Pet Stores
Most puppies found at pet stores are produced by breeding factories known as puppy mills. In puppy mills, the parents are kept in small, overcrowded, dirty cages, with barely any socialization and poor quality food. They barely receive any veterinary care and are continually bred until they can't. This cruelty and inbreeding often results in sick offspring. Looks can be deceiving; even if the puppy looks healthy it can develop diseases later in life.
If you see a puppy in a pet store that you want, ask where it came from. The sales staff at pet shops sometimes have little knowledge and are unable or unwilling to help.
A puppy from a pet store can range from $400 to $1,000. They usually come with papers, although pet store puppies are usually not dogs of good quality.
If you see a puppy in a pet store that you want, ask where it came from. The sales staff at pet shops sometimes have little knowledge and are unable or unwilling to help.
A puppy from a pet store can range from $400 to $1,000. They usually come with papers, although pet store puppies are usually not dogs of good quality.
Backyard Breeders
A backyard breeder is an average pet owner that breeds their dog(s). Not many are careful about who buys the puppies. Without taking personal responsibility for the puppies, any of the dogs may be sent to the pound if the new family is unable to keep it in the future.
Casual breeders may not know much about the breed that they are selling. Their knowledge of the breed is usually limited to their own dogs. Since they are selling the puppies as “just pets,” they usually don't provide a contract with a spay/neuter policy, health guarantee, or return policy. You can usually get a puppy with or without papers from a backyard breeder for free or up to $300.
Casual breeders may not know much about the breed that they are selling. Their knowledge of the breed is usually limited to their own dogs. Since they are selling the puppies as “just pets,” they usually don't provide a contract with a spay/neuter policy, health guarantee, or return policy. You can usually get a puppy with or without papers from a backyard breeder for free or up to $300.
Reputable Breeders
A reputable breeder has a careful screening process to match potential buyers with puppies. The breeder will show you the pedigree and offer an explanation of the bloodlines used and the qualities hoped to achieve. They will discuss both the positive an negative traits of the breed. A good breeder can determine what puppy is best for each potential buyer. If you locate a breeder that does not discuss the disadvantages of the breed, continue your search for a reputable breeder.
Puppies from experienced Show Breeders range from $500 to even the thousands. Puppies from these breeders match their parents health and temperament; their parents have been genetically tested for hereditary diseases, so the puppies should come with a health guarantee. The breeder might have invested years in the care of their dogs and should have a lot of knowledge about the breed. The breeder should be willing to answer any questions about the puppies or the breed in general. The breeder might be involved in the local dog shows, obedience trials, and/or other things.
Dog Adoption
Dog rescues and shelters come in many sizes and fill different functions within the community. Some dog shelters hold dogs for a few days before euthanizing them in order to prepare space for additional strays and unwanted pets. This type of dog shelter keeps animals off of the streets – whether they are homeless or just lost.
“No kill” dog shelters keep them – bathe them, feed them, give them medical attention – until a family adopts them. These shelters also accept strays and lost pets, however they make every attempt to provide them with a better life. Unfortunately, this type of shelter must limit the quantity of dogs it accepts due to spatial and financial constraints.
Some rescue organization attempts to pair you with the dog that best matches your situation. You will have to fill out paperwork that questions you about your home, your family, and other pets. Some rescue groups have rigorous requirements for prospective adopters, but they only have the best interest of the animal in mind. Adopters may complete numerous forms, interviews, and home inspections, only to be turned down because they don't meet the needs of the dog.
You can get a rescued puppy from an organization for $150 to $500 (Usually depends on how much they invest on the dog). They are sometimes house broken, always spayed/neutered (if over 6 months), and current on all shots. They will come in various colors and ages. Some rescues usually are good about screening their dogs and can tell you if they're okay with cats, dogs, and kids.
“No kill” dog shelters keep them – bathe them, feed them, give them medical attention – until a family adopts them. These shelters also accept strays and lost pets, however they make every attempt to provide them with a better life. Unfortunately, this type of shelter must limit the quantity of dogs it accepts due to spatial and financial constraints.
Some rescue organization attempts to pair you with the dog that best matches your situation. You will have to fill out paperwork that questions you about your home, your family, and other pets. Some rescue groups have rigorous requirements for prospective adopters, but they only have the best interest of the animal in mind. Adopters may complete numerous forms, interviews, and home inspections, only to be turned down because they don't meet the needs of the dog.
You can get a rescued puppy from an organization for $150 to $500 (Usually depends on how much they invest on the dog). They are sometimes house broken, always spayed/neutered (if over 6 months), and current on all shots. They will come in various colors and ages. Some rescues usually are good about screening their dogs and can tell you if they're okay with cats, dogs, and kids.