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Dogs For Sale Melbourne

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Dogs For Sale Melbourne

Pet ownership in Australia has increased significantly from 61% to 69% since 2019, according to research conducted by Animal Medicines Australia. Of the estimated 30.4 million household pets today, dogs remain the most favoured companion animals by families and individuals nationwide. While the pandemic contributed greatly to the increase in pet ownership, other factors also caused a rise in acquisition such as population growth, higher demand, and irresponsible breeding practices.

Luckily, Australia is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world, with Melbourne being a remarkably “pawsome” city to raise a dog or even take it on a vacation. As a dog-loving place, this populous capital of Victoria has canines visible almost everywhere – parks, cafés, beaches, and surrounding streets, among many others.

If you reside in the city and are deeply considering bringing a new furry friend into your home, you are just like many other Melbournians out there. From October 2020 to September 2021, the average monthly search for dogs for sale in Melbourne was 6,600. The desire for animal companionship is high, indeed. But, of course, finding the perfect breed for your family, needs, and lifestyle is not easy. If you have yet to decide on a breed to adopt, the chart below may help you choose one.

Most Searched Dog Breeds In Melbourne 2021

1. Cavoodle 7. Groodle
2. Golden Retriever 8. Corgi
3. Chihuahua 9. Maltese
4. Labrador 10. Maltese Shih Tzu
5. Toy Poodle 11. Border Collie
6. French Bulldog 12. Jack Russell

Common Questions to Ask your Dog Breeder

Responsible pet ownership is encouraged in Melbourne, so if you are planning on adopting one, it is important to visit the breeder and meet your puppy before making a decision. This way, you not only see where your future dog is being raised but can also ask any questions concerning your breed of choice.

Can I meet the parents?

A responsible breeder will always be glad for you to meet at least one of the parent breeds. This is because it is their way of showing their potential buyers that their dog is generally healthy and has a sound temperament. Often, they will only introduce you to the dam because most of the sires are not owned by them.

When meeting one of the parents, take time to play, pet, and feed it. Its behaviour can give you an idea of how your future dog may behave in the future. It should appear happy and in great condition. If the parent appears ill, aggressive, or anxious, take it as a warning sign that its offspring may inherit the same issues in the future.

How do you go about socialising your dogs?

Socialisation begins with your breeder and continues with you. It starts as early as three weeks of age, so when you buy from a responsible breeder, you should expect your dog to have been exposed to different people, objects, smells, environments, and sounds by the time you bring it home. The purpose of this is to ensure your dog ends up confident, well-mannered, and adjusted.

But what about older dogs? If you prefer adult canines over puppies, ask your breeder what socialisation practices your chosen dog has undergone over the years. If it still experiences fear or hesitation, slowly introduce it to new things like you would a puppy. For adult dogs with severe cases, have them checked by a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist.

Have the parents been examined for genetic conditions?

Verified breeders make it their responsibility to do health screenings before breeding two dogs. This is because they value and understand the importance of producing healthy puppies with excellent temperaments.

 

Whether you are eyeing a purebred or a crossbreed, ask your breeder for genetic testing results before buying. If your breeder is reputable and conscientious, it will willingly disclose any health records, regardless if one or both of the parents has a disease or problem you should be wary of.

For cautious buyers who are not satisfied with only health records, here are additional test results you may request from your breeder:

  • Brucellosis testing
  • Vaccination tests for the dam
  • Fecal testing for the puppy (usually between four to six weeks of age)
  • Deworming (at least one for new puppies)

What kind of food can I feed the dog?

Verified dog breeders have a basic understanding of the nutritional requirements of a dog without the need for a supplement. They know which diets are balanced and which foods are nutritious. Unfortunately, a dog’s food intake depends on several factors including age, size, breed, and health condition.

Your breeder may advise you to maintain your dog’s feeding schedule for a few weeks once you have brought it home. They may even suggest that you continue feeding your canine the same food it has been used to eating to allow it to settle faster into its new surroundings.

The age when dogs usually first enter a new home is eight to 16 weeks old. Diet changes are not recommended at this time because they might experience stomach upset. If you want to introduce your dog to a new food or diet, it is advised to do so gradually and only in small amounts. Your breeder may suggest high-quality commercial kibbles, cooked meats, or vegetables.

Is the dog up-to-date on its vaccinations?

A good breeder makes sure that its dog receives vaccinations and exams so it is protected against diseases before it is adopted. They will be able to provide their buyers with all paperwork for their pet, including registration papers, immunisation records, and veterinarian examination results.

For optimum protection, dogs are recommended to have their first course of vaccination at around six to eight weeks of age. They will usually be administered two to three injections every two to four weeks until they reach 14 weeks.

When adopting a dog that is not fully vaccinated at past 16 weeks of age, it is suggested to consult with your veterinarian. This way, you get to protect your pet the best way you can and avoid feeling regretful later on.

Do you offer a health guarantee and contract?

Some breeders offer a health guarantee and contract that make a buyer believe that the person they are negotiating with is ethical. However, a fine print is not always a sign of a legit document. When purchasing a dog, even from a breeder that has been recommended by a reliable source, analyse well what is included in the document. Here are some things to look for:

  • Registration Certificate – This document comes with a unique registration number that only a certified breeder is authorised to issue.
  • Pedigree Certificate – This proof of lineage is your way of knowing whether your adopted breed is inbred, line-bred, or an out-cross.
  • Veterinary Documentation – Responsible breeders understand that initial vaccination is required. This documentation includes original certificates and papers.
  • Return-to-Breeder Clause – While good breeders do not sell a dog with the expectation of getting it back, there will sometimes be unfortunate and unwanted instances when their buyers will have no better option but to return the dog. Verified breeders must include a return clause in their contract so that they can help the previous owner rehome or change ownership.

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