Buying a dog, advice wanted

Hailhail1967

I have never bought a dog before, I have had 2 dogs in the past, one I re-homed and one I was a x I got from a friend.

I am considering getting a pedigree dog, possibly an Akita. There is a couple of questions I was hoping someone could answer.

1. Exactly what do I need to check with the breeder, ie paperwork etc?

2. Is there paperwork etc that needs to be signed or that I need to get signed to get microchips etc changed over?

3. Why do I see some dogs advertised as being KC registered, micro-chipped and vet checked and for sale for €150, surely this is to cheap?

Thanks in advance

Rommie

First of all, what do you know about akitas? Have you had any stubborn, large breed dogs before?

Secondly, if you're going to get one, then please, please only do so through the akita association of Ireland, they will put you in the right direction of a good breeder who health checks (eye tests and hip scoring) and who only breed responsibly. You need to be able to see results from both of these tests, and the IKC paperwork (make sure they are not Canine Ireland, but definitely the Irish Kennel club papers)

For a well bred, healthy, akita with a balanced temperament, you'll be looking at five-six hundred euro at least.

I know you specifically said buying, but is there any chance you would consider adopting from a pound or rescue? I know of one pound that has had four akitas (between six-twelve months) in the last two months alone.

Jimmy Bottlehead

I'd agree.

You can buy a dog which will be sold regardless, or you can give a pound akita (or other dog) a second chance at life.
There's no harm in at least looking at some pound akitas; you might fall in love, and you can treat yourself to something nice with the money saved over buying a pedigree.

catherine1984

I agree, please consider a rescue dog. There are so many great rescue centres out there you are bound to find a Akita in one.

Rommie

Rommie wrote: »

First of all, what do you know about akitas? Have you had any stubborn, large breed dogs before?

Secondly, if you're going to get one, then please, please only do so through the akita association of Ireland, they will put you in the right direction of a good breeder who health checks (eye tests and hip scoring) and who only breed responsibly. You need to be able to see results from both of these tests, and the IKC paperwork (make sure they are not Canine Ireland, but definitely the Irish Kennel club papers)

For a well bred, healthy, akita with a balanced temperament, you'll be looking at five-six hundred euro at least.

I know you specifically said buying, but is there any chance you would consider adopting from a pound or rescue? I know of one pound that has had four akitas (between six-twelve months) in the last two months alone.

I find that this type of advice confuses people, what you are saying is check hip and eye scores as well as go to a good breeder with papers as you can get a dog with an unbalanced temperament.

All of this is correct.

Or rescue, were you do not get any of what you said above.

Its a little bit of a contradiction.

Rommie

Deleted User wrote: »

I find that this type of advice confuses people, what you are saying is check hip and eye scores as well as go to a good breeder with papers as you can get a dog with an unbalanced temperament.

All of this is correct.

Or rescue, were you do not get any of what you said above.

Its a little bit of a contradiction.

Well the choice in my book is always a good breeder or a rescue. A good breeder because you get a healthy dog whose parents have been tested, and a guarantee that if you cannot take care of the dog for whatever reason, they will take it back (this is what a good breeder means to me at least). A rescue because you're giving a dog that needs a home a home, not to mention that the good rescues will ensure that the dog is evaluated before going anywhere and will only put a dog in a home that suits it. If someone cant afford to shell out the money that's needed for a good quality dog, then why not rescue? Instead of lining the pockets of puppy farmers and backyard breeders?

I assume everyone heard about the child who was bitten by a husky this morning? Third attack this year by a spitz breed. These dogs are coming from the irresponsible breeders who slap two dogs together regardless of termperament and breed them, caring only for money. These are the people who need to be avoided, and if they're not getting the money, then I can only hope they give up breeding altogether.

Cherry Blossom

OP, if you don't have past experience of stubborn, wilful breeds I wouldn't recommend taking on a rescue Akita, now this is somewhat of a sweeping statement as of course it depends on the individual dog and where it comes from. If you want to re-home - let the rescues take the Akita's out of the pound, they are the people with the experience and for the most part know what they are doing as regards matching the dog with the right home etc. I wouldn't risk taking an Akita from a pound directly as they are increasingly being bought by people as status dogs. An Akita with issues will be no walk in the park.

As regards breeders here is the links for the breed club in Ireland:

http://akitaassociationofireland.com/

The first thing you have to decide is if you want an American Akita or an Akita Inu. The breeder should be able to give you copies of any health testing done on the parents and should show you the origionals, BVA test results should be on the parents registration papers. Pups should be already registered and they give you the 'change of ownership' forms. They should also be able to provide a copy of the pups pedigree. I had all the paperwork for my pup the week before he came home as the breeder handed it all over in advance, he is registered with the (UK) kennel club which doesn't require pups to be micro-chipped before registration so things may work slightly differently with the IKC.

Hailhail1967

I dont see why I should even answer questions about my motives or my personal history but anyway, I have had a boxer and a german shepard cross. I have been around and trained dogs all my life. I have no problem with the type of dog, I am well aware of the work that a dog needs and deserves.

I was lucky with the dog I re-homed in that he was a fantastic dog, who seemed to be very well socialised, but I have seen some sad stories with rescue dogs and unfortunately the point that was made about the people or type of people who owned many of the rescue dogs is very well made, they are often not well socialised and and be very tough to deal with.

I would never rule out a rescue dog, although I do not know much about the rescue system either and indeed I do not even know of where these places are, or these pounds are, links to any places would be appreciated.

I asked the original questions as i am not familiar with how to check out pups are genuine and in good health. Also I am not even certain an Akita is what i want, I would love to have a boxer again.

EDIT: Thanks for link to the Akita association, I hadnt come across it.

TooManyDogs

When you decide on a breed start you research, when you've finished do a little more! There's so many ways you can be fooled when buying a dog that research will be your best friend. Make sure you're really familiar with all aspects of the breed standard, if there's also a 'working' version of the breed make sure you're really familiar with that too. Have a read of the Puppy Farming Sticky so you don't get caught out, make sure you know what health tests are standard for the breed and what good results look like so that you understand the results when you see the certs.Make sure you see all vaccine certs and breed papers on the day, never be pawned off with "we dont have them to hand, we'll pop them in the post" because guaranteed you'll never see them. Ask how often and when was the pup last wormed, they should be wormed every 2 weeks after birth. The number of pups sold with a big belly of worms is criminal.

And finally, don't be in a hurry! As my Mam used to say, what's for you wont pass you so don't just buy the first pup you see until you're sure its a healthy, well reared, well bred pup.

kkumk

<snip> Not exactly an Akita but he's a lovely guy none the less

Hailhail1967

kkumk wrote: »

<snip> Not exactly an Akita but he's a lovely guy none the less

Nothing there????

star-pants

Hailhail1967 wrote: »

Nothing there????

Link was <snip>'d by a moderator as I assume it breached the charter.

Hailhail1967

star-pants wrote: »

Link was <snip>'d by a moderator as I assume it breached the charter.

Ah I get ya now ha ha.

Anyway, got talking to a gentleman yesterday that owns Akitas, just by pure chance. I got to go see two lovely dogs today. One of them was huge, I couldnt believe the size.

Still undecided to be honest.

Rommie

Hailhail1967 wrote: »

I dont see why I should even answer questions about my motives or my personal history but anyway, I have had a boxer and a german shepard cross. I have been around and trained dogs all my life. I have no problem with the type of dog, I am well aware of the work that a dog needs and deserves.

I didn't mean to offend when asking, but having spent the past year helping with akita rescue and rehoming, I've met a lot of people who've gotten those cuddly, fluffy bears and no longer want them after they've hit six months and are already 30kgs so I guess I get a little wary when people say they want one. Apologies if I came across like that:o.
They are a large, extremely stubborn, extremely independent dog but amazing, loyal, gentle dogs once the work is put in. They also require a trainer who can get creative; not all training methods will work with them.

The akita association people are great, so do get in contact with some of them if you're planning on going ahead with an akita. Best way to decide is to meet plenty of them

Cherry Blossom

Rommie wrote: »

They are a large, extremely stubborn, extremely independent dog but amazing, loyal, gentle dogs once the work is put in. They also require a trainer who can get creative; not all training methods will work with them.

Giant terrier then so

Rommie

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Giant terrier then so

Hmm, dont know if they're that bad. I'd take on an akita any day before a terrier:D

jigital

Do they bark excessively? This is something you might consider when choosing a breed, if you want to stay on good terms with the neighbours.

Rommie

jigital wrote: »

Do they bark excessively? This is something you might consider when choosing a breed, if you want to stay on good terms with the neighbours.

Depends entirely on the individual dog but akitas are known to be extremely quiet- barking only when there's a reason to eg: strangers at the door. My current housemate has four (two from a breeder, one rescue and one foster and yes, there's barely room for us in the house with the four of them!) and one barks like a nut at everything, I've only heard one of the older two bark once, and never heard the other bark. Foster boy does a bit of grumbling and growling, but only a few barks so far.

Hailhail1967

Oh been busy researching and even been to see some dogs and pups, just to make sure I know what i want. I have also been in touch with a couple of re-homing places.

Although I have my heart set on getting a puppy tbh. I have fallen in love with a couple of boxers, seeing pups is so hard, I want them all ha ha. although recession is biting hard, so I may have to hold off for a few months to ensure i get a good healthy pup from a reputable breeder.

Any boxer owners??

KingIsabella

Since joining a couple of rescue pages on the book face i can't get over the amount of stunning dogs that are around for rehoming. I know ill never be buying a dog. I got my one now as a rescue and i intend to rehome and rehome and rehome.<snip>

madrabui

KingIsabella wrote: »

Since joining a couple of rescue pages on the book face i can't get over the amount of stunning dogs that are around for rehoming. I know ill never be buying a dog. I got my one now as a rescue and i intend to rehome and rehome and rehome. If you're around cork check out the mallow animal rescue and the cork dog action welfare group pages, some stunners on there for rehoming!

I grew with pedigrees all my life; I would have considered myself to be a complete snob. Until as a favour I fostered a mix/crossbreed. He is as good as the best pedigree we ever had. I'm still gobsmacked that he's so good. I would never have recommended getting a dog without knowing his heritage due to inherited health problems. This fella certainly did a good job in changing my mind.

crally

The pounds in Ireland are full to bursting, <snip>, there are 3/4 Akitas in Dublin pounds that are due to be put to sleep as no one is rehoming them. Rescues are full so cannot take them from the pound. PLEASE do not buy dogs when healthy dogs are being put to sleep.

Cherry Blossom

Crally - You have not posted in this forum lately other than for the purpose of pushing your rescue agenda, recommending specific rescues and pimping your own facebook page. Read the forum charter, your next breach of it will result in a one week ban.

Hailhail1967

I must admit that since I started looking into getting a puppy, the people involved in many "not all" of the re-homing agencies are down right pushy, many have made me feel terrible about wanting to buy a puppy instead of re0homing a dog. Regardless of my assurances that I have knowledge of re-homed dogs and have been around a number, many of these people try so hard to force you into re-homing a dog that it makes me feel very uncomfortable and if anything pushes me further away from the idea.

I know most if not all the pros and cons of adopting a dog and I have made my own choice. Pedigree dogs deserve to have a good home with me just as much as other dogs, despite the horrible lives many of them have had. And while I support all the re-homing agencies and other agencies which do such good work. I think I should be given the courtesy of people letting me make my own choices.

So if anyone has any information on the relative dogs I asked about or if anyone knows of any good breeders that they know of, please point me in the right direction. Thanks.

Magenta

Hailhail1967 wrote: »

I must admit that since I started looking into getting a puppy, the people involved in many "not all" of the re-homing agencies are down right pushy, many have made me feel terrible about wanting to buy a puppy instead of re0homing a dog. Regardless of my assurances that I have knowledge of re-homed dogs and have been around a number, many of these people try so hard to force you into re-homing a dog that it makes me feel very uncomfortable and if anything pushes me further away from the idea.

I know most if not all the pros and cons of adopting a dog and I have made my own choice. Pedigree dogs deserve to have a good home with me just as much as other dogs, despite the horrible lives many of them have had. And while I support all the re-homing agencies and other agencies which do such good work. I think I should be given the courtesy of people letting me make my own choices.

So if anyone has any information on the relative dogs I asked about or if anyone knows of any good breeders that they know of, please point me in the right direction. Thanks.

I totally agree with you about the rescue spammers, spam spam spam and a nice slice of agenda pie down your throat for dessert!

Here is a thread that would be of help to you- It's basically how not to buy a puppy farm dog and how to buy a well bred puppy http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056295154

Cherry Blossom

OP since you seem to have your wits about you and well capable of sorting the wheat from the chaff I would advise having a look for some UK boxer forums and having a lurk. Do your research on the breeds health issues and get to know some breeders via the forums. The best breeders have no need to advertise their dogs, and the UK breed specific forums tend to have the best of the Irish on there. This is how I found my pup, although I was already familiar with the breeder he would not have been advertised for sale and I wouldn't have got him otherwise.

Hailhail1967

^^ I never even thought of the Uk forums. Thanks much :-)

ISDW

If you can OP, go to some dog shows and talk to the boxer people there, I know one and she'd talk the hind leg off a donkey. Dog owners love to talk about their dogs, so you'll get lots of information.

I run a rescue and I have no problem with people buying from responsible breeders, the ones who do it for the right reasons and do all the health tests, with a contract to take dogs back throughout their lives. I know a breeder who has recently taken 2 huskies back - 12 years old! Not adding to the welfare problem there. I don't see why the only dogs available should be badly bred with no health checks, proper socialisation etc. Why can't people get the breed they love, and know they are getting a well adjusted, healthy dog? So yes, its really important to do your research on the breed and the breeder, and you will probably have to wait until they have a litter but its worth the wait. And no, not everybody who has champions in their bloodlines are responsible, reputable breeders, so don't be fooled by that. Ask about how they socialise the dogs, meet their own dogs, see how they interact with you and their family, don't just go on bloodlines.

Best of luck

cjf

I agree going to dog shows and talking to the competitors is a great start and you can Suss out the people who may have suitable pups or a planned litter without the pressure of coming face to face with an adorable puppy you can't walk away from. I did this before getting my dobe and found that the people I thought I was going to grill for info ended up grilling me to see if they would even consider letting me have a pup! Ended up getting my guy when he was returned to the breeder as the family couldnt keep him anymore. We had exchanged emails at a show and I expressed that I had a preference to adopt and it all just fell into place. My lad was 7 months old when we got him. Good luck on your search :-)

PieForPi

One of the SPCA's popped up on my FB with a 1 1/2 year old white male Akita, fully house trained, well socialised and even does a few tricks. I'd take him myself if I hadn't just gotten a puppy of my own! If you haven't ruled out a rescue at all then perhaps you'd consider him, 18 months is still a puppy

If not then the club/association are the best to get in contact with. They do a lot of good work with breeders in terms of screening litters that they'll advertise and the like.

Hellrazer

Can users please stop recommending rescues.The thread is about "buying a dog" not rescuing one.The OP has already made it clear that he doesnt want a rescue but wants recommendations of good breeders