Making Your Decision
It’s well worth taking time to assess several breeders before deciding where to buy your Spanish Water Dog puppy.
Be willing to travel some distance to meet the breeders in their homes. Most breeders will want to meet you and check your suitability to own one of their puppies, even before they are born. But you should also want to make the trip to make sure that any puppy you buy has come from healthy parents and been raised well.
When you get there, take a good look around at the conditions in which the parents and pups live. Things to think about include:
- Is the area clean?
- Is there enough room for exercise?
- Are the puppies stimulated? Are they being socialised?
- Are the puppies familiar with household sounds eg the hoover?
- Do the older dogs appear happy and well-cared for?
- Do the parents (if both are still there) have a pleasant temperament?
- Have the mother and the pups been wormed?
If the puppies have been born when you visit you should have the chance to play with them and see how their different personalities are already developing. Remember that the mother may still be a little protective of her babies. Don’t be alarmed if she is not looking her best – looking after a litter can be very demanding.
The puppies should be outgoing and keen to play. They should look well-fed, with clean and healthy coats. Their gums should be pink, their eyes free of discharge, and the inside of their ears should not be red or inflamed.
If any puppies catch your eye ask the breeder about them. Sometimes they may display a different temperament when visitors aren’t around. A good breeder will want to be honest about the pup, as he will be concerned to ensure you buy the puppy most suited to you.
Don’t worry about visiting the breeder more than once if you want to. Spanish Water Dogs have long lives and it’s important that you take your time to choose the right one for you.
When you have selected your puppy and been approved by the breeder, why not take something of yours to leave with the pup. He will then be familiar and comfortable with your smell by the time you take him home.
