For as long as I can remember, I have always been a bargain shopper. I absolutely love to get a good deal and almost refuse to pay full price for anything if that is possible. This seems to have been passed down through generations because my mom and grandma are the same way. Over the year though I have learned that sometimes it doesn’t pay to cut corners and try to save dollars. Never has this been so evident as when buying a puppy. Through the years I have bought dozens and dozens of pups and I am truly convinced you get what you pay for! Without boring you with each experience I had through the years, I’d instead like to offer three key things to consider when buying a puppy.
I. Breed
First and foremost decide exactly what you want the dog to do. Obviously, I am a Labrador lover but they are not the dog for everyone. What is your dog going to hunt? I am currently purchasing a dog for my family pet who is going to also be a blood tracker. I chose a German wire haired daschund. A pretty uncommon breed in the USA but a perfect fit. If I am going to hunt waterfowl my hands down choice is a Lab. Each breed of dog has its own unique set of potential health problems. With a little bit of google aided research you can quickly discover the risks for your chosen breed and then check with your breeder to make sure the pup and its bloodline are free from these diseases.
II. Lineage
Secondly, once you have decided on a breed, check out the parents. The old adage “they don’t fall far from the tree” is never more true than when buying a puppy! If the parents have the skills and demeanor you are looking for, then there is a reasonable chance their pups will also. A visit to the breeder to watch both parents work is priceless!
III. Choosing the Right Breeder
Make sure your pup has been well taken care of. If it is possible an inspection of the breeding facility is always a great idea. Clean and dry is a key. If your pup has been raised in the mud and dirt watch out! Before you get your pup at around 8 weeks of age, the pup should have been wormed 2-3 times and have received its first puppy booster. Make sure to get records of this. A reputable breeder will have this information. Also make sure when you pick up your puppy to get all of their registration papers before leaving. DO NOT accept the ole “papers will be mailed at a later date” answer. It has been my experience that they sometimes never get mailed.
In conclusion when shopping for a pup don’t look for the best deal but rather the best dog! If price is a factor, it’s better to save a while and get the best. Remember, buying a puppy is a 10 yr plus commitment. Over this time period, a few hundred extra dollars in nothing compared to the cost of taking your dog to the vet to have things treated that should have been taken care of by the breeder. Good luck on your next pup! I can’t wait to get mine.
If you are looking for labrador puppies for sale, you are in luck!! We have a brand new litter of chocolate labrador puppies available.