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The Puggy Page
Pictures
Meet the Pug
Buying Puppies
Setting Up House
Training and Care
General Care
Nutrition
Pug Problems 1
Pug Problems 2
Pug Clubs
Breeding 1
Breeding 2
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A dog is an innocent, trusting creature.
If we honor that trust, our actions in all things pertaining to the dog
will be honorable. Buyers and breeders alike should examine their consciences
before, during and after the acquisition of a dog.
Buyer Considerations 1. Buy a dog for the right reasons. Be it "show/breeding quality" or pet quality' the dog should be a companion and family member. Evaluate your purpose for purchasing this dog. Is your purchase realistic? Attend several dog shows/matches, speak with several breeders to educate yourself about the breed and various 'type looks.' Ask questions about such genetic faults as hip dysplasia, eye and kidney problems, bad bites, etc. looking at the pedigree while doing so. 2. Evaluate your life style realistically. Are you willing to dedicate yourself to this animal's welfare? Do you have adequate fencing? Will the pet be a financial burden? Do you have the time for teaching, discipline and health care? 3. Commit to keeping this dog for its lifetime. Are you willing to overcome the 'ups and downs' of dog ownership? Are you renting? Sometimes owning a dog and renti'ng can cause a problem. Be sure that your future plans and desired living arrangements won't force you to part with your pet. 4. When buying, if you are uncomfortable with anything about the breeder from whom you are buying or about the puppy itself, STOP, DO NOT BUY IT! 5. Involve the entire family in training methods of acceptable behaviour. 6. Do not allow your dog to roam freely through your neighbourhood. 7. Spay or neuter your dog as agreed upon in your purchase contract or if, you chose not to breed your "show quality' dog. 8. If you can't keep your dog, make every effort to return the dog to the breeder and/or work together to find a good replacement home in which both the new owner and the dog will be happy. 9. Commit a life-time of care for your pet. If you decide to undertake a breeding program, commit to the improvement of the breed. 10. If and when a breeding program is implemented,
contact your breeder for direction and advice. Be sure that your 'show
quality" puppy measures up to the standard as an adult. X-ray hips and
register with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) when the dog is
at least two years old. Check eyes annually for anomalies and register
with CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation).
Breeder Obligations 1. Breed always with the thought of improving the breed. The ideal dog should be your goal. 2. Be honest about your breeding stock. Disclose genetic and potential fault(s) of the puppy. Eliminate puppies with genetic or temperament flaws from your breeding program. OFA AND CERF all breeding stock. 3. Breed only as many litters as you can reasonably find good homes for. A good rule of thumb is to have homes for half a litter before the breeding takes place. Be prepared to keep "extras' lovingly until appropriate homes can be found. Do not rely on the stud owner to provide you with buyers. 4. Screen prospective buyers carefully. Refuse a sale if it is not in the best interest of the dog. Evaluate the purchaser's "animal history.' Evaluate the purchaser's reasons for wanting a puppy. Attempt to match the personality of the puppy with that of the prospective owner/family. 5. Be honest with the purchaser about 'life with puppy' and breed- specific traits. 6. Educate the buyer about the breed, litter or particular puppy. 7. Give each new puppy owner a 'puppy package."
Include:
8. Be prepared, have a plan for the 'dependent' child buying a puppy. Be sure you check the parents' thoughts about it. Will they be supportive and willing to take over when the 'child" goes to camp? 9. Keep yourself informed about your puppies development in their new homes. 10. Require 'pet quality' puppies be altered and do your best to enforce this agreement. You should register all puppies on C.K.C. non-breeding agreements. Show/breeding quality puppies can have a non-breeding agreement removed at any time. 11. Make your contracts with the buyers, fair and ethical. Remember, the welfare of the puppy is most important. 12. Be available for consultation and provide help with problems which can arise during the dog's life. 13. Take back the unwanted dog. There's no room? If you were offered the PERFECT dog, you'd find room. 14. Be gracious to the newcomer, be he or she a visitor, club member, novice exhibitor or one who is 'crazy about' his/her new dog. Throughout your dog's life, its welfare must be your first consideration. An animal does not ask to be born, nor can it choose its owner. The Breeder brings about an animal's life.
Moral responsibility and ethical behaviour should be utmost in every decision concerning the dog. Both breeders and buyers who keep this thought in their hearts will have a successful and gratifying relationship with each other and the dog. |