How to Buy a Pedigreed Dog or Cat

Assuming you've already answered the all-important questions of whether or not you really want a dog or cat, can properly care for it, and which breed you prefer, buying a pedigreed pet requires a bit more work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Breeders
• Pet magazines

1. Ask your vet to recommend breeders (see How to Find a Veterinarian).
2. Read dog and cat magazines such as Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Cat USA for listings of breeders and national breed clubs.
3. Contact the American Cat Fanciers Association (acfacat.com) to find breeders' directories. For dogs, go to Breeders.net. In addition, get in touch with breeders through online bulletin boards with services such as America Online.
4. Attend dog and cat shows, and talk to the breeders who are exhibiting. Most reputable breeders will be involved in showing their animals. Talk to them about their breeding methods, philosophy and anything else that will give you an idea of how they operate.
5. Look for a breeder who has a thorough knowledge of the breed, and is committed to making sure the individual animal's personality is a good fit with your family.
6. Listen to the breeder. He or she should be as interested in you and the home you will provide to the pet as you are in owning the pet. Responsible breeders are very selective in choosing homes for their puppies. Be suspicious of a breeder who doesn't ask you a lot of questions about your suitability as a dog owner.
7. Ask to see at least one parent of the puppy or kitten. See how the animal interacts with the breeder. Is it friendly or does it shy away?
8. Inspect the animal carefully. It should be fully weaned and clearly ready to leave its mother. Signs of a happy animal are an active, friendly personality; clean ears, eyes and nose; healthy gums and teeth; thick, glossy coat; and a balanced gait.
9. Make sure the breeder provides you with authenticity (a signed document by a veterinarian) of the pet's health. Some purebreds are prone to congenital health problems; find out what they are before you bring home your pet so you know what to look for. For example, some dog breeds should be screened for hip dysplasia and you should receive certification that that was done.
10. Research fair prices for the breed. A good breeder will happily offer references.

What to Look For:

• Reputable breeder or shelter
• Pedigree and registration papers
• Written medical history

Tips & Warnings

• Animal shelters often have purebreds that have been abandoned by their owners. It's worth checking with your local humane society or the rescue society for any specific breed.
• If you plan on showing or breeding your new dog or cat, tell the breeder what your intentions are and be particularly rigorous in your examination of the animal.
• You'll need dog food, food and water bowls, a dog bed, an ID tag, collar, leash, travel kennel and grooming equipment. Chewing toys are essential for teething puppies.
• Avoid pet shops, which don't always take good care of animals and aren't as knowledgeable about breed, lineage and care.