Today one has a choice of many sources for pet dogs: registered breeders, casual breeders, pet shops and rescue organizations. Different sources will suit different people, depending on their budgets and what they may require from their dog. Below is an evaluation of the various sources for puppies and older dogs:
Registered Breeders:
These are people who have a passion for a particular breed and who comply with the rules and requirements of the Kennel Union (i.e. breeding bitches and dogs must be of a certain age and they must meet certain health requirements). Registered breeders are the main source for acquiring pedigreed dogs. While most registered breeders are devoted to producing the healthiest and happiest puppies possible in order to further the reputation and wellbeing of the breed, there are unfortunately a few who are in it for the money and who therefore keep far too many breeding dogs and cannot devote the necessary time to each litter to ensure that the puppies get a good start in life. Some breeders also breed only for physical appearance, so that they can win titles in the show ring. This means that unwanted temperament traits are often ignored and passed on to future generations of dogs. A good breeder will give you the third degree when you want one of their pups and will even point out the more difficult aspects of dealing with the particular breed to make sure that you have thought it through and will be a suitable owner. Pedigreed puppies may cost anything from R6000 - R8000, depending on the titles of the parents, the reputation of the breeder and the rarity of the breed. Anyone with an interest in showing dogs, who requires a dog with a special working ability or has an attachment to a particular breed should acquire a puppy from this source.
Casual/accidental Breeders:
Far too often ordinary dog owners allow their bitches (sometimes unintentionally) to breed. Some parents think it is a fun idea to let the family dog have a litter for the kids to learn about “life”. While this is extremely irresponsible considering the amount of unwanted animals already in shelters, puppies casually born into a family environment are quite a popular source for other families to obtain dogs. These dogs are a lot cheaper than pedigreed dogs and sometimes benefit socially from being born into a family home (provided they are not traumatized by unruly children). However, there is also another type of breeder that fits into this category and who is a bit more worrying. This is the breeder who advertises in the newspaper claiming to have “purebred” puppies for about half the price of registered pups. These people seem to intentionally produce dogs of a particular breed, but without conforming to KUSA regulations. Thus genetic health and temperament problems, inbreeding and over breeding are rife. Puppies from casual breeders usually cost R1000 - R3000. People who want a dog of a particular breed, but are not worried about the pedigree of the dog will often go this route.
Pet Shops:
This is possibly the most problematic and unethical of all places to acquire a puppy. Most pups in shop windows come from highly dubious sources (puppy “mills”) and are far too young when they are put up for sale. Puppies may also be traumatized in the shop environment. These shops rely on the sympathy factor i.e. passers-by will feel sorry for the animal and rescue it. No matter what the shop assistant may tell you, no decent breeder would place their puppies in such a situation. I would urge people not to support this system.
Rescue Shelters:
There are many healthy puppies in shelters, cared for by devoted animal lovers, which will make excellent family pets. The challenge in this situation is to try to assess what type of dog you are getting, so as to identify what sort of temperament the dog may have as it matures. A shelter is an excellent place to acquire a puppy if you are not too worried about breed specifics and simply want a companion. Shelter puppies cost around R600, depending on which shelter they come from. Sterilization is mandatory with shelter dogs and the cost is usually covered in the adoption fee or the puppy is sterilised before it is homed. It is also worthwhile considering adopting an adult dog, but make sure that you are given information on the behaviour and temperament of the dog so that you know what you are getting into. Many shelter dogs will change significantly once they are settled into a permanent home with most of them flourishing in their new environment, but it must be remembered that rescued dogs also need training and routine and that they should not be allowed to do as they please just because they had a difficult start in life.
Wherever you decide to get your dog or puppy from, ask as many questions as possible and insist on seeing both parents, if they are available. A good breeder will be happy and proud to introduce you to his dogs.
One advantage of acquiring a pedigreed dog is that you can choose a dog with particular traits that you are keen on. The problem is that far too many people choose according to physical traits i.e. the appearance of the dog. It must be remembered that most of the breeds we have today come from dogs that were bred for a specific purpose or job and are therefore prone to certain behaviours which aided them in that job. It is critical that potential owners are aware of these behavioural traits and learn how to handle or accommodate them. See “Choosing the right dog” for more information.
Dogs from different sources: Jack was carefully chosen from a casual “family” style breeder and is a lovely, healthy and good-natured little dog. Wyatt & Emily are both rescued dogs that exhibit many of the behavioural traits of their breed ancestry - both are a pleasure to live with. Judah is a pedigreed and registered Rottweiler, bred for his “working” aptitude - he is very much “Rottie” in temperament and behaviour and really flourishes when given the opportunity to do the work his breed was developed for.