How To Find A Responsible Dog Breeder: Four Helpful Tips
When you are ready to purchase a puppy, such as a Coton de Tulear, you want to know that the pup is coming from a reputable source. This means knowing how to find a reputable dog breeder. There are many people who claim to breed dogs, and even while well-meaning, they may not have the skills and training to do it properly. Finding a reputable breeder, however, doesn't have to be difficult if you know what to look for. Here are a few helpful tips you can use when you are ready to purchase your Coton puppy or any other breed of beautiful dog.
Meet The Breeder At Home
Although it's easy to find dogs online, it's important to visit the breeder you work with at the place where he or she cares for the dogs. This gives you a chance to see how the puppies and their mother dog are treated. The home or facility should be clean, be free from hazards, and provide a safe place for the puppies to live until they find their forever homes. Look for signs that the animals are properly fed, such as stocks of food and clean water dishes. If you are uncomfortable about the surroundings the dogs are living in, you can take it as a sign that you might want to look elsewhere.
Choose A Select Breeder
When you are looking for a specific breed, you'll want to know that the breeder is as knowledgeable about the dogs as possible. While some breeders do specialize in more than one type of dog, a breeder who claims he or she can provide any type of dog you are looking for can be a red flag. Ask lots of questions about the breed that you already know answers to. For example, ask how often Coton puppies should be groomed and how difficult it is to care for their fur. If the answer is incorrect, you may want to look for a breeder with specific experience caring for and raising Coton pups.
Request Veterinary Records
A responsible breeder should have veterinary records for the puppies as well as their parents. Ask to see the information for the puppy you are interested in, but don't forget to ask about vet records for the mother and father too. This paperwork can provide useful information about the parents, and it can also indicate that the animals are all getting routine medical care.
Ask For References
Great dog breeders often form lasting relationships with the people they sell puppies to. These pet parents sometimes even come back to purchase another dog years later. Ask for references from previous clients, and contact them to get their overall opinion of the breeder. While this information won't be the only reason you decide to buy a puppy, it can certainly give you some added confidence.
Remember that a good dog breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask him or her. The breeder should want to know why you want a puppy, if you have experience with pets already, and what type of home life the puppy will have. After all, a responsible breeder only wants the best for the puppies he or she helps bring into the world.