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| Teton Valley, Idaho |
| Darby Canyon Spinoni |
| Spinoni Italiani - The Versatile Hunting Dog |
| Darby Canyon's Tips |
| For more info, email me at Diana@darbycanyonspinone.com |
| How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder - Tips from The Humane Society of the United States |
Look for a breeder who at a minimum:
1. Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of
the family--not outside in kennel runs.
2. Has dogs who appear happy and healthy,
are excited to meet new people, and don't shy
away from visitors.
3. Shows you where the dogs spend most of
their time--an area that is clean and well
maintained.
4. Encourages you to spend time with the
puppy's parents--at a minimum, the pup's
mother--when you visit.
5. Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and
is knowledgeable about what is called "breed
standards" (the desired characteristics of the
breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat,
color and temperament).
6. Has a strong relationship with a local
veterinarian and shows you the records of
veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the
puppies' medical history and what
vaccinations your new puppy will need or has
already received.
7. Is well versed in the potential genetic
problems inherent in the breed--there are
specific genetic concerns for every
breed--and explains to you what those
concerns are. The breeder should have had
the puppy's parents tested (and should have
the results from the parents' parents) to
ensure they are free of those defects, and she
should be able to provide you with the
documentation for all testing she has done
through organizations such as the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals(OFA).
8. Gives you guidance on caring and training
for your puppy and is available for your
assistance after you take your puppy home.
9. Provides references of other families who
have purchased puppies from her.
10. Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
11. Doesn't always have puppies available but
rather will keep a list of interested people for
the next available litter.
12. Actively competes with her dogs in
conformation trials (which judge how closely
dogs match their "breed standard"),
obedience trials (which judge how well dogs
perform specific sets of tasks on command),
or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders
will also work with local, state, and national
clubs that specialize in their specific breeds.
13. Encourages multiple visits and wants your
entire family to meet the puppy before you
take your puppy home.
14. Provides you with a written contract and
health guarantee and allows plenty of time for
you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should
not require that you use a specific
veterinarian.
In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a
breeder who requires some things of you, too.
A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her
puppies to the first interested buyer!
The breeder should require you to:
1. Explain why you want a dog.
2. Tell her who in the family will be
responsible for the pup's daily care, who will
attend training classes, where the dog will
spend most of her time, and what "rules"
have been decided upon for the puppy--for
example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?
3. Provide a veterinary reference if you
already have pets or, if you don't have other
pets, she should ask which practices you are
considering for your new puppy.
4. Provide proof from your landlord or
condominium board (if you rent or live in a
condominium complex) that you are allowed
to have companion animals.
5. Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter
the dog unless you will be actively involved in
showing him or her (which applies to
show-quality dogs only).
6. Sign a contract stating that you will return
the dog to the breeder should you be unable
to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.