Read About Texas Dog Breeders

    -  Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   A reputable dog breeder in the state of Texas should be affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC). They may also be associated with clubs pertaining to the specific breed they are raising.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   A reputable breeder will take pride in his dogs. He is usually selective in whom he will sell a puppy to. A breeder wants to ensure that the puppy and new owner make a good match and that the puppy will live a long, loving, and healthy life with its new owner.

3. How to Find:

   An excellent source for finding a breeder in Texas is the Internet. Your local phone book, library, or vet can also assist you.

4. What to Expect:

   Any reputable breeder will want to know as much about you as you do about them. Expect to fill out a questionnaire about yourself, your family, your surroundings, your experience with dogs, and why you want a puppy.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   The breeder's surroundings must be clean and free of disease. You should not see feces or puddles of urine. The animals should have clean water, fresh food, accessibility to the outdoors, and shelter.

Texas Dog Breeders - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   Depending on the breed, litters can range from 2 to 12 pups.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   No puppy should be sold before it is at least eight weeks of age.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   Puppies should have a shiny clean coat, clear eyes, and show no signs of limping. They should look plump, but not fat. They should be active and interact well with the other puppies in the litter.

4. Registry:

   If the puppy is a pedigree, it may be registered with the AKC already or you may need to register it after you've purchased it. A mixed breed dog can be registered with the Designer Dog Registry.

5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

   A pedigree dog will have specific characteristics recognized by the AKC. Most breeders will sell puppies for a cheaper price if they do not meet the AKC standards, but are still a normal, healthy pup. Mixed breeds are not recognized by the AKC.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   Depending on the breed you want and whether it is a pedigree or a mixed breed, puppies can range in price from free to $2000.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   Ask the breeder if he/she keeps records of the puppy's heritage. It is important to know the dog's heritage for health reasons.

Texas Dog Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   Avoid purchasing your puppy from a pet store, as many stores will not disclose who they purchase their puppies from. You can inquire about the reputation of any breeder through the AKC, local dog clubs within the state of Texas, or from previous buyers.

2. Pet Health:

   The puppy you are thinking of purchasing should be free of fleas, ticks, and worms. The breeder should give you all of the puppies vet records from a vet that is registered and licensed with the state of Texas. Your puppy must be up-to-date on all of its shots.

3. Assurances:

   Any reputable breeder in the state of Texas will give you a guarantee of health for your puppy.