Pedigree Puppy

5 January 2017 | Dog Advice

Buying a Pedigree Puppy

If you’re reading this article then you’ve most likely started your search for a pedigree dog. Before committing to buying or adopting a dog it is important that you do your research first on what dog breed is suitable for your family and lifestyle. Buying or adopting a pedigree dog is a big commitment and you will need to be ready mentally and have your finances in check before committing fully.

The quality of a pedigree dog is different to your average cross-breed. A pedigree dog is the offspring from two dogs of the same breed. If your dog is of pedigree nature then you are eligible to register them with the Kennel Club. There are a number of registration bodies to register your pedigree dog, however, the Kennel Club is the most recognised within the UK.

The breeding standards differ somewhat between a dog of a pedigree nature and that of a cross-breed. A cross-breed dog is the offspring of two different dog breeds and over the years, the cross-breed dog has become extremely popular. For example the cockapoo was one of the most popular dog breeds this year within the UK.

If you decide on buying or adopting a pedigree dog that you will be entitled to show your dog at various shows and events throughout the UK such as Crufts.

Regardless whether you opt for a pedigree dog or cross-breed you will want to ensure that your puppy or dog is healthy, happy and well cared for.

This article focuses more on buying or adopting a pedigree dog. The best place to start your search is through a pets classified website, such as Mypetzilla. There are other avenues to search for your dog such as various breeding publications, recommendations, dog shows and registered breeder databases.

Mypetzilla recommends that you commence your search for a reputable breeder that has lots of experience in the breeding process and can guide you in all the right ways of how to care for a new born pup or adult dog.

It's worth visiting a few dog breeders before you put a deposit down and fully commit. You will want to be a 100% certain that the dog breed you have in mind is the most suitable for you and your family. After you have made your decision on what breeder you wish to work with, its worth arranging to visit a couple of times before you exchange any form of deposit. A reputable breeder will fully understand your needs and wants for being over cautious. If for any reason the breeder refuses more than one visit and insists that you pay a deposit immediately, this should be a warning that their intentions are not good and the litter could be a result from puppy farming. If you are suspicious then you should report them to the RSPCA and report them to us.

Points to consider before committing

Any responsible breeder will not let the litter of puppies leave their biological mother until the age if 12 weeks. Viewings of puppies are normally always around 3 months before the puppies are allowed to leave for their new homes. This allows enough time for the breeder to arrange suitable candidates for the puppies. Both the breeder and the owner need to be happy with the decision and always consider the safety and care for the puppy or dog.

When visiting the breeders location you should use this time to observe both the puppies and their mother. Have a few questions to hand to ask during your visit. This is the perfect opportunity to see how the puppies are interacting with their litter mates, are they healthy and happy. What is their dwelling like? Look out for signs on their temperament, are they calm and playful? or are they snappy and nervous? Again, if you are suspicious or anything seems unlawful you must report them immediately to the RSPCA and to us.

Some pedigrees are prone to more genetic health issues than other breeds, so ensure that you’ve fully researched this particular dog breed and the history of its health. Its worth taking the puppy to your own vets to have them checked out by a professional to determine whether they have any health related issues before you make a decision to buy.

A responsible breeder will have lots of questions for the new owner and they reserve the right to refuse to sell or adopt a puppy if they’re uncertain on the owner and their capabilities of looking after a dog and or their intentions. Being a responsible breeder and true dog enthusiast, they will want to make sure that the puppy is going to a loving new home.

Vaccinations and paperwork

A responsible owner will have ensured that the puppies have received their first round of vaccinations before the ownership is handed over to the new owner. The paper work must be legitimate and all in order. It’s worth checking the paperwork with the register body and your vets to make sure that everything is how it should be.

Another important point is the microchipping of the puppy. This is now a requirement by law. if the breeder hasn’t microchipped the puppy that the responsibility falls on the new owner.  If the breeder has microchipped the puppy then you should receive all the necessary paperwork and make sure that the contact details are updated with the new owners details. If you fail to microchip your puppy that you can face a fine of up to £500.

Pedigree paperwork

After the completion process of buying or adopting the puppy, you will need to request the paperwork of where the puppy was registered. Normally, this will be with the Kennel Club. Again, if you’re uncertain please remain cautious and report if necessary. For further information on the paperwork needed for buying a pedigree puppy please read the following article "What Paperwork You Should Get" article.

You must carefully read the terms and conditions of the pet sale and be comfortable with every clause before signing and paying the deposit. Make sure all arrangements are clear for all involved within the buying receipt.

Finally, the last important point to make is be very cautious when sourcing your breeder, unfortunately, not all dog breeders have the best interest of their dogs at heart. There have been may reports of puppy farmers and those that conduct in such activity only breed dogs for monetary value and do not care for the welfare of any dog that they own. These dogs are subjected to horrendous living conditions and the bitch is bred over and over again to produce pups to sell. These pups often have terrible health complications and don’t live very long, the bitch is also at risk as she is also never cared for appropriately during her pregnancies. Mypetzilla does not support these sellers and you must report any suspicious activity straight away to the RSPCA and police.

Please do not aid this unlawful, unethical breeding process and lets look at stopping puppy farming altogether. We must promote and grow the safe breeding and adoption of all domestic pets as its our duty to do so.

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Dog Advice Pedigree Puppy

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