Buying a dog a big decision

Monday, August 28, 2006
By D.L. STEPHENSON
dstephenson@repub.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Although it goes almost without saying that you must love dogs if you decide to acquire a four-legged friend, sometimes love isn't all you need.

Four dog shows on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition that began on Thursday and ended yesterday featured more than 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the sanctioning body for the shows
Each show also included obedience trials and gave the public an opportunity to ask questions.
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However, the message was clear at all four shows: Buying or adopting a dog, regardless of its pedigree, is serious business and never to be done on a whim.

According to Gloria McClay, show chairwoman for the Great Barrington Kennel Club, reputable breeders always ask prospective owners a series of questions and expect those looking to buy to do the same.

"If the breeder talks like a salesman, then you don't want to buy a dog from that person," McClay said of those breeders more concerned with profits than the future welfare of their animals.

She said that it's also important for prospective owners to do their homework on the breeds they like in order to select the right kind of dog for their lifestyle.

As well, reputable breeders - those who do not run "puppy mills" or sell their dogs to pet stores - will also know of groups and organizations that rescue purebred dogs.

McClay said there are plenty of purebred rescue groups in existence because, unfortunately, there are numerous unfit "dog parents" who abused, neglected, abandoned or relinquished their animals to animal shelters.

Certain breeds such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, American bull terriers, German shepherds, Alsatians and other large dogs, often attract people looking for dogs that look tough and mean. And frequently these large breeds fare the worst, though any dog can end up with a bad owner and in need of rescue.

People who say they want a particular dog primarily because of its looks or tough image raise a red flag for McClay, who breeds small schipperkes and has bred a litter of rottweilers.

For professional handler David C. Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, Penn., who breeds small, apartment-friendly Pomeranians, "I use my intuition when I talk to people."

He insists that people who want to purchase a dog visit his kennel at least three times and ask him questions about not only the breed, but also about his qualifications, background and professional practices as a breeder.

Fitzpatrick said nice people can be bad owners, too.

Dogs are social animals and do not deserve to be home alone every day for hours on end, which is the norm in a society in which most people work outside of the home, he said.

"Socialization with dogs is very important. So they may be great people, but if they don't have the time, I don't sell them one of my dogs," Fitzpatrick said.