Going to a breeder today to meet some pups!

daisyheadmaisy · New member Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 13

My husband and I are going to a miniature pinscher breeder today to look at some puppies. I am so excited Smile

Any advise?

puttin510 · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2748

Ask if they have done any genetic testing and if they passed.

If you are going to get one. Pick the one that picks you. That way you know you will form a special bond.

daisyheadmaisy · New member Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 13

Thanks for the info Smile

I have read not to pick the one that runs up to you first. It may be the most aggressive one. Question

Jas · Moderator Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Posts: 774 Location: Canada

I agree - ask if their dogs are OFA certified www.offa.org (type in kennel name) ask to see the health certificates that state the parents are clear of genetic disease
I came across this site The Min Pin Place (neat site, check it out)
http://www.theminpinplace.com/about.htm
it lists potential diseases/conditions that occur in the breed
hip/elbow dysplasia
patellar luxation
thyroid
cardiac disease
eye
all of which breeders should be screening the parents for.

Note the temperament of the parents, do they seem stable & secure - chances are the pups will be a lot like them. As far as picking a pup goes, look beyond the first one running up, it is not always true they will be "the most aggressive" - and don't confuse assertiveness, outgoing or dominance with aggression, they are completely different Smile

Don't judge by the first greeting - it may be that puppy has just woken up or was closest to the door etc. While you are there observe the litter and if one pup consistently seems more outgoing or shy take note. Try and find one who is in the "middle" of the pack, not too pushy, but not scared or shy. Ask the breeder which one s/he thinks would be most appropriate for your lifestyle - hopefully the breeder has some idea and has already asked you lots of questions. Especially about activity level, if you have kids, other pets etc. Certain pups will fit in better with certain families.

Good luck!!!

casper · Member Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 52

Hopefully I'm not too late in inputting my tips.

I asked my vet what health conditions I should look at when I See my pup for hte first time.

Theres probably some common sense stuff but I'll add it in anyways.
Check their eyes to make sure they're white
Make sure they're friendly towards you - shy ones may have problems later on (I've experienced this first hand, I recommend a really excited puppy)
Don't pick the runt (tho not all litters have real 'runts')
Check their posture
Check their ears
Check their skin - make sure its not too dry
Definitely check out the parents - most dogs resemble the mom

Finally, something I didn't know, look at their belly to see if they have a hernia - apparently its not hard to fix but it'll still be a little bit of $ to fix off the bat.

Good luck

daisyheadmaisy · New member Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 13

Nope. not too late Wink

Thanks!!

MyBabyShihPoo · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 7:46 pm Post subject:

Looks like you received some great tips!!! Your the best

Just wanted to say good luck, and let us know how things go! Very Happy

gwen13 · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:53 pm Post subject:

I have to disagree strongly with whoever said to pick the dog that picks you.

The dogs that are the most outgoing and unafraid to approach strangers are usually the alpha dogs which can lead to dominance issues later on if you don't start training right away to teach them you are the one in control.
It may be cute as a puppy but it won't be when he/she starts challenging you 6 months down the road.

It also doesn't give you a chance to see how sweet or what a great personality those shy little guys might have! Just because they don't come charging at you and jumping all over when you walk in the room doesn't mean that they won't be the best companion you've ever had.

When I went to pick up my Siberian Husky, the sweetest most affectionate baby I've ever had, she was curled up in the corner while her sister was biting her tail and ears Crying or Very sad

As soon as I picked her up she just melted! She was the smallest and because she was very shy to approach people everyone going to see the puppies that day had ignored her. She became instantly attached and wouldn't stop giving kisses and wanting to be hugged, I knew I'd found my pup! She doesn't have any issues now because of the shy-ness, she simply doesn't like to go charging up to people she doesn't know, but she was every bit as playful and happy as any puppy.

Give them all a chance, spend time with each puppy privately in a separate room, ask the breeder about each of their temperments because he or she should know them all very well and could even help you chose according to your lifestyle and needs.

puttin510 · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2748

That may be the case sometimes but not always. Its wise to ask the breeder in his view also what the temperments of each pup are. And if you want an alpha, and many do. then take the alpha if not go for another. I love either. My poodle is shy, but she is a definate alpha too. I love the challenge she has given me. I've conquerd her. Its cool because she does have both types of temperments. With people she is shy and with dogs she just makes sure they stay their distance from her. Does not attack anything. I think if she was a pup she would not have been one to walk up to me first. I'd have to go get her. if your worrier tell the breeder what your looking for.
On another site there was a breeder that had a certain pup to go to a certain home, the people came and she was drawn to another and did not go by what she told the breeder she wanted in the first place. She actually started crying because she wanted her choice not his, like she asked him to do.. Figure out what you want.