With over 5 million pets sitting in shelters across the United States, bringing home a new dog is not a commitment to be entered into lightly. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and potential dog parents should consider options such as pet size, energy requirements, grooming needs, physical activity requirements, mental stimulation needs, and occurrence of inherited medical conditions for individual dogs prior to purchase or adoption. For owners considering purchasing a purebred dog, finding a reputable breeder is important to ensure optimal pet health, friendly temperament, proper body condition, and more.
Reputable Breeding Habits Can Lower the Occurrence of Genetic Conditions
Over the past several decades, advancements in veterinary technology have made it easier than ever to diminish or completely rule out certain inherited diseases in purebred dogs. With the introduction of DNA tests and other genetic testing as well as advanced diagnostic tools such as digital radiology and echocardiograms, dog breeders are now able to test parent dogs for the presence of certain conditions such as congenital heart conditions, hip dysplasia, eye diseases, immune-related conditions, cognitive disabilities, and more. Early detection of genetic conditions can provide breeders with important medical information prior to breeding which can help rule out the presence of inherited conditions in new litters thereby giving new pet parents peace of mind when it comes to their pet’s health.
Proper Breeding Yields Standard Size Litters
According to the American Kennel Club, all dog breeds are required to meet proper size requirements to be considered an ideal representation of the breed. Although this is more important for dog owners who plan on participating in dog shows with their dogs, it can also be beneficial information for new owners looking for a companion animal. For example, an elderly couple or apartment dweller looking to purchase f1b mini goldendoodle puppies would expect their puppy to grow to a maximum height of 13-17 inches once fully grown, but if purchasing a dog from an irresponsible breeder they may end up with a standard size goldendoodle that stands at a height of 22-24 inches. For elderly couples who may not be able to lift heavy dogs or renters whose lease requires pets to be under a certain weight range, buying from a reputable breeder can ensure their new dog meets the standard size requirements for the breed.
Breeding for Temperament
Another important consideration when purchasing a purebred dog is whether or not they have been bred for temperament. Although each individual dog has a distinct personality, many breeds are sought after for certain traits including their personality, work ethic, and overall demeanor which starts at a biological level. When choosing two dogs to breed a new litter, reputable breeders should only consider breeding dogs with friendly temperaments to avoid future complications. However, it’s important for new owners to ensure their dogs receive proper socialization, training, and veterinary behavior consultations, especially as puppies. Providing pets with the right type of training is imperative for having a well-rounded dog.
Purebred Puppies Receive Proper Care From an Early Age
When selecting a purebred puppy many owners find it beneficial to have peace of mind knowing that their puppy has received appropriate socialization and veterinary care from an early age. Although many dogs in shelters may be just as healthy as purebred dogs, their health status is generally unknown prior to entering the shelter, and for some pet parents, knowing their pet’s complete medical status can help prepare them for any potential issues down the road. Additionally, purchasing pet insurance is typically easier for owners with purebred dogs and most breeders have written contracts that may help cover costs of future pet medical emergencies.
Although purchasing a purebred dog from a reputable breeder may be the way to go for some pet owners, there are plenty of bad breeders out there that owners should be aware of. When planning on purchasing a purebred dog, it’s important to do some research and make sure the breeder is following responsible breeding guidelines that ensure the overall health and wellbeing of each animal. Potential pet parents are encouraged to visit the property where puppies are kept prior to purchasing to make sure they are receiving proper medical attention in a clean and safe environment. When buying from a responsible breeder, pet parents can enjoy becoming part of the family as many breeders tend to stay in contact with their buyers throughout the life of the dog.
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