Some advice from McGregor Veterinary Clinic in conjunction with LochWind Collies.
No matter what breed you are searching for, whether a companion, working or show quality dog...read on, it may save both you and the dog much suffering emotionally, phsically and financially.
Speaking as breeders, exhibitors, importers & exporters of rough coated collies as well as the owners of both a large mixed practice Veterinary Clinic and a Grooming Salon we are becoming increasingly disturbed at the number of collies that are in "rescue" or in animal shelters around Australia. Also in general a worrying trend in pets who have genetically inherited health problems that severely impact on the animal's quality of life.
These dogs come from all walks of life - they may be the so called designer pups bred at puppy farms or in back yards purely for profit.
They may also be from registered breeders.
Your first decision will be do you buy from a registered breeder or from a pet shop type of retail outlet or backyard breeder.
LET US CONSIDER a few of the pro's and con's of each ....
* At many of the large Pet Shop Outlets you can buy Designer Dogs or more correctly a Designer Mongrels such as a Labadoodle (Labrador crossed with a poodle) or a Schnoodle (Schnauzer crossed with a poodle) Chances are that you will pay more for a mongrel than you will pay for a pure bred puppy from a registered breeder.
*If you buy a purebred dog from a registered breeder, the breeder will be a member of their states Canine Controlling Body (in WA it is CAWA) and as such will be bound by the Code of Ethics of that organisation. What does that mean to you the buyer?
* If the pup you buy has a genetic defect which was undisclosed at the time of sale then the breeder must either take the dog back and refund your money or replace the pup with one of equal value. Pet shops and back yard breeders do not generally do this unless you go to the Department of Fair Trading !
* Good breeders will give you ongoing after sales support in respect of advice for feeding, general care and grooming of your pet.
Most Pet shops and backyard breeders do not do this either.
*Reputable breeders who are not just paying lip service to caring about their breed will have undergone many health checks on their breeding stock.
Pet shops and backyard breeders do not go to this expense.
* In collies responsible breeders will have Hip Scored, Eye checked & thyroid tested their breeding stock PRIOR to mating.
Eyes MUST be tested by a registered ophthalmologist between 5 & 8 weeks of age to gain a reliable result.
Pet shops and backyard breeders do not go to this expense and trouble.
ANY breeder who is genuine will happily show you any and all certificates for the dogs in your prospective purchases pedigree. IF they will not show you ORIGINAL copies of results for their own dogs and explain the meaning to you then DO NOT BUY from them - !!
* Breeders will have spent hours socialising puppies that they hope will be their future show stock.... most puppies from any given litter go to pet homes eventually. A puppy must be socialised well from an early age and be sure that pet shops and backyard breeders do not do this either.
* Reputable breeders will have implemented a regular routine of de worming, flea treatments and vaccination protocols both for their adults and puppies.
Puppies should be de wormed every 2 weeks from two to eight weeks of age then monthly until six months then three monthly until a year old.
This is not cheap by any means and pet shops and back yeard breeders rarely do this.
* The most recent veterinary opinion now is that puppies should not be vaccinated with their first shot until 8 weeks of age then again at 14 weeks. The mother should be vaccinated within the 12 months prior to whelping the litter and she will give cover to the pups through her strong maternal antibodies. Most vet clinics still vaccinate pups at 6 weeks to try and ensure some protection.
Pet shops and backyard breeders do not do this as pups are sold as young as possible to maximise profits and saleability.
Signs that you may be dealing with a backyard breeder could be...
*Multiple litters bred at the same time.
This could mean inadequate socialisation of mass bred pups.
*Very little if any certified health checks done on breeding stock or puppies.
* Puppies not clean. Dull and/or mucky eyes.
* Puppies coats dull & wormy looking.
* Kennels unsanitary delapidated and/or foul smelling.
* Breeder not happy to allow you to see the kennels and adult dogs on the premises.
* Very few if any older dogs retained.
* Highly inbred stock.
THESE ARE SOME ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF....
DESIGNER DOGS .
COULD THIS BE YOU.....
READ BEFORE YOU BUY!
Some useful links to health information....
McGregor Veterinary Clinic
72 Blair Street
Bunbury.6230
Western Australia.
Ph: 61-0897-216778
Fax : 61-0897-912386
Email : mcvc@gateway.net.au
