Shopping From A Breeder: The Small Professional Breeder (Part 2)

Shopping for a new puppy through a small professional breeder is one of the best choices you could make. These breeders offer much more personal help with questions and interests than larger breeder organizations do, and with more respected care for their puppies than you could possibly imagine.

However, as mentioned previously, small breeders are absolutely meticulous with choosing the right family for their pups. Do you have any children? If so, how many do you have and what are the ages? are example questions you will be asked. And these questions are important to the devoted breeder, as in many instances, very young children are unintentionally cruel to small puppies.

One of the most common ailments affecting pets as they age is arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints where tissue and cartilage in the joint breaks down or becomes damaged, causing swelling and discomfort. When this occurs, your pet’s quality of life often becomes compromised, with pain causing limitations on playful activities and distress even during daily routines.

Unfortunately, arthritis is a very common problem in purebred dogs. Due to selective breeding, some dogs end up developing severe arthritic conditions that often require major surgery to alleviate the pain.

Spotting Early Signs

One of the most common examples of this type of disease is Hip Dysplasia, which occurs in the joint socket where the leg meets the hip.

In the wild, animals will naturally eat what they need and no more. The task of searching for food and other basic necessities involves lots of exercise and so wild animals remain naturally fit and healthy.

The food available to them in their natural habitat is perfectly designed to meet their needs in an environment that has not been tampered with.

Domestic animals are provided with food which they do not have to hunt for and which is not always suited for their bodies. In addition, they are often exposed to a lifestyle which contributes to sluggish metabolism, underactive thyroids and livers which are not able to remove toxins or eliminate unwanted fat from their bodies.

West Highland White Terrier (Terrier Group)

There is no other member of the Terrier Group that is more friendly and affectionate than the West Highland White Terrier, or Westie for short. These adorable bundles of joy are a happy breed, always curious, and thrives on being the center of attention. It makes the perfect house dog for all family types are are wonderful around children.

The fun-loving temperament of the Westie carries over to strange dogs and people, as they are always looking to make new friends. Somewhat reserved around other pets in the house, these dogs quickly bond, making them amiable with every member of the family. At night they make excellent watchdogs, and will bark at any approaching person, animal, or sound.

A Brief History Of The West Highland White Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Terrier Group)

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most playful members of the Terrier Group. They are a fun-loving breed that look tough on the outside but thrive on love, attention, and lots of human affection. These dogs are amiable, easy to train, and are typically responsive to its owner’s commands.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers need constant human companionship. They are a devoted breed, loyal to its family and although friendly towards other dogs, pets, and strange people, will protect its loved ones at all costs. This dog is generally good around children but may prove to be a little too boisterous with smaller kids.

A Brief History Of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Selective Breeding & The Resulting Health Problems Is Your Dog At Risk? (4)

With so much bad breeding practices going on around the world today, how can families choose the right puppy for their home that has as limited health problems possible?

Educate Yourself Before Buying A Puppy

Potential dog owners should undertake a fairly extensive self-education program before committing themselves to the purchase of a pet.

Standard How To Pick A Puppy articles are an excellent place to begin, though too often they tend to rely on AKC registration as the major guide for purchase.