Shopping for a new puppy through a small professional breeder is one of the best choices you could make. These breeders offer much more personal help with questions and interests than larger breeder organizations do, and with more respected care for their puppies than you could possibly imagine.
However, as mentioned previously, small breeders are absolutely meticulous with choosing the right family for their pups. “Do you have any children?” “If so, how many do you have and what are the ages?” are example questions you will be asked. And these questions are important to the devoted breeder, as in many instances, very young children are unintentionally cruel to small puppies.
The small professional breeder will also want to make sure that the children, no matter what ages, will not be solely responsible for the puppy’s welfare. Youngsters’ interests wane quickly. As great as their intentions, basketball practice or a new boyfriend can readily replace the constant attention first given to the family’s new puppy.
“Do you work?” “Who is at home during the day?” These should be self-explanatory. No puppy should be left alone all day to fend for itself. It certainly cannot be expected to housetrain itself, or teach itself the necessary do’s and don’ts of family membership.
“How many dogs have you previously owned?” This is the clincher. If you have owned quite a few, be prepared to explain what’s become of them. If, for one reason or another, they have disappeared in rapid succession, it isn’t too much for the breeder to expect that his puppy will join their ranks and turn you down as a customer.
What Difference Does It Make? What Business Is It To The Breeder?
The answer is: PLENTY!
If he was on his hands and knees helping his female give birth to the litter, helping her rub life into their little bodies, up nights feeding them with an eye dropper to make certain each pup got its fair share of food – then yes, the small breeder will make it his business to make sure that the life he helped into this world is destined for a good home!
The small professional breeder is seldom in the breeding business to make money. They may make money boarding, they may make money with grooming, or even handling dogs in the show ring, but they know there’s no profit in raising two or three litters each year. They firmly believe that the litters they raise are absolutely the best specimens of their favored breed.
You Are Getting The Best Of The Best
By careful and selective breeding, these small breeders have attempted to eliminate any and all known faults, and to improve certain characteristics of the breed. Truly, theirs is a labor of love. You may have to pay a lot more for the puppy you select, but trust me when I say this; the small professional breeder has invested more time, love, and attention in the puppy then what he is being paid for, guaranteed!
One Last Note About Small Professional Breeders
Some small breeders do not like doing business at a distance. Do not be disappointed if you hear: “Oh I’m sorry, we do not ship puppies but if you’d like to come and see us, we’ll be very happy to meet you.”
In essence, these breeders know that puppies are trusting little bundles of love and they feel that it is their responsibility to do everything in their power to guarantee the most loving and permanent home possible.
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