Buying a Puppy...

[Thermo1223]

Now I know the breed I want and I know about all the responsibilities as I own 5 pets as it stands.

What I have trouble wrapping my head around is the vast amount of breeders who claim to have the best dog money can buy. Now this is a good amount of money mind you well over $500, closer to $1000.

Some are close, some are over 250 miles away so I am wondering if it is worth it to drive that far.

It also seems the further away the higher the puppy cost as well.

The breeds I am interested in are Labs & Golden's, I also thought about Irish Setters but I am afraid being at work all day will not be good for it and may cause it to get high strung.

Anyone else buy a puppy(pure bred/AKC) that can lend some advice?

Thanks

[artificialswedner]

First things first: absolutely decide on what you want out of your dog before you choose a breeder. Are you looking for a companion? A show dog? A hunting dog? An agility dog? A dog you can hike with? A dog who will be happy sitting on the couch with you all day? That will not only help determine the breed, but it will also help the breeder match you to the most appropriate puppy from a litter.

The second thing you need to do is go visit the breeder and the litter multiple times, hopefully well before the puppies are ready to go home. Most good breeders will do a screening process, e.g. having you answer a questionnaire, doing a home visit, or asking for references. When you visit the litter, keep an objective eye. Puppies are all cute, but there are certain characteristics you want to watch out for, like biting, shyness, over-dominance, and extreme rambunctiousness.

Ask the breeder TONS of questions. If you're buying a purebred pup, ask to see the pedigrees of both parents and their complete veterinary reports. Take a good look at the parents in person so you have a better idea of what your puppy will grow into.

A good breeder will most likely have you sign a contract after you put down your deposit. This protects them as well as you. Look it over carefully and note clauses about health problems/genetic defects. If the dog is anything but a qualified show dog/competition hunting dog, there will be a spay/neuter requirement. They should also give you a report about how the puppy has been raised, what food it should be on, and vaccine records.

I bought a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy this summer for confirmation showing and eventual breeding. It was an extremely involved (and expensive) process, but because I did my homework, I ended up with an incredible dog. If you have any more specific questions, don't hesitate to ask. I've owned, showed, and trained a lot of dogs.

[illig]

sure you can't adopt?

just look at these guys:
http://www.petfinder.com/search/sear...location=11215

awww... and they all need homes

and if you absolutely need a puppy:
http://www.petfinder.com/search/sear...location=11215

[DoubleJ]

Originally Posted by Thermo1223

I am afraid being at work all day will not be good for it and may cause it to get high strung.

You think with this schedule a lab PUPPY is a good idea?

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted by illig

sure you can't adopt?

just look at these guys:
http://www.petfinder.com/search/sear...location=11215

awww... and they all need homes

and if you absolutely need a puppy:
http://www.petfinder.com/search/sear...location=11215

Yes I am sure I can't, I've considered it but I will not take in an unknown into my house with my daughter.

Plus I want a purebred AKC reg. from a bloodline with no health issues. I do not want to take on someone else's irresponsible decesion.

This is the reason I bought my Chinchillas from a breeder direct.

Sorry if I sound harsh but I am very set in not adopting. I want this dog to live with us for as long as it can.

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted by DoubleJ

You think with this schedule a lab PUPPY is a good idea?

Well I thought about that and as it stands with my wife's schedule changing I was wrong someone will be home all day with it minus the hour or so for errands.

Also FWIW, her parent's lab is very well behaved when gone.

[DoubleJ]

Originally Posted by Thermo1223

Well I thought about that and as it stands with my wife's schedule changing I was wrong someone will be home all day with it minus the hour or so for errands.

Also FWIW, her parent's lab is very well behaved when gone.

Is her parents lab a puppy? Lab adults and lab puppies are 1000% different

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted by DoubleJ

Is her parents lab a puppy? Lab adults and lab puppies are 1000% different

It was a puppy lol, bought it from local breeder AKC reg. Had the usual forget about not peeing in the house once or twice but since has been a good dog. I think it is 6 years now.

[vantastic]

if you're just getting a dog as a companion why do you want a purebred??
purebred's are way more expensive, and i've heard they're more likely to develop health problems
in fact, i had a purebred labrador that died of pancreatis at 4 years. and this was 2 weeks after a checkup that failed to diagnose the problem. AND, in case anyone gets on my case about noticing something was wrong, we did notice, and we DID take her to the hospital but the doctors told us to wait a few days to see if she got better..she died 2 nights after. fuckin worthless veterinarians. my parents also paid a bunch of money to buy her

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted by vantastic

if you're just getting a dog as a companion why do you want a purebred??
purebred's are way more expensive, and i've heard they're more likely to develop health problems
in fact, i had a purebred labrador that died of pancreatis at 4 years. and this was 2 weeks after a checkup that failed to diagnose the problem. AND, in case anyone gets on my case about noticing something was wrong, we did notice, and we DID take her to the hospital but the doctors told us to wait a few days to see if she got better..she died 2 nights after. fuckin worthless veterinarians. my parents also paid a bunch of money to buy her

Thats a shame.

They are not anymore likely to develop health issues and far more unlikely if the breeder makes sure all their pups are heatlthy, from healthly parents with no health issues.

There is of course the luck of the draw with genetics though but you can take many steps to lessening those chances of health issues. I don't want a dog with mixed bag of breeds and tendcies. I want a predictable family pet from a line of parents who show no agression and good long term health. You can't do that with a mut.

I will agree that find the "good" vets are hard. I myself have had my share of bad vets in varying degrees. Especially the ones that still push the "Hills Science Diet" to solve health issues like it's a magic band aid food.

[Tongboy]

adopt unless you are SET on showing or hardcore hunting

seriously, nothing better then getting a dog that's already 50% or better potty trained

mostly lab spam time Gordon

[Scatman]

Labs are chill and playful. We had a purebred yellow lab for 10 years, one with the "Dudley" pink nose. Just like all labs, 2 hearts and no brain. Lovable, loyal, and sweet. My parents got him as a puppy when i was 5 years old too.

I understand that you're worried about your daughter being around a shelter dog, but labs are great with kids.

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted by Scatman

Labs are chill and playful. We had a purebred yellow lab for 10 years, one with the "Dudley" pink nose. Just like all labs, 2 hearts and no brain. Lovable, loyal, and sweet. My parents got him as a puppy when i was 5 years old too.

I understand that you're worried about your daughter being around a shelter dog, but labs are great with kids.

O I know they are, her parents lab previously mentioned loves her.

[Cannondale]

ADOPT.

[De7|ro|i7]

Adopting does not mean it is an "unknown". Look around and choose where you adopt from. Here in Atlanta we found a place that spends a lot of time with the dogs and will make sure you get one right for you. They not only have you pick the dog but they sit down with you and make sure that you fit the dog (or a dog) before they let you adopt.