Where Do I Buy My Puppy?

Well, now you've decided why you want your puppy --- where are you going to get it?  Are you going to take the time to do a little research now.  You can run down to the pet store vand pick one out, or maybe your friend's dog just had puppies, or should you maybe search out a responsible and qualified breeder to get this little animal that's going to be a part of your life for the next 12-15 years?  All AKC registered puppies are good puppies aren't they?  What difference does it make where I get it?

Registered with Pedigree

First, let's forget the myth that all registered puppies are quality dogs.  The truth is that all it takes to be registered is for the puppy's parents to be registered.  And the pedigree is nothing but a list of the parent's names and their parents and so on.  Registration and pedigree can mean nothing or it can mean everything.  Yes, if you want a Maltese, you want a registered one with a good pedigree but where can you get one that's been bred with the quality of the breed in mind?

Pet Shops - Seems a logical place to get a puppy doesn't it?  Well don't  believe it.   The pet shop is      there only to make money.  They are unconcerned about the quality of the dogs they sell.  They may swear that they do not buy from puppy mills but from local reputable    dealers.  By the very nature of their business they are required to sell to anyone who puts down their money.  They will obtain their puppies from ANY source they can, the cheaper the better. No reputable breeder will EVER sell their pups to a pet shop. They may say they buy from USDA (United States Dept. of  Agriculture) breeders only.  So what.  That is a puppy you want to avoid.  Why?  Because the USDA deals with livestock, not pets.  They are unconcerned about  the quality of the breed or whether it has any inherited health problems such as heart defects, hip dysplasia, or conformation abnormalities.  All they are concerned with is that the kennels are disinfected, cages meet a certain standard, no infectious diseases are present, and is the paperwork in order.  The only reason anyone would obtain this license is to turn out lots of puppies, no matter what their quality.  They deal with quantity not quality.

They may offer a guarantee with their puppy - they'll replace your puppy if proves to have a genetic defect.  The problem with this is.. they know that rarely will they have to replace the puppy.  This defect most likely will not show up until 6 months or a year later.  By that time you've grown attached to the puppy.  Are you going to be willing to take it back.  Wonder what they're going to do with this defective puppy?

Unprofessional Breeder - This could be your friend, your friend's friend, a neighbor, someone who ran a newspaper ad, or a puppy mill.  In short it is anyone who breeds their dog without giving consideration to the betterment of the breed.  The parents may be loved pets in someone's home or just a puppy producer stuck in a dirty cage in a puppy mill.  The seller may be a true dog lover and a wonderful person, but they may know nothing of the complexities of  responsible breeding.  Maybe they bred their female to the only male they could find.  Maybe their female got loose and mated with the dog down the street.  Or, worse case scenario, the breeder is operating a puppy mill.  They choose their parents by the number of offspring they can produce and force them to produce litter after litter with no concern for anything other than how many puppies they can get and how much money they can make.  They are unconcerned with breeding for the betterment of the breed, the health of the puppies, genetic defects, or anything else-- just the money.

Professional Breeder - The profession breeder is concerned with the betterment of the breed.  They will breed dogs only if there are no genetic health problems.  The dogs they breed will meet the breed standards - they're concerned about conformation, structure and temperaments.  A professional usually participates in showing dogs, at least by attending,   They generally will belong to one or more dog associations.  They should be able to give you several other responsible breeders as reference - along with references from satisfied puppy owners.  They will be available, after purchase, to assist you with any problems that may arise with your puppy.  They are concerned with the welfare of the puppies they breed and are discriminating about who they allow to purchase their puppies.

Now - the decision is yours.  

Remember that this puppy you are buying will be a member
of your household for the next 12-15 years. 

CONTACT:
Terrie Canada
Angel-Lite Maltese
Attalla, Al 35954-7273
Email:  TeraC99@aol.com
Ph: 256-538-7408

Updated May 18, 2006