Pheasant Ridge Ranch

By Betty A. Radzevich

Now that you have decided a puppy is right for you and your family, what do you do next? If you have been going to dog shows and have chosen a breeder, how do you proceed?
First you must decide what the breeder is breeding for. Are they breeding for a total dog-good construction, good temperament, good pedigree, and good movement, as well as good-looking? If not, look around for someone who is looking to improve every litter they breed.

Next question is whether you are buying a puppy for pet or show. There are pet puppies in all litters, even if the breeder is breeding for show. Pet puppies simply means that they are not the best puppies in the litter. The whole litter is bred for quality, hopefully, but usually only a few are top show quality. The rest are sold as pets–to your delight because you are getting the opportunity to own a really nice puppy. You can usually breed one of these pets as long as they don’t have any disqualifying faults. If you breed for improvement you possibly will get a better dog from the next generation.

Show quality prospects, are usually the best pups in the litter and are chosen for their potential in their show careers and breeding careers. They are more expensive than pet puppies, but if you have an inkling that you might want to show, start with the best. Pup- pies sometimes fall apart or don’t live up to our expectations, so they are always a slight gamble. Let the breeder help guide you. Remember you can always show in obedience too, which is based on their intelligence in learning and their performance in the ring. Always strive for the best you can get and learn from your experiences.

When you go to choose a puppy, look for an outgoing puppy. He should be happy and look healthy. Puppies should not be hiding from you. Take along a toy and see if the puppy shows any interest in it. Don’t disregard him if he doesn’t take to it immediately, he might not have seen any toys before you showed him one. See if the puppy goes back to look at the toy at a later time. Don’t bring big, bulky toys or really noisy ones, just one with a squeaker in it and soft, so you can see the puppy’s interest. Let the breeder help you with your decision, based on why you want a puppy. They know their bloodlines best and can help you with your decision.

Be sure the puppy is covered with shots and wormed. Be sure to have everything written down, so you can bring the information to your veterinarian, so he will know what to schedule next for the puppy. Remember most shots are good for three weeks, so don’t give them too close together. Remember also to get a written diet so you can maintain a sound diet for your growing puppy. Good food is a must to expect the puppy to continue its growth properly and to have a healthy coat.

The breeder should also give you a bill of sale, a copy of the puppy’s pedigree and the shot and worming record. Any further information the breeder can give you, read it all and help your other family members understand the raising and feeding of your adorable puppy. Make sure children in the family are gentle with the puppy, and do not let them pick the puppy up if there is danger of them dropping it. Remember they are not cats and dropping them can cause permanent damage or breaking of legs, etc.

Read books on the breed and share the wealth of information you can learn from this exposure. Visit the breeder occasionally so he can continue to help you raise a healthy, happy puppy. They enjoy seeing the puppy too, and watching their progress. Good luck and have lots of fun with your puppy. Take them everywhere you can so they learn all different phases of noise and different people, it will make them a better dog.

From the Labrador Quarterly – Winter 2003-03