If buying from an individual (not breeder/kennel)... what documentation? - Page 1

Looking for some more advice...

Would most of you recommend buying only from a breeder with a registered kennel since they offer some form of guarantee along with a health certificate? 

If purchasing a dog from a private individual, what documentation should be required before the puchase?  These are the things I've thought of: proof of UTD vaccinations and heartworm testing, original CKC or AKC registration papers, x-rays (if they've been done).  Anything else?

TIA...

a REFERENCE LIST WITH VET S AND CURRENT CUSTOMER WITH PHONE NUMBERS FOR YOU TO CALL. PLUS A SCRAPBOOK WITH PICS OF FORMER PROGHENY AND ALL THE VET PAPERS, THE OFA CERTIFICATES, AND THE PEDIGREES   ...HEALTH RECORD AND AN AKC REGISTRATION PUPPY PAPER, OR REGISTRATION , ...

Get a copy in writting of the conditions of purchasing , from the kennels or the individual selling pup, as some people sell for others , and you can get in the middle of a fish net, like I did , purchasing a male from someone selling it for a friend, and they sold it , they typed the contract, they took the money, cashed the check, in their bank account,  and I had to take their word all was Kosher, or go back to Texas....I wanted this pup , so I went back to Texas , not seeing the Dam, no papers, just a contract that ended up being not worth the paper it was on, and laughed at when I tried to contact either,or both and all parties involved...a divorce and moving of the dams parent or parents, not sure who , how or when or why, but I was suppose to take the seller reputation as gospel....dont do it...get all info in writing,,, what they do if: hips are not ofa certifyable, what if dog dies in a month of a questionable problem , and has this pup been vet checked for heart murmur, and testicle placement.....You have no way of guaranteeing any other health issues , after the dog leaves a breeders home or site,,,,unless breeder knows his dam or sire are throwing dogs with problems already and that is why you talk to the vets or others that have bought pups from this person..or kennel......just because it is a registered kennel, doesnt mean you dont have to get written and agreed upon paperwork, between you and them     You have to make your desires known as well as the seller.......breeders are not mind readers.......if you dont want a docile pup, tell them , if you want top of litter , tell them ,,,if you want a temperament test done and how to do it,  ask,  if you want a complete vet check tell them,,,,,,if you want unlimited papers, tell them and be prepared for a no answer, or many limitations before they will release you the right to breed......many research done in your ball park.......ask millions of questions and they dont answer      RUN the OTHER WAY....

Tia,

everything yellowrose tells you makes sense, just one tiny thing : By demanding everything you are told, and if you are given all the info that you seek, I would say you are allready dealing with a breeder ! Point is, the reason why one would want to buy at a reputable breeder, are just these demands ! If you buy from a indiviual, none breeder, you probably pay much less for the dog than at a breeder, and you take the chance of getting what you payed for. As to the guarantee, there are many guarantees out there, if they are worth to think about, is something you have to decide for yourself. Many times they are not worth the paper they are written on, and you will find out their worthiness when ship comes to shove !

Regards

Ulli Dresbach

Thanks very much for your thoughts, Ulli... most appreciated.

hi Tia, I can offer the advice of : buy in USA or Canada!!  Before you buy visit some working dog clubs and meet people and see what defines a 'good' dog by talking with trainers, helpers, breeders, and people who are members of the dog clubs. Interact with the dogs and watch them work and listen to what people can tell you about what the behaviors you are seeing really reflect about the dog's temperament and workability.

I have had a terrible experience with importing dogs from a european broker. I can't recommend strongly enough to buy local. There are more and more quality clubs and competitiors, with good kennels in the US and Canada;  it is becoming easier to find nice dogs from reputable people right here where you do have some legal support if things go wrong. Homework and footwork really pay off.

Good Luck!

cindy graffam

Thanks very much Yellowrose, Ulli and Cindy...