BUYER RESPONSIBILITY

Buying a puppy should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision. A lot of thought, consideration and investigation should be undertaken before a new pup is brought into your home. Your German Pinscher should live to be about 14 or 15 years old, thus this is a choice that needs thorough study. You have made a good start by visiting this website.

You should make every attempt to find the right breeder, someone you can communicate with and trust. The breeder will also continue to provide information and support as your German Pinscher matures, and should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns about issues such as housebreaking, leash training, grooming, ear posting for cropped puppies, and feeding.

When visiting the breeder, ask to see the puppies relatives that live on the premises. Look for healthy, happy, reliable dogs raised in a clean home or kennel. Ask questions. The breeder is there to help you.

The breeder may direct you to a puppy that is just right for your family. Breeders know the temperament of their pups and you should listen to their advice.

Do not buy your German Pinscher on the first visit, rather ask questions, inspect the environment, and get to know the breeder. A reliable breeder will want you to take time to make your decision. Bring your puppy home when there is not a lot of excitement or commotion. Never buy a puppy at Christmas or a big family occasion.

Get ready to train your puppy by reading some good puppy raising books before you bring him home. Here is an excellent book on puppy training - SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever Have!..... by Peter J. Vollmer . You can order at Amazon.com.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

HOW MANY LITTERS DO YOU HAVE A YEAR?

Remember, the more litters a breeder has, the less time they have to assist the buyers and care for the puppies.

WHAT SHOTS AND MEDICATION HAS THE PUP HAD?

The breeder must supply a health certificate showing the shots, worming, ear cropping, and other medication information. Take this health record to your vet and have the puppy checked. Return the puppy if he is not in perfect health.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL I GET WITH THE PUPPY?

The puppy must be accompanied by a current health certificate, a three generation pedigree, a feeding and care sheet, a contract concerning the sale, and AKC registration papers, where applicable.

HAVE THE MOTHER OR FATHER HAD ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Ask for health information on the parents and close relatives of your puppy. For example, the father and mother should have been cleared of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA). Dogs that have been cleared will have an OFA number. Additionally, ensure the father and mother have been recently cleared of eye problems. Dogs that have been cleared will have a current CERF number. Make sure these numbers are included on your contract.

WILL YOU TAKE THE PUPPY BACK?

The seller should give you 7 to 10 days to get your puppy to the vet and allow you to return the puppy at anytime during the 10 days if there is a health problem.

Further return policy should be specified in detail in a written contract. All reliable breeders will take the dog back during it's lifetime without a monetary refund to the buyer unless specified in the contract.

If your puppy is returned for resale after the 10 days, remember that the breeder will have expenses which reduce the money returned to you.