Why is a reference so important?

Were can I get a dog? There are so many places to find a dog! Were to start?

Once you have decided to get a dog you are still left with the question of what sort of dog to get. Will it be a puppy or a fully-grown dog? A male or female? Longhaired or short? Purebred or mixed breed? When you have narrowed your choice down to a particular dog now comes the hard part!

THE BREEDER

What do you know about the breeder? "Only What They Tell You" This is why a reference is so important! Do you take their word for it? Do you believe everything they say? Are their dogs / puppies as good as they say? A good breeder will give you as many references, as you want! But how do you know that they are good references? Here are some tricks that will set good breeder apart from bad!

Ask for a list of owners that own their dogs. They will give you as many as you want! You pick who you want to call. Be particularly wary if the breeder only gives you a list of 1-5 owners! You should get a list of 10-20+

Who is there Veterinarian? This is a great reference, remember that a vet deals with the breeder and knows the breeder. Or ask to talk with the Vet Tec or Assistant to the VET.

Who is there Groomer? This is another great reference; know one will know the temperament and personality of their dogs better than a Groomer will!

A good breeder will give you this INFO with out thinking twice! Now that you have done your homework on the breeder you will find that a good breeder will have nothing to hide!

So what questions to ask a reference? Be straightforward!

Do you know them? Would you buy a dog from them again? Is your dog well behaved? Was it hard to housebreak? Is the dog healthy, active, alert, curious, or shy? How is the disposition and personality? Were you happy with the breeder? Did you get to know the breeder? Did you see the mother and father? Were the living conditions clean? Would you refer them to a friend or neighbor that wants a dog? Would you mind if I were to come and see your dog?

Remember that an owner of a dog will be proud to show you there dog, and they will have nothing to hide either! Go and see the dog and see for yourself so you have no doubt in your mind at all. And look around and find as many breeders as you can! A long drive may be needed to find a good breeder! Never settle on the first breeder you find!

So now that you know this! Sharpen your pencil and take a lot of notes! And you will find a dog that you will love for the rest of its life! And remember that it can be for 15+ years! So happy hunting and may you find the love of your life. If you would like references please E-Mail us.