Searching for the perfect dog, whether through a breeder or a rescue, can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. As I began my journey to find a dog that fits my lifestyle, I discovered the importance of doing mindful research. The goal? To avoid health or behavioral issues while ensuring the breeder or rescue is reputable and responsible.
In this post, I’ll take you through the steps I’ve been following to evaluate both breeders and rescues, and offer insights into how you can ensure you’re making the right decision.
Starting the Search: Why Research Matters
I want to emphasize that I’m not a huge fan of kennel clubs, but I do use their resources for one important reason—they provide helpful guidelines on genetic and physical testing for different breeds. This has been an invaluable tool in my search. Today, I’ll walk you through how I’m using these resources to find a healthy, happy dog.
I started my research with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed I’m considering. Using the Kennel Club’s breeder search, I entered my location to narrow down breeders in my area and surrounding regions. Here’s what I focused on as I reviewed breeders.
Key Criteria When Evaluating Breeders
When looking at breeders, it’s important to dig deeper into the parent dogs. I want to know about their health screenings, genetic tests, and how inbred they are, as these factors give a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of health.
1. Health Screenings
I opened the health information of one of the breeder’s dogs and looked at the tests conducted. For example, one parent had an eye screening done in 2023, at the age of 1 year and 9 months, which is crucial because some health issues develop later in life. I also checked for any additional screenings, though in this case, there was only the eye test.
2. Inbreeding Coefficient
Each dog has an “inbreeding coefficient” score, which tells you how inbred the animal is. For example, the average for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 5.2%, but the dog I was looking at had a much lower score of 2.2%, meaning it’s less likely to inherit genetic diseases. Lower numbers are always preferable.
3. Genetic Tests
The mother had undergone two DNA tests and was clear of any genetic issues. This gave me confidence that the puppies are less likely to carry problematic genes. Similarly, the inbreeding score of the puppy was even lower at 1.3%, further reducing the likelihood of genetic health problems.
Considering Rescues: Is Adoption Right for Me?
Although I’ve been leaning towards a puppy, I’m also keeping an eye on rescues. There are plenty of wonderful dogs out there looking for homes, and adoption can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some of the rescues I’ve been considering and the key factors I’m looking at.
1. Retired Guide Dogs
Retired guide dogs are often well-trained and calm, making them a great option for city living. However, the demand for these dogs is incredibly high, and I’m aware that the chances of adopting one are slim.
2. London-Based Foster Rescues
I’m also looking into rescues like “All Dogs Matter” and “Pro Dogs Direct,” which foster dogs in London. The advantage of adopting from a local foster home is that the dog is already acclimated to the environment, making the transition easier.
3. The Oldies Club
This site aggregates listings of older dogs (usually 5 years or older) from various rescues. It allows you to filter dogs by traits such as being good with kids, cats, or other dogs, making it easier to find a good match for your lifestyle.
Important Questions to Ask Breeders
Once you’ve narrowed down potential breeders, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting a well-socialized, healthy dog. Here’s a checklist of questions I’ll be asking before making any commitments:
- How do they socialize their puppies?
It’s important to know what environments and experiences the puppy is being exposed to early on, as this can greatly impact their behavior. - Where do the puppies live?
Puppies raised in a home environment tend to be better socialized to everyday household noises and activities. - Are there any behavioral issues in the parents?
Issues like separation anxiety or aggression can be passed down, so it’s vital to know the temperament of the parents. - Can I meet the mother?
Meeting the mother will give you a better idea of the puppy’s future temperament and health. - Can I choose a puppy based on temperament, not just appearance?
Choosing a puppy based on personality traits that suit your lifestyle is key, rather than focusing solely on physical traits.
Wrapping Up My Journey
As I near the end of this process, I’m preparing for the next steps in welcoming a dog into my home. Whether it’s a puppy from a responsible breeder or a rescue, the research and thought I’ve put into this will ensure that I’m making a choice that’s best for both me and the dog.
In the next post, I’ll be diving into the routines and preparations I’m making to ensure my future dog is happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Stay tuned for more.
