Choosing the right Dog and in turn the right Dog Breeder can be daunting, how do you know who is good, what is good, are there risks? The questions are endless as are the possibilities with so many breeders in the dog world and on the net today.
When you and the family decide that you are ready for a new family member (remember choosing a dog is a family decision) it is important to remember a few points:
- Are the puppies home raised, or kennel raised?
- Can you view both puppies and parents? Are they all happy, healthy, non agitated and excited to meet you?
- Are the puppy areas clean and well maintained allowing enough room so that you can fully evaluate all that you need to?
- Will the breeder provide ongoing assistance and after sales care on caring for and training your puppy?
- Can the breeder provide references so you may speak with other families that have purchased puppies from the kennel?
- Does the breeder have knowledge about the breed and answer questions?
- Are the dogs fed high quality dog food, and all medical needs met?
- Does the breeder have a waiting list? How often are puppies available? also, can the breeder refer you to other breeders?
Always be aware of a breeder who faults other peoples dogs, or other breeders in general,. Ethical and respected breeders are happy to point out what they think are faults within their own lines, and lets face it everyone has faults and we all strive to perfect our chosen breed. Ethical breeders DO NOT lie about test results nor hide them. It is not advisable to purchase a puppy you have not met in person, these days video calls are popular as well.
Really the choice of breeder in the end is a personal one. You may have known the person through a local dog club or friend, some breeders are well known for their excellent dogs and excellent service, just as some breeders are known for their not so excellent service.
Most breeders like to keep occasional contact and offer to answer your questions at any stage in your dog’s life. They may even offer you kenneling when you’re on holiday. If you find a breeder like this, and you find them easy to get on with, you’ve hit the jackpot!!
Most breeders require prospective puppy enquires to complete a questionnaire on their family, circumstances and reason for the enquiry. This is a straight forward questionnaire to enable the breeder to match a puppy suitable to your needs, or advise you if the breed may not be suitable for your family.
Questions may be along the lines of:
- Do you have any children? If yes, what are their ages?
- Does anyone in your household have allergies to animals? If yes, to what and how severe? much?
- Are you interested in a male or female puppy?
- At what age do you wish to get the puppy, would you consider an older dog instead of a puppy?
- What do you know about this breed and how did you hear about this breed?
- What type of Xolo do you prefer? Size?
- What is your house situation? Flat, House Farm? How long have you lived there?
- Do you work Full Time?
- Why do you want **** breed of dog?
- Do you have a fenced yard?
- Have you ever house trained a dog before?
- What training classes will you be attending?
- Will you be attending any training classes? What kind?
These questions are to match the right breed and right dog with a potential new owner, the breeder wants a perfect match as much as the buyer.
Good luck in your search and take your time to find the perfect match.
I encourage people to attend a Dog Show and look at different breeds, there may be breeds you have never considered you may reconsider after meeting
