BUYING A DOG? BEWARE THE SOURCE

The puppy you bring home is going to be part of your life for a long time. This is not the time for impulse buying. Slow down and make an informed decision for you and your family.

Buying a purebred dog can be confusing especially for the first time buyer. While the internet has made it easier for those looking for a puppy to find information, it has also made it easier for “pet producers” interested in simply making a buck to masquerade as dedicated, responsible breeders. The puppy buyer needs to beware, be educated and be patient.

“When selecting a breeder, make sure he or she is knowledgeable about the breed and committed to its improvement.”

Even if you want "just a pet", you want that pet to be healthy and the best it can be. When selecting a breeder, make sure he or she is knowledgeable about the breed and committed to its improvement. If you take your time and ask good questions, you can separate those whose goal in breeding is to improve the health and physical traits of the breed from those who are just producing puppies for profit. Look for breeders who study their pedigrees, understand that health checks are more than wormings and shots, who properly socialize and stand behind their puppies and who will be there to answer your questions and mentor you for the life of your dog.

Avoid breeders who do not participate in activities such as conformation, hunting, tracking, obedience and/or agility, who advertise on sites like NextDayPets, Puppyfind and TerrificPets, and who emphasize payment by MasterCard, Visa or PayPal. For these breeders dogs are a commodity, not a part of their lives.

Do not be fooled by breeders who say parent clubs are not important. Parent clubs are very important because they are where people learn. Buy from breeders who care enough about the breed to be members of the Clumber Spaniel Club of America (www.clumbers.org) and who show their commitment to the well-being of the breed by displaying the parent club logo on their website.

For more information about the Clumber Spaniel breed, visit www.clumbers.org. Click on "Puppies" for both a Puppy Buyers' Guide and a Breeder Referral List.