PURCHASING A KEESHOND PUPPY
You want to buy a keeshond.
You've done the research. You believe they are the right fit for your home, your lifestyle.
Now what?
The best place to start your search for a kees puppy is to look at the breeder directory on the Keeshond Club of America website, at www.keeshond.org
The site is full of useful information regarding the breed, including grooming, their health, breed standard, the KCA Code Of Ethics, breeder listings and keeshond rescue contacts.
Most of the breeders listed are actively showing, are passionate about the breed and have many years experience.
It is important to find a breeder that you are comfortable and happy with, as they will be a part of your family for the life of your puppy, providing support and advice when needed.
AVOID using websites such as puppyfind, Next Day Pets, pet stores and any websites that list ready availability of multiple breeds.
These are typically operated by brokers and the puppies generally raised in less than desirable conditions, with inadequate health screening.
Puppy mills/brokers often do not ask many questions of their prospective buyers, and are not invested in the breed or preservation.
They will not take a puppy back if you have problems or offer ongoing support and advice... a well bred keeshond will rarely be found in a shelter.
"But I don't want a show puppy, just a pet"
I hear this question often. Why purchase a puppy from a show breeder, when you are just looking for a pet?
In every litter of puppies, there may or may not be a puppy that quite makes the cut in the show ring, and the rest are looking for wonderful companion homes.
Puppies bred by preservation breeders that perhaps don't make the grade as 'show dogs' are companion or performance pets that are still more likely to be healthy, and to have a sound, breed-appropriate temperament, matching the description of the typical Keeshond.
Ethical and preservation breeders do extensive independent health testing, assessed by veterinary specialists before ever breeding a dog; whether your puppy has a life destined as a show dog, performance dog, therapy, or much loved family companion, it is imperative you work with a preservation breeder that recognises the value of independent health testing to give your puppy the best chance of living a long, healthy, happy, pain free life.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BREEDER
What health tests do you perform?
Answer should be hips, elbows, eyes, knees (patellas) and heart. Parents should be PHPT negative.
Ask to see results or for a CHIC number.
(Results are public and posted online at www.ofa.org - ask to see them!)
Just a 'bill of health' or vet check from a regular vet is absolutely insufficient!
How do you socialize your puppies?
Puppies should (ideally) be raised in a home environment, but a good breeder will ensure puppies have had regular handling, and exposure to lots of sights, sounds and smells, new experiences, and children.
Are the parents AKC champions?
Dogs that have competed and achieved their AKC championship are recognised to meet a certain quality benchmark.
It is not enough to have 'champion bloodlines'; the sire and dam should ideally be champions before breeding to ensure passing on maximum breed type and temperament.
Do you belong to any Keeshond Clubs?
A reputable breeder will be actively involved in the breed and be a member of either a local or national breed club, and have a Code of Ethics to adhere to when breeding a litter.
Clubs advocate for continuing support and education, and work with breeders to share information, advice and advances in health.
Can I see a copy of your contract? How much do the puppies cost?
A breeder should be able to provide a copy of the contract outlining any spay/neuter requirements, expectations of ownership and what happens to the puppy in the event that the dog can no longer be cared for.
Cost is variable amongst breeders but you can expect to budget $2000-$3500 for your new puppy. Do not pay more for 'rare' colors. Next day puppy websites often list puppies as low as $600 or as high as $5000, price does not necessarily determine breeder or puppy quality.
When can I get my puppy? Can I choose it?
Puppies should never leave their dam before 8 weeks, but some breeders choose to hold on to puppies until 10-12 weeks if trying to determine a show prospect.
Most reputable breeders will select a puppy for the new owners based on what the new owners are looking to do or their lifestyle - a performance minded, busy puppy may not be a suitable fit for a working family for example.
Do both the parents live with you?
This seems to be a common question but it is not necessary to have both parents living with the breeder.
The breeder should have selected the sire based on pedigree compatibility, health, type and temperament and sometimes the best fit can be across the country from the dam.
Finally....
A good breeder should ask YOU as many questions or more than you ask them!
Ethical breeders are passionate about their puppies and want to ensure they live happily for their lifetime and that they are a good fit for their new home.
Expect to be asked a lot of questions about your work, lifestyle and home.
A poor quality breeder just wants to sell the puppy.
All Rights Reserved Sandi Ford
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