If you're looking to get a purebred pet, you need to be sure to buy it from the right source. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the information that will protect you from being scammed by breeders and pet sellers.
Bird market
Today, they're no longer relevant. They've been closed in many major cities. Where bird markets still exist, they're limited in scope, making it impossible to find anything worthwhile. Those selling at the bird markets are almost always resellers.
Buying a purebred puppy from such a place is not worth it. There are no advantages, but the disadvantages are many and significant:
- Fraud. No self-respecting breeder would sell puppies at a "bird market." However, so-called "breeders" are drawn here with great pleasure. These are people who have acquired a purebred animal solely for profit. They are not averse to selling a mixed-breed, raising the price as if it were a true breed. You're unlikely to find an animal with proper papers and vaccinations here, but you can easily stumble upon a sick one.
- Price. Many people think that a bird's price is lower than that of a breeder. This is partly true. However, it's not uncommon for a person to buy a mongrel at a price that's only slightly lower than a purebred dog. While a puppy is young, it's unclear what breed it is, especially if you've never handled dogs before and have no idea how they differ from each other.
- Genetic diseases. "Breeders" are not averse to mating mothers with sons or fathers with daughters. Such inbreeding often results in genetic diseases that are not noticeable while the puppy is young.
Note: You can find purebred puppies at the "bird market," but this is extremely rare. Remember, genuine breeders sell even animals with some abnormalities through the club. They are labeled as unsuitable for shows and breeding, and are often neutered.
By advertisement
Almost the same as a "bird market." The advantage of this option is that a responsible owner will invite a potential buyer into their home. Here, they can observe the puppies in their natural habitat, calmly ask any questions, and assess how well they are cared for. The owner may not be a member of a club for some reason, but they still have a responsible approach to breeding dogs. However, these are isolated cases.
The disadvantages of buying from an ad are the same as from a bird stand:
- It's a lie. And you won't be able to prove anything if the sweet little one suddenly grows into an overgrown half-breed.
- The possibility of genetic abnormalities. This can't be ruled out, because the person selling the puppies isn't a member of the club, and there's no one to check them. You have to take their word for it.
- High prices. Under the guise of, for example, the currently popular Jack Russell Terrier, you'll be sold a cross between a Jack Russell and a Toy Terrier or Chihuahua, or perhaps even a random mongrel passing by. When a puppy is only a month old, it's not entirely clear what it will become, so a novice dog breeder sincerely believes they're buying a purebred. The result is something worth a lot of money (an average of 13,000-20,000 rubles for a companion animal, and 35,000 rubles and up for Jack Russells that are eligible for show participation and breeding).
- The animal is sent to its new owner by bus, train, or plane. No one knows what condition it will arrive in. It's entirely possible it will die of hypothermia in the cargo hold or of thirst on the bus or train. The important thing is that the previous owner got paid, and what happens next is of no concern to them.
Important: Buying from an ad is worth considering if you're looking to save money. If finances aren't a pressing concern, it's best to avoid this option.
Nursery
Everything is official here. When purchasing a puppy, the new owner is required to receive the following documents:
- pedigree certificate (exchanged for a pedigree when the dog reaches 15 months of age);
- veterinary passport;
- purchase and sale agreement.
The puppy must have a brand (in the groin or on the ear).
When breeding dogs, the breeder carefully selects a mate. During pregnancy, the female dog receives all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal development of the fetus. She is provided with the most suitable regimen, including regular walks in the fresh air. The dog is protected from stress.
You must pick up the puppy from the kennel yourself. The breeder will discuss this with you and often require a 50% deposit to ensure the future owner doesn't change their mind.
The only downside to buying from a breeder is the high price. But it's more than worth it, as the animal arrives at its new owner vaccinated, healthy, with an excellent pedigree, and a predictable temperament and color.
If you want to buy a truly purebred puppy with a healthy personality, don't skimp. Contact a kennel. Only here will you be provided with a full package of documents, informed about the animal's likes and dislikes, taught how to care for it properly, and recommended the most suitable food.
