological
damage and even risk the dog’s life.
8) Buy the happy, friendly
pup, not the cute shy one. Temperament is
everything, and is often indicative of health.
9) Beware “designer”
mixed-breeds. Mixed breeds can benefit from
“hybrid vigor” because common defects aren’t
passed along from both parents. Unfortunately, unethical breeders
now sell popular mixes. Remember: two sick parents don’t
make a well pup. Be as careful when buying as you would when
selecting a purebred.
10) Have your pup checked!
You must have your dog vet checked before
finalizing the purchase. No exceptions! Make sure the vet
represents you, not the breeder. Research the breed and have
the pup tested for common breed detects.
Save money and heartache by using your brain -- and not just
your heart -- to select a dog. You're making a commitment
that could last decades and cost thousands of dollars. Remember:
your dog’s very life--and your happiness--depend upon
your making a good choice. Select wisely and enjoy one of
the best experiences of your life.
About the Author:
Jan Rasmusen is the author of Scared Poopless:
The Straight Scoop on Dog Care, 2006 Ben Franklin Award Winner
for the “Best Health Book” of any kind—the
first animal care book to ever win the Health category of
this prestigious national award. Go to http://www.dogs4dogs.com
for more information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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