Читать книгу Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide - Robert Killick - Страница 38

Good breeders do not sell their puppies before they are at least eight weeks old, and, ideally, you should visit a litter when they are about six weeks old. This is a good opportunity to see the puppies with their mother in their own home. If you are looking for a family pet, take your children with you – these dogs are long lived and will be around for the children’s formative years. Keep them (the kids) under strict control, and remember that the puppies may never have seen small human beings before.

When you go to the breeder’s to see the puppies, it is a good idea to examine them, checking their health and temperament.

Ask to see the puppies’ mother, and do not buy a pup if the breeder cannot or refuses to show her to you. You are looking for a well-balanced dog who has not got short piano legs with turned-out feet. This type of dog is probably a cross breed and, although it may be a good hunting dog, it will not be a real Jack Russell and the puppies will probably end up looking like their mother. Also, check the mother’s temperament and how she responds to you; if she is fearful, cringes or is aggressive in any way, do not buy one of her puppies.

Likewise, take a crafty look around where the puppies are living. If their surroundings and bed are dirty or soiled and foul smelling, consider excusing yourself and just leave. Ideally, puppies should be raised in the breeder’s own home – not an outhouse, barn, garage or outdoor kennels – in a clean, healthy environment where they can be well socialized and become accustomed to all the various household noises and the comings and goings of different people.