 |
The
Chihuahua Chronicles
My Responsible Breeder
Make that My Outstanding Breeder...
|
Site Index
Our Affiliates:
 |
The Responsible Breeder
Is first, a responsible owner...
My breeder, of course, is Joelle. She is a responsible breeder, and a responsible pet owner. This was evident in the information she required of my new owners, and the details and instruction she provided for them on my behalf. |
Just a few things
Prospective Owners Must Consider:
|
Just a few
Questions to Ask Breeders |
- How much supervision will you be able to give your pet? Puppies are babies and must be constantly supervised.
- A pet is a family member 365 days a year, including vacations, holidays, and houseguests.
- A pet is a life-time commitment (10 to 15 years on the average).
- A pet is a permanent part of the family.
- A pet is not a toy, it is a living, breathing, FEELING being.
- Are your offspring sufficiently mature, or under constant supervision so that your pet and your young family is safe? Wait until your children are old enough to understand how to care for the animal and be gentle with it. It is not wise to put a pet in a stressful or even dangerous situation and then punish it for defending itself when it is frightened or hurt.
- A pet is an expense. It can be a major expense. Like anything else, don't buy one if you can't afford to properly care for it (i.e. spay/neuter, vet care, quality food, training).
- If you do not have the time for a baby pet, consider adopting or rescuing an adult.
- How much time and effort are you willing to spend on grooming your pet?
- How much and what kind of space do you have for a pet. Do you live in an apartment? A home with a yard?
- Will you be able to exercise the kind of pet you're considering adequately?
- Are you aware of how much "cleanup" is necessary after the pet?
- Do you have a fenced yard or secure area for your pet? Will it be safe and sheltered (INDOORS!) in inclimate weather?
- Have you dog-proofed your home? It's almost exactly like baby-proofing!
- Do you have, or do you intend to purchase the necessary equipment for your pet?
|
- Who recommends your breeder?
- Veterinarian
- Local Dog Club
- Local Dog Trainer
- Someone with a pet you admire
- Is your breeder willing to offer personal references?
- Is your breeder open and accurate regarding genetic problems in the breed?
- Is it evident your breeder has provided proper veterinary care for the animals?
- Have the animals received adequate nutrition, socialization, basic obedience training?
- Has the breeder mentioned spaying, neutering?
- Are the pets coats clean and brushed? do they have fresh water and a clean kennel.
- Do the pets move around easily, seem happy and appear healthy?
- Are the pets friendly and outgoing toward people?
- Are the parents on the premises, and are they of good temperment?
- What does this breeder do with their older breeding stock? Are they retired in a loving environment?
- Is the breeder actively involved in dog clubs and/or shows?
- Does the breeder exhibit a desire to continue learning and being involved and informed about what is happening in their breed?
- How many litters does this breeder have at the same time? Are the litters separated and the individuals identified?
- How many of the past puppy buyers is the breeder still in contact with? Do they object to you contacting previous buyers?
- Does the breeder seem to care about you and your family? A responsible breeder is concerned about the welfare of their puppies and will insist on several specifics, including that you have necessary equipment before placing a puppy. (See left-hand column.)
|
| Joelle knows that every placement is unique, just like every dog is unique, and every prospective owner is unique. She learns something each time she places a dog, and is generous with sharing what she learns. |
|
|
How My Family Chose Me:
They met and played with the whole litter, plus some of Joelle's other dogs.
-
We all have healthy eyes, nose, and ears with no sign of discharge or scarring. Our teeth are clean and our gums are pink and firm. (And our breath is pretty sweet, for doggie breath!)
- We are obviously well nourished and filled out, with no distension, hernias, etc. All of us available for adoption have been neutered/spayed.
- We are all active and playful, eager to greet our visitors and curious about them. (We were definately having as much fun as the people!)
- We were obviously comfortable with each other, and we were socially interactive with our guests. Sudden movement or noise from the strangers (potential owners) didn't affect our confidence at all!
The Dourte Family visited and met all of us (littermates) twice, although they had already decided they wanted me. The first time we met, we played and they loved us all, then they went home to discuss us and let Joelle know for certain that they wanted me. Joelle, in turn, made sure I was the dog they wanted. They visited me numerous times, and communicated with Joelle via e-mail, since I was unable to go home with them until I was fully recovered from my spay surgery. Joelle made sure I had reached a steady, good weight before she released me, and she has visited me at the Dourte's since I went to live there.
A responsible breeder will probably (hopefully!) be active in a local dog club, or clubs. Joelle invited Deb to attend a meeting of the
Tanana Valley Kennel Club
The club was very welcoming, tended to plenty of important business, and full of people who were there obviously because they love dogs and want to enjoy them with others.
Clubs help dog owners coordinate competition events, share concerns and information, and promote quality healthy care and breeding.
|
|
Site Index
