Just a little advice

[Margot49]

I don't know if this is appropriate to post here but I would like to put our some advice to those buying pure bred dogs.  Reputable breeders do a lot of research into the breeding of their stock.  Those that want to maintain the quality of the breed, do not want to breed dogs that can pass on problems!!  If a breed is prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, skin problems, thyroid problems. bleeding disorders, etc, a good breeder has her dogs tested and won't use a dog in a breeding program that may pass on these problems.  Of course, nothing is 100% but anyone who breeds animals is responsible for those animals.  I get very suspicious when I see ads that say *sire and dam on premesis."  The fact that a dog is *registered* really doesn't mean squat other then two dogs of the same breed are being bred and can be registered with AKC.  
If you buy a pure bred dog from a breeder, make sure you do your homework.
If a breeder will not give you a health guarantee covering genetic defects that would make the dog unsuitable as a pet, do not buy from them.  Contracts can vary but when I did some breeding and sold puppies, I always gave a Health Guarantee.  All my dogs were tested for what I was able to test for.  They were raised in my home, wormed and started on their shots.  Most of us have contracts.  
Like I said, there are no 100% guarantees that something won't go wrong or a health issue pop up.  
Over the years, I did refund and replace two puppies that had problems.  I had to actually argue with one of my buyers trying to convince them they had a puppy with a problem and it was  not fair to them to not have the healthy pet they had paid for.  As I had no puppies at the time for a replacement, I bought a nice puppy from another reputable breeder, at my expense, to replace that puppy, which I eventually had to put down.
Anyway, just a heads up on buying pure bred dogs and please, please do not buy from a Pet shop!!!!  
Every breed has a Rescue organization with dogs that are looking and in need of loving and forever homes that people might consider checking out.

[Margot49]

Well, we were able, some years ago, to get the pet shop in the mall closed.  Start writing letters to the Editor in your paper and get anyone else you know to do that also.  Perhaps one of the writers for your local paper will do an article on pet shops, where the animals come from, etc.  Don't make it easy for these people to do business.

[lindapalm]

When I walk by a pet store in a mall, I have to close my eyes.  If I see the puppies in the cages, it drives me nuts all day. The cages are so small, and some of the dogs are so big, and I don't even want to think about what happens if they don't get sold. I can't believe the stores can't be shut down for animal cruelty, cause in my opinion, it is.

[Margot49]

Nothing wrong with a nice, loveable mutt.  I've had my share of those too!!  
But. having shown dogs for a number of years in Conformation and Obedience, I just want the public to beware of people out there trying to make a quick buck on various breeds, esp the *In* breeds.
Too bad AKC doesn't have the rules and regulations they have in Europe regarding breeding, etc.  

[ginger899]

Thank you for this. Buying a pure-bred dog can be a minefield, but what you have said is good advice to anyone thinking of buying a pedigree puppy.

However, I happen to be in "The mutts league" myself ...lol :-) (Just love those mutts!)