Who and Where to Buy a Dog From

And What to Avoid

Hobby Breeder – People who are hobby breeders are the best choice to purchase a dog from.  They tend to be serious and dedicated breeders who plan their litters, research pedigrees, collaborate with fellow breeders, take pride in what they produce and place puppies in homes where they will be loved and cherished.  The primary goal of a hobby breeder is “to improve the breed”.  They breed the best possible dogs they can for temperament, health and conformation.  Typically, they are people who are home full time who can care for puppies around the clock and are always available for consultation when there is a challenge. The primary goal is NOT to supplement their income.  They place their puppies with responsible, dedicated individuals or families.  Pups are, home raised, well socialized and well on their way to being either crate or potty trained when leaving for their new homes.  Puppy packages are very comprehensive focusing on early training and intensive puppy care.  Dedicated hobby breeders DO NOT make a profit from the sale of their puppies.  Any proceeds go directly back into their breeding programs.  All dogs are health tested and documentation is provided at the time of placement on both the sire and the dam.

The following is a checklist that you can use to establish whether or not your breeder is reputable:

1. They are members in good standing, of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada and America.
2. They are members of the Canadian Kennel Club in good standing.
3. Their name appears on the breeder’s contact list for either the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada and/or America.
4. They show their dogs and have a good reputation with other breeders.
5. They will provide a referral to another breeder if they do not have pups available that suit your timing, family needs and skill level.
6. They offer a contract that includes health guarantees and a reasonable period of time to have the pups examined by a veterinarian after purchase. Most reputable breeders will have their pups vet checked prior to placement. First shots and deworming is also standard practice.
7. They provide written instructions on feeding, training, care and grooming of your Portuguese Water Dog.
8. They temperament test their puppies and attempt to establish the best “fit” between pups and families.  Ask your breeder about this and what testing materials are used to assess temperament.  If the breeder does not know or is unsure of temperament, beware.
9. They provide documentation for GM-1 testing, PRA Optigen testing, current ECR ( OFA Eye Certification) OFA hip x-ray results (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), JDCM (test for Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – heart disorder resulting in puppy death) as per PWDCC requirements.  Accept no excuses for lack of health testing on their dogs.  If the breeder gets snarky…MOVE ON.  The available puppies list which can be found on the web site www.pwdcc.org is a good place to look if you are considering purchasing a puppy.  To post on this list the breeder must demonstrate that all health testing is completed as per required by the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada.
10. They disclose any other high risk health issue that may be evident in the pedigree.
11. They offer coaching and consultation after the puppy has gone home, if needed for the LIFETIME of the dog.
12. They make it clear in the contract that if you are unable to continue ownership of the dog, that new owners must be approved by them or returned to the breeder for placement in a new home.
13. Provide extensive references – both from their veterinarian, past puppy purchasers and fellow breeders.
14. They require your pet to be spayed or neutered as there is a firm commitment to maintaining a high quality breeding program.
15. The puppy home environment is clean and live in the home and not in a kennel or barn. Emphasis is placed on socializing pups before placement.
16. Are firmly committed to improving the breed first and foremost and NOT supplementing their income.  Always ASK how may litters they have had in the past year.  One or two litters is acceptable.  More than this is an indicator that someone is in it for the GOD ALMIGHTY dollar.  If the breeder gets snarky when asked questions…MOVE ON.

Conscientious breeders ask a lot of questions that you might find personal in nature and they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy until getting to know you a bit better. Do not take offence. Dedicated breeders are genuinely interested in finding quality homes for their puppies.

WHO AND WHERE NOT TO BUY A DOG FROM

A Pet Shop, Dealer or Rural Farm – Many of these puppies are produced in “puppy mills”.  A puppy mill is an environment where many litters are produced per year.  Some puppy mills claim they “home raise” their puppies but don’t allow you to see the sire or the dam of the pups.  Beware.  These people only care about making a profit and the dogs are often poorly bred or sick and live in deplorable conditions.  These dogs often end up in pet shops or sold through dealers on the internet.

Backyard Breeder – These are people who own pets and think it might be a great way to earn some extra money or provide a “great life experience” for the kids.  Often they don’t know or care about breed standards, health concerns, temperament issues and inheritance or proper methods of raising dogs and puppies.  The goal is often to make money and supplement the family income.  These individuals do not show their dogs, are not members of breed affiliated clubs such as the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada or America and do not produce the paperwork on genetic testing and have some excuse why not.  These people do not stand behind what they produce or operate according to ethical standards published by established breed clubs.  Many talk a good line but do not necessarily charge less for their pups, but often the dogs are poorly bred.  BUYER BEWARE.  Good breeders provide life time support, documentation on health testing and are involved in established breed clubs.