When you have a specific dog—like a Presa Canario—in mind, you’ll need to work with a breeder. However, not all dog breeders are created equal, and if you want a dog that is healthy and well-adjusted and hope to have a good resource for your chosen breed, you’ll need to do some legwork first.
Here’s how to find and work with a responsible Presa Canario breeder:
- Do your research: The first thing you should do is research breeders for the type of dog you want. Depending on how popular the breed is, your experience may range from very easy to needing to travel for your new dog. In addition to locating the breeders, make sure that you look up reviews and testimonials from people who have worked with them before. Often, other breed owners can point you in the right direction.
- Set up a meeting with the breeder: Next, make an appointment to meet the breeder. If it’s not possible to meet them in person, whether due to distance or the current pandemic, ask for a video conference meeting. If you are able to meet in person, check out the premises. Are they clean and odor-free? Do the dogs look happy and well treated? You’ll also want to evaluate the breeder to see if they seem knowledgeable and passionate about the type of dogs they’re breeding. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, move on to the next option.
- Come prepared with questions: During your meeting, make sure you have a list of questions for the breeder, including anything to do with care, feeding or breed-specific tips. A good breeder will want their dogs to go to loving homes, so don’t worry if you have a lot of questions or fear that they might be stupid or obvious ones.
- Ask to meet the puppy’s parents: One of the best ways to evaluate how your puppy will grow up is to meet their parents. This should give you an idea of how their general temperament and physical features will turn out, although sometimes genetics can surprise us.
- Ask about breed organizations and memberships: Does your breeder belong to any breed-specific organizations, or partner with them as part of their business? This will give you a sense of how involved they may be in the breeder community.
- Know the timeline: Getting a puppy from a breeder is different than adopting from a shelter or grabbing one out of a box outside the store. Don’t expect that you’ll come home with a dog the day you meet with a breeder—know the general timeline and be patient.
- Ask for documentation: Your dog will come with documentation of its pedigree, with the United Kennel Club logo clearly visible.
- Get the full medical history: Finally, make sure you get your dog’s full medical history in case they have medical problems in the future.
If you’re interested in adopting a Presa Canario, Cabeza Grande Kennel would be happy to meet with you. Contact us today to set up an appointment.