Things to know and consider before adopting a rescue or purchasing a puppy

What is a Backyard Breeder?

The backyard breeder is that person who decides  they want a dog either just like the one they have or sometimes in the case of the DOGO, they want to add  "pit bull" to create a smaller dog for the hunt or for dog fighting. In the case of the Argentino Dogo, it boils down to pure greed. We are seeing more and more DOGO mixes coming into the shelters. 

Other reasons some people breed is; they think it will be fun, as stated above, they want to recreate their dog, puppies are cute, and of course MONEY.

Most don't get involved enough to know if the dog is breeding quality and breed to the closest male they can find.  Some are sold as registerable when papers were lost due to a lack of paperwork and most likely will never be registered. 

The puppies are typically sold through local newspaper ads and pet stores. The responsibility ends when the purchaser's tail lights disappear from sight.  Many backyard breeders do not have the knowledge to properly raise a healthy socialized litter or help the new owner with any problem that might arise. 

Some of these backyard breeders get turned into "unlicensed puppy mills", keeping a few
bitches to breed for profit without consideration of quality or health concerns.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO PURCHASE A DOGO PUPPY

Be selective when choosing a breeder.  Good breeders with health, temperment and hunt test their breeding stock. Regardless of whether you agree with the ethics of hunting, Dogos are hunting dogs. They will have prey drive.  A good breeder is one who tries to breed as closely to the standard as possible.  Ask a lot of questions!! 

Responsible breeders generally:
 1) Have a waiting list.
2) Require you to sign a binding contract.
3) Require you to spay or neuter your pet if they are not of breeding quality.
4) Provide training support.
5) Provide a health guarantee including having the litter BAER Tested.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE ADOPTING OR BUYING A PET:


1. Why do you want a pet?
2. How much time do you spend away from home each day?
3. Will your lifestyle and living arrangments be compatible 
     with a pet?   
4. If you rent, are you allowed to have a large dog?  Are you
     prepared to move?    
5. Are you really ready to make a lifetime commitment to a pet?
6. Are you financially able to provide for a pet?
7. Do you have the patience required to have a pet?
8. Are you familiar with your local laws on pet ownership?