PWD Buyer's Tips

Hobby Breeder – The individuals tend to be the best choice. Serious and dedicated hobby breeders do not really expect to make a profit from selling puppies. They tend to take pride in what they produce and place puppies in homes where they will be loved and cherished. Hobby breeders put a lot of energy and effort into studying and researching pedigrees, collaborating with fellow breeders and planning litters. Their selective breeding practices produce pups that are healthy with good temperaments and conformation. Pups are placed with care in homes with responsible, committed individuals or families.

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 you 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, Optigen testing, current CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) and hip x-ray results (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), JDCM (test for Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy- heart disorder resulting in puppy death) on BOTH parents.
  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.

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 Not to Buy a Dog From

A Pet Shop or Dealer – Many of these pups 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” but don’t allow you to see the sire of 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 are 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 this breeder doesn’t know or care about breed standards, health concerns or proper methods of raising dogs and puppies. The goal is often to make money and sell the pups as quickly as possible for some extra cash for the family. Sometimes, this venture turns into a way to earn extra income. These individuals do not show their dogs, are not members of affiliated clubs such as the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada or America and do not network or consult with other breeders regarding their breeding program. Frequently, they cannot 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. Beware.