Looking
For A Hunting Dog?
If you are looking for a hunting dog, but are not sure which breed to choose, or what to look for when choosing a puppy, we can help. The following list of questions should help you determine whether a puppy was bred to be a healthy, good-tempered companion, and to determine whether it meets the goals you have set. 1.)
Are the parent
dogs on the premises? 2.)
Have both the sire and the dam been OFA'd
, CERF'd, or had any other vet screenings? CERF: Canine Eye Registry Foundation. CERF certifies that the eyes of the dog are clear. (No cataracts or other visible eye disease or deformations.) VWD neg: Von Willebrand's Disease Negative means that the dog has been screened for this disease. This disease is similar to hemophilia. 3.) Have the puppies been temperament tested? Many temperament tests exist to determine the aptitude of puppies from obedience to hunting. If the breeder has conducted any temperament test, ask them to share the results with you. (top right to continue) |
4.)
What will the breeder guarantee in the way
of the health of the dog? Responsible breeders take every precaution to produce puppies that are free of genetic diseases. If something unforeseen DOES surface, a responsible breeder will normally have a system in place to deal with your special circumstances. This may include replacing your puppy with another one, refunding part or all of your money, and/or taking the dog back. All of these details need to be discussed prior to buying the puppy. 5.)
Will the breeder buy or take back the
dog, if for any reason, at ANY time in the dog's life, you are unable
to care for it? 6.)
Does the breeder hunt their dogs? 7.)
Do the sire/dam hunt?
If so, can you watch them hunt? 8.)
What shots, worming, veterinary checkups,
etc..., have been provided, and when will the next ones be due? |
The cheapest part of owning a dog is buying it! Although a high price is no guarantee that a puppy is a quality dog, don’t shy away from a well bred pup because of price. Often, the difference between a poorly bred dog and a dog bred by a reputable and knowledgeable breeder is a few hundred dollars. Purchasing a dog of lesser quality may lead to health problems that can lead to large veterinary bills and heartache. When you look at the lifetime cost of owning a dog, spending a little extra to buy a healthy and good-tempered animal is certainly an excellent investment.
This
site last updated August 2014
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