By JARED ORZOLEK
orzolek@crescent-news.com
SHERWOOD -- Prospective puppy buyers can have a difficult time selecting the right dog when greeted with a selection of licking tongues and wagging tails.
But there are a variety of tips local dog experts offer to help area residents choose a reliable dog breeder and select a healthy puppy.
Dr. Jim Raimonde, a veterinarian at the Defiance Animal Hospital, said prospective dog owners should research both the breed and breeder before visiting a litter of puppies.
"A lot of times it's difficult to say no once you go to see a puppy," said Raimonde. "You have to watch some of the online breeders and puppy mills. I would recommend finding a breeder who is somewhat local and go to the facility and see what it is like."
Local vets indicate that those considering acquiring a new puppy should try to match the breed of dog with their lifestyle.
Raimonde said people who live in an apartment or trailer should not consider a large breed such as a Great Dane.
"Certain breeds are not good for children. It all depends on your situation," Raimonde said.
Dr. Terri Fedderke, veterinarian with Napoleon Veterinary Clinic, said her office staff will discuss the characteristics of various dog breeds with prospective pup parents to find a good fit.
"We have people who call us who don't have a pet yet. We will discuss options with them," Fedderke said.
Once a person determines the breed of dog desired, their local vet can help point them to a reliable breeder.
"You need to do research. Talk to your local veterinarian. Your own vet is going to be a pretty good resource," Raimonde said.
Breeders should also be aware of any potential genetic defects associated with a particular breed of dog and only breed dogs that do not carry those flaws.
She said some large dogs can be prone to hip problems while some small dog breeds may be genetically susceptible to heart conditions.
"A good breeder is going to guarantee that dog until its two or three years old," Fedderke said. "You don't want to spend a lot of money on a puppy and bring it home and find out it has a medical condition."
Individuals should also check the breeder's facilities when they visit a litter of puppies.
"You want a place that is clean and smells good," Fedderke said.
Breeders should let customers check the place where the puppies spend their time and let customers visit with the puppies' parents, according to local vets.
"The breeder should be pretty open as far as the facility," Raimonde said.
"Check the parents out to see how they look, how they respond to people. You can sit back and watch how the puppies interact with their littermates."
Fedderke also said prospective dog owners can learn about the personality of puppies by interacting with them.
"You want a puppy that is friendly, but you don't want a puppy that is overly dominant," Fedderke said.
One local breeder Raimonde recommends is Tracy Voirol of Sherwood, who breeds Shih Tzu dogs with the help of his wife, Shelia, and sons, Chris, 16, and Patrick, 9.
Voirol has 12 dogs who are housed inside an air-conditioned and heated building complete with its own drainage system.
"You want a puppy that is sociable. The one which comes to you will bond with you the most," Voirol said.
The breeder said his dogs are released to their new owners when they reach eight weeks old.
"I've seen people who will let them go at five or six weeks and that is just too early," Voirol said.
He said he raises his AKC registered dogs as a hobby and gives each new owner a record of the puppy's shot records.
Voirol said he is careful not to sell a puppy to a person who may not be ready for the commitment involved with owning a canine.
"If they are not ready 100 percent, I don't want to place that dog in the home," he said.
Some individuals may wish to choose adopting a mixed breed from their local humane society or a rescue group instead of buying a purebred puppy.
"My last dog I got from the humane society," Fedderke said.
"Mutts typically have less health problems. In Henry County, 400 dogs are put to sleep yearly because there are not enough homes."
POSSIBLE INFO BOX
The Humane Society of the United States reported that prospective dog owners should look for breeders who:
-- have dogs who appear happy and healthy and are excited to meet new people.
-- show prospective buyers were the dogs spend most of their time.
-- encourage time with the dog's parents or, at minimum, the mother.
-- only breed one or two types of dogs and are knowledgeable about breed standards.
-- have strong relationships with local veterinarians and show records of veterinary visits for puppies.
-- explain potential genetic problems inherent in the breed and provide documentation that the puppy's parents and grandparents have been tested for these problems.
-- offer guidance for carrying for and training the puppy and is available for assistance.
-- feed high-quality pet food.
-- keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
-- are involved with local, state and national clubs that specialize in the breed.
-- encourage multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy.
-- provide a written contract and health guarantee.