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WHAT TO EXPECT OR LOOK FOR IN A BREEDER:
Choose a responsible breeder as you would any other expert. When you buy a puppy or grown dog, by all means talk over thoroughly the terms and conditions of the sale. You want a healthy puppy or grown dog, so be sure to ask the breeder what assurances he offers. Most breeders will ask you many more questions than you will probably direct at them because the breeder is trying to find out if you are going to be a responsible pet owner. It is conceivable that if only one member of your family wants a dog, the breeder may turn you down, for experience has told him that a household in which a puppy is only a part-time proposition is not at all desirable. The breeder expects you to call or write for advice at any time and considers it as part of the purchase.
When you have purchased your puppy, the breeder will give you an inoculation record, the puppy's pedigree showing its 'ancestors' for at least three generations, the AKC Application for Registration, a Bill of Sale and other information. It will be up to you to name the puppy and apply for its individual registration. Discuss with the breeder the proper procedure for submitting the application and ask if he does or does not want you to include his kennel name in your choice of registered name. Occasionally, the breeder will have already registered the puppy, in which case you will receive the puppy's Certificate of Registration and you will use the form on the back of it for transferring ownership of the puppy. It is strongly suggested that you call for an appointment, especially if the breeder you plan to visit lives some distance away.
After you have taken your puppy home, you should arrange for your veterinarian to examine it within a few days. The inoculation record and a stool sample should also be taken to the veterinarian. Remember that most diseases have a relatively short incubation period and your puppy will be exposed to new germs and new diseases as soon as you get it home. Your veterinarian can assure advise you of the health of your new dog and can set up time schedules for office visits to promote your dog's continued good health.
Each pet owner will want to train his dog so that it is well mannered and will be an object of admiration instead of dismay, whether or not he chooses to participate in showing, obedience or field work. If you don't plan to spend some time each day with your new pet in training and playing with it, it is our opinion that you should not own a dog. Animals don't train themselves and they need your help. Once trained properly, they will not forget.
The breeds in the Directory are listed alphabetically for your convenience in finding the individual who can help you locate a breeder who can show you the puppy or dog you are looking for, or refer you to another individual with quality puppies.
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