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Are you searching for Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale? There are so many things to remember when you are searching for a new puppy. It is a good idea to make a list of questions to ask when buying a puppy so that you don't forget what you wanted to ask the different breeders. When you are shopping for puppies, either in person or through a site like puppyfind.com, you should:
You've been thinking that newer is usually better, but does this hold true when you are comparing new and experienced dog breeders? Actually, in this case, you may want to go with established breeders. New breeders can have beautiful, show quality dogs, but unless they've been working with dogs for a long time before they started to breed them, they simply miss many things that experienced breeders will catch.
One thing an experienced breeder will look at is the bite of each puppy before he or she puts the litter up for sale. The upper and lower teeth should meet properly. Over or under bites, which is when one set of teeth juts out instead of aligning with the other set, are disqualifying flaws for otherwise show quality dogs. Of course, this doesn't mean that a dog with a bad bite is not going to be a good pet, but it is nice to know that your puppy has a flaw like this and choose to buy it anyway instead of being surprised by the information when you visit the vet.
Another flaw breeders with a bit of experience will spot is a hiatal hernia. This is a common defect in some puppy breeds and often corrects itself, but the breeder will usually have a vet check it to be sure it is not bad enough to need corrective surgery.
Sometimes, searching for a puppy that is available right away isn't the best way to get a new dog. Instead, you may want to focus on finding a reputable breeder. Once you find a breeder you like, you may have to wait for a litter of puppies to be available, but getting a healthy, well adjusted puppy will make the wait worthwhile. To find a good breeder, you should ask a few questions.
When you are shopping for a new puppy, the breeder's philosophy and kennel standards are almost as important as the actual animal you are buying. However, when you are shopping for a puppy long distance by using a service like puppyfind.com, it can be a bit of a challenge to get an accurate picture of what the breeder's standards are. This is why you should make a list of questions to ask dog breeders before you start actively looking for a puppy.
One very important question to ask the breeder is exactly where the puppies are raised. Some puppies do not know what the inside of a house looks like, while others spend their first eight weeks in the kitchen or family room, surrounded by family. Since socialization is important for young puppies, the environment can make a big difference.
Another good thing to ask about is the people the puppies interact with. Do they get plenty of playtime with kids or do they live in a home where they only see the breeder? If you have an active family, a puppy raised with kids should fit right in, while a puppy used to a quiet life will probably need some help adjusting.
You're all excited about finding your dream puppy on puppyfind.com when your breeder drops a bombshell. He mentions another dog breed he owns. Immediately, visions of that puppy you're already attached to being raised in an old clothes dryer leap into your mind. After all, breeders who have several dog breeds are puppy mills, right? Actually, the breeder you are talking to may be just fine. However, you should ask a few questions:
As you ask some breeders a few questions, you may notice that a pattern is emerging. The breeder is vague about the whereabouts of the adult dogs. One is on an outing with family members, despite the fact that she has a litter of six week old puppies. Another is at the groomers. A third was actually a friend's dog and the friend took the animal back. What is going on here?
Some people who call themselves dog breeders are not actually breeders. In fact, despite the fact that they have puppies coming out their ears, they may not own a single adult dog. These people are actually brokers, or people who buy entire litters from hobby breeders, puppy mills, or accidental breeders and resell them. Many brokers will also buy puppies from Amish families that do not want the added hassle of dealing with customers. You can get a sweet pet from a broker, but the chance of it being a very healthy, beautiful example of the breed is on the slim side.
The problems with brokered puppies are:
While most people looking for puppies just want an adorable dog that will provide love and companionship, some are considering learning how to compete in dog shows and are interested in being sure they get a show quality dog. If you are one of those people, you may be wondering what questions to ask a dog breeder when you want a show quality dog.