First of all you should get a lot of information about the breed. This will give you a better insight in the breed. It will also prevent you buying a dog which is not suitable for you. Also ask your vet for more information and also contact the breed's association
You should never accept a puppy that is not 8 weeks old and it is always better to buy a dog from a recognised breeder. Do not go to puppymills/puppyfarms, because you will never be certain if the puppies are a genuine breed, and you will not be able to trace hereditary diseases. If it is possible to see both parents you should, if only to see their behaviour . It is not always possible to see the father, because breeders do not always use their own males for mating.
Pay attention that the puppies look healthy. Look if they are clean around their eyes, their nose, etc… Just get a good first impression of the dog in general. Their nose should be wet and normally they have to play. I say normally because they also have to sleep a lot. They should not have a rupture.
It is best to have a written contract. This must include the name and address of the breeder, the date and place of buying the puppy and a detailed description of the puppy: colour, gender, sex, parents, their chip number and the breed. All these points will be mentioned on the pedigree. In Belgium the only recognised pedigree is issued by KMSH.
The puppy should have a tattoo, a chip or both. Whereas as tattoo can be seen, for the chip, however, the breeder must let you see the ABIEC-BVIRH papers with all the information concerning the puppy.
You can also ask the breeder for information about genetic diseases.
All the puppies should be examined by a vet and should receive their first shots while at the breeder's. Every new owner has to be given a European health passport with the identification of the puppy's first shots.
A good breeder will also provide you with information on how to raise a puppy.
A good breeder will follow-up how the puppy gets used to its new family.
Ask the breeder for information about how to take care of the dog. When it has to be fed, how many times, etc…. It might also be a good idea to ask for a small amount of food, so you know what kind of food your dog is accustomed to and it also gives you a day or so to buy the appropriate food.
Dog shows are a good place to find good breeders. There you can also find out more about the breed, talk to different breeders, etc….
If you have decided to buy a Tibetan Terrier ask the breeder for the papers of the hip- and eye examinations of both parents. The eye examination of both parents must not be older than 1 year at the moment of the mating
Do not be shy to ask questions – most of the good breeders love talking about their breed!
There are no stupid questions, only the ones you do not ask!
Think twice if a breeder is in a hurry and trying to avoid your questions. |