The Importance of Choosing the Right Breeder
By: Gregory Beach, of Beach Cotons
Once you decide to make a puppy a part of your family one of the most important decisions you can make is who you trust to obtain your puppy from. We firmly support buying pedigree dogs from small hobby breeders, who are guided by the Breed Standard, and strive to breed healthy dogs with correct structure and excellent temperaments. Below are measurable breeder behaviors and actions and we believe you should give strong consideration to in determining who to trust in the breeding and development of your next family member.
- What environment do the breeder’s dogs live? We are a firm believer that they must reside within the home and be treated as family members.
- How many dogs does the breeder have? We are a firm supporter of the small hobby breeder that is not overrun with dogs.
- Where are the puppies born and being raised?
- How many litters does the breeder have annually?
- Does the breeder have a website?
- If the breeder has a website is it appealing, does it appear professional, how informative is it?
- Are photographs of all the breeders dogs published on their website?
- What other social media platforms does the breeder participate in?
- Does the breeder have a dedicated professional e-mail instead of SoAndSo@gmail.com?
- Is the breeder testing their dogs to the minimal requirements of the AKC Parent Breed Club, as delineated on OFA? Health testing recommendations for the Coton are listed below:
- If health tests are not published does the breeder make them available upon request?
- Does the breeder have a written sales agreement?
- Does the breeder provide a written health guarantee?
- Do the puppies receive a Wellness Check by a licensed veterinarian prior to sale?
- Have the puppies been wormed?
- Have the puppies had a fecal check by the vet?
- Has the puppy received all age appropriate vaccines?
- Are the puppies microchipped?
- If microchipped are the puppies microchips registered?
- Are the puppies AKC litter registered?
- When will you receive the puppies AKC Registration Application or Certificate?
- Does the breeder provide a puppy care guide?
- Has the breeder been professional with you in your interactions, interested, engaged and helpful in answering your questions?
- What type of nutrition is the breeder feeding their pups?
- Does the breeder have a plan that has been communicated to you about puppy socialization?
- Has the breeder shared regular pictures of the puppies as they have developed?
- Is the breeder willing to allow you to see the puppies in their environment via video chat?
- Is the breeder a member of any professional organizations, for example their AKC Parent Breed Club, or local All Breed Clubs?
- Does the breeder participate in any dog events, for example confirmation showing, agility or obedience?
- If purchased in the state of PA has the breeder informed you of your consumer rights, as required to be compliant with PA law?
