Presented by the Greater Lincoln (Neb.) Obedience Club and the Cornhusker Kennel Club
Dogs may be either "purebred" (of distinct breed with ancestors known through a pedigree or genealogy) or "mixed breed" (a combination of several breeds with an unclear ancestry).
Purebred dogs are registered by kennel clubs who keep official records of ancestry. There are over 400 different breeds of dogs in the world.
The American Kennel Club (51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010) currently registers over 140 breeds. The United Kennel Club (100 E. Kilgore Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001) recognized or registers 212 breeds. The States Kennel Club (P.O. Box 389, Hattiesburg, MS 39403) recognizes dogs of many rare breeds as well as those recognized by several other kennel clubs.
If you plan to participate in events and activities such as dog shows, field or obedience trials, herding or agility competitions sponsored by these various kennel clubs, it is essential that you have a purebred dog. Each breed recognized by the American Kennel Club has a "parent breed club" that formulates the breed standard (description of the ideal and essential characteristics) for that breed. The parent breed club is a good source of information about a breed. Another advantage to purchasing a purebred dog is the assurance that, if you buy from a reputable breeder, you will have a good idea what your baby puppy will be like as an adult.
For some people, these considerations are not as important as giving a puppy a loving home so they choose to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or humane society or through a national breed rescue program.
Did you know studies show most people choose a dog...
1. Because they like its face or expression
2. Because it's the kind of dog they had as a child
Just like individual dogs, no two breeds of dogs are exactly alike. Each breed has a different reason or purpose (what it was bred to do), a characteristic temperament, intelligence, activity level, size and appearance.
Not every breed of dog is suited to every type of person. An informed choice gives you a much higher chance of a successful match. And a carefully weighed decision is especially important if you have children. A mismatch can result in heartbreak or even injury to a child or dog.
When you choose a dog, choose carefully because you are making a lifetime commitment of love and responsibility. Use your head as well as your heart. And the first time you go to look at a particular puppy or litter, leave your money at home to avoid impulse buying.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself:
*How will I know what's the right dog for me?
*How big will this puppy become?
*How active a dog will this puppy become?
*Why was this type of dog developed; what was it bred to do?
*Does this breed have special needs such as professional grooming?
*Have I spent time with puppies, adults, older dogs of this breed?
*How does this breed respond to children?
*What genetic and health problems can typically affect this breed?
*How much does it typically cost to buy, feed and raise a dog of this type or breed?
*What are the important differences between males and females of this breed?
How will I know I am the right person for a dog?
*How much space do I have and do I have a fenced yard?
*Why do I want a dog and what kinds of activities do I enjoy?
*Do I want a watch dog, a guard dog, a companion, etc.?
*Do I have special concerns like allergies to pet hair?
*Am I prepared to give this puppy a home for its entire lifetime?
*What kind of training am I prepared to give my puppy? Should I consider an older, trained dog?
*How will my children react to a dog?
*Do I have enough information to ask breeds about genetic testing?
*How do I find a good veterinarian and what are the health needs of a growing puppy?
*How much money am I willing to invest in raising as well as purchasing a dog?
*Am I prepared to spay/neuter my dog to ensure that I don't have unwanted puppies?
Investigate Before You Buy!
After you have taken the time to select the right breed for you, you need to locate the right breeder. Here are some important points to consider:
1. Take time in selecting a breed, a breeder, and a specific puppy. Give yourself several months or more. Avoid impulse buying! Ask dog club members for assistance.
2. Remember that ethical breeders DO NOT mass produce puppies to be sold as commodities. Breeders are prohibited by professional codes of ethics from selling their puppies to pet stores for retail! Always buy directly from a breeder. And choose a breeder who answers your questions appropriately and has a well thought out breeding program.
3. Puppies should be at least eight weeks of age when they leave a breeder to go to their new homes. Ask breeders how they choose the right homes for their puppies. Do their values match your own?
4. A reliable breeder will never use high pressure sales techniques or offer you deals. An ethical breeder will encourage you to study, discuss and visit other breeders. A responsible breeder will insist on learning a great deal about you and your family before agreeing to sell you a puppy.
5. A reliable breeder will insist that you agree to spay or neuter your puppy before the breeder gives you proof of ownership (registration papers). This will be part of the breeder's contract with you unless you plan to show your dog to earn its conformation (dog show) championship.
6. An ethical breeder will give you a written contract to examine before you buy a puppy. A contract should cover your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the breeder.
7. A reliable breeder will give you written copies of genetic testing done on the parents of the litter, including eye testing (Canine Eye Registry Foundation), hip testing (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), and testing for other conditions such as thyroid disorders, skin and blood conditions. This testing shows that the parents are not affected with certain genetic disorders, but it often cannot guarantee that the parents do not carry genes for the disorders. Your contract with the breeder should state what the breeder will do if you discover your puppy has a health problem.
8. An ethical breeder will be happy to have you visit in his or her home to meet one or both parents of the litter, other dogs in the home or kennel, and to see how and where the puppies have been raised. Puppies should always be raised in a home (not a barn, basement or kennel) and be clean, well nourished, happy, alert, playful and outgoing.
Should you get a puppy or an adult dog?
Almost everyone loves puppies. They're cute and almost always entertaining. Raising a puppy gives you the opportunity to bond with him from the start, and to train him in your own style.
Puppies should not be separated from the litter before 7 weeks of age. They need this time to socialize with their litter mates and mother. After 8 weeks, the puppy is ready to move to a human family. You can begin to socialize the puppy to respond calmly when approached by visitors, vets, children and other dogs.
Puppies also need to be housebroken, and during this time, they will have a few accidents in the house. Puppies also like (and need) a great deal of attention. Some may even chew on furniture because they are bored with you're not around to play. (Crate training may be a solution here!)
Puppies will also need a series of shots. It's important to go to the vet and find out what you need to do to ensure your pup's good health.
An adult or older dog who is already housebroken may be a better choice for people who work and don't have time to raise a puppy.
In addition to being housebroken, an adult dog may be less prone to chewing on furniture, may be more serene than an energetic puppy, and might already know the basic commands of sit, stay, come, heel and down.
But, adult dogs have special needs, too. Adult and older dogs may be unpredictable in their behavior. For example, every time a dog hears a horn beep he may get upset and bark a lot. This could be because he had a bad experience in the past that makes him behave this way. You might not know the history of an adult or older dog, but you may be able to change behavior with special training and attention.
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Will the older dog be able to adapt to a new home?
2. How much time can I spend training my dog?
3. Do I have the patience needed to meet a dog's needs?
Getting a dog is an important decision. Make a decision that will be good for you, and most importantly, for the dog. If you do decide to get an adult dog, you may wish to contact a local rescue organization for your breed of choice. For a copy of the National Breed Club Rescue Network listing contact AKC's Customer Service Department at (919) 233-9767.
Other Related Pages...
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All Regal Beagle Pages ©1996-2000 Patricia M. Robidoux. All rights reserved.
Page last revised June 23, 2000
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