Top 10 Tips for Buying a Healthy Pedigree Dog

Cute Pedigree Puppy

Whether you are getting a dog from an animal shelter or buying a Pedigree dog from a certified dog breeder, how do you know you are buying a healthy dog?  Even buying a pedigree dog  from a reputable dog breeder you need to know some basics and here are some tips on ensuring you are buying a healthy pedigree dog.

1) Buy from a Breeder that you have explored through the American Kennel Club.

2) Ask the Breeder for references of their customers or people you may know that purchased their pedigree dog from the Breeder and speak to them directly.

3) Review the Pedigree certificate that should be included with your puppy and check the validity with the American Kennel Club and do not purchase a puppy without its rightful certificate or papers.

4) The certificate or papers will reveal any health issues or determine whether you have a healthy Pedigree dog or not.  Eye tests and hip measurements are scored and check the blood lines of the pedigree on the document.

5) Check the pedigree pup’s aggressiveness by watching it interact with its siblings and parents wherever possible.

6) Review the Purchase Contract and ensure you can live up to any conditions of the sale, such as a Breeding Contract.  A breeding contract will outline your responsibilities to breed your dog, either male or female with one of the  breeders dog at some point in the future.  This would mean that you cannot have the dog spayed if it is a female pedigree dog, if the intention is to produce puppies.

7) Visit with the parents of your pedigree dog, and check for any illnesses.

8) Usually a breeder will have the dog attended to by a Veterinarian for health check ups and first shots, speak to the Veterinarian directly with any health questions regarding his/her findings.  Make sure you get a clean bill of health from the vet including teeth check for bite and worming results.

9) Which ever way you purchase a Pedigree dog – do not use an internet breeder at all. Under no circumstances purchase a dog, puppy, cat or any other animal through an internet sale.  You have no idea on how many online breeders sell sick dogs, or puppies that have been abused very badly. Do not be fooled by “Puppies for Sale” on internet postings or you may find that you have more problems than necessary in purchasing your pedigree puppy.

10) Finally your most important consideration is that – is it worth having a dog with papers, or rescuing a dog from an animal shelter and giving a dog a good home? Usually you will find pedigree dogs will have different temperaments than a dog at your local animal shelter.  Some pedigree dog breeders will inbreed their dogs to keep the bloodlines going for generations and this does not ensure you will have a healthy pedigree dog.

Finally you must know that you have choices for pet care using both alternative medicine and regular veterinarian care or both.  Your dog will usually have its first shots and a secondary booster is usually all that you need in the way of vaccinations for its life time.  Rabies can be administered every 2 years but the rest are usually life time shots.

Enjoy your new pet, whichever way you wish to either purchase or adopt a lovable dog for your home.

Resources FYI:  Check with The American Kennel Club

http://www.akc.org

Find a Holistic Veterinarian in Your State:

http://www.ahvma.org/

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