Have you at last decided you would like a Scottish terrier puppy in your Home?
As a conscientious parent you almost certainly have gathered a sufficient amount of information concerning the Scottish Terrier breed, have weighed the pros and cons and subsequently made your decision. Right now is the time to proceed and acquire your new Scottish terrier puppy from a reputable Scottish Terrier breeder.
Hold on for a minute! It may just not be that easy. If you don’t follow some directions you may end up buying an animal with problems, a misstep you might deeply regret later on.
To prevent this from happening you should try to acquire your puppy from a registered Scottish Terrier breeder. But previous to you doing it drill him with questions that will provide you a large amount of information on the puppy’s background and breeding history.
With this information you will be able to make a well thought, balanced decision.
Here are six essential questions you should ask a Scottish terrier breeder previously to buying a puppy:
1. Ask if he is an associate of the Scottish Terrier Club of America or other Scottish Terrier Clubs, if you live in another country. Being a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of America (and to most breed’s clubs) means a breeder has adhered to a strict code of ethics in relation to breeding, protecting and preserving Scottish terriers.
2. Ask what health testing and immunization has been made for the puppies. Two critical health Issues to ask about:
A) Von Willebrands disease: Ask if they were tested for Von Villebrands disease and if he can present you the results. Von Villebrands disease is a genetic bleeding disorder comparable to hemophilia that affects Scottish terriers. There is a DNA-based test by VetGen.Inc that determines if a dog is affected or not. Serious, conscientious breeders will stay away from using affected animals for breeding.
B) Skin Problems: A number of Scottish terriers are very allergic and it shows up in skin lesions. Also a poorly bred Scottie will have poor hair coat.
3. Ask if you will be able to register the puppy.
4. Ask if there is a guarantee, for how long and if you can have a printed copy. Make sure the guarantee covers health associated problems.
5. Ask the breeder for references. Get in contact with previous customers and discover out if they are pleased about the puppy they bought and the breeder’s service.
6. To end with, if you decide to purchase from this breeder, ask him what was the puppy Diets so far and what kind of problems could happen if you eventually modify it.
A final recommendation: turn on a big red alert light if the breeder seems annoyed by your questions or avoids answering them. For your own safety go find another Scottish terrier breeder you can visit and ask these same questions again.
