GPCPS

General information about purchasing an LGD.

If you are contemplating adding a dog to your operation we suggest that you take your time in obtaining such a dog. Talk to many breeders about their dogs and about what can be expected from the use of a dog. If you buy from a knowledgeable, reputable breeder, that person will be a wealth of information to you as you integrate the dog with your stock and will be available to you throughout the life of the dog to provide support and help in problem solving.

It is not necessary that the pup you buy has been raised with livestock. Most working pups go to their new homes between 8 and 10 weeks and what is most important has been their relationship with their mother and their litter mates. It is important the pup come from breeding stock that has produced successful guardian dogs and from a breeder who demonstrates knowledge about the use of guardian dogs.

When you purchase a pup, several things are important.

• You should have the right to take your pup to a veterinarian of your choice for a health evaluation and the right to return the pup and have your money refunded if the pup is not in good health or condition. Exercising this right will save you a great deal of expense and heartbreak.
• You should have a written contract on the pup which spells out the breeder's guarantees. These should include a guarantee to replace the pup if it develops any debilitating condition which is the result of a congenital or hereditary defect.
• The parents of your pup should have had their hips certified free of hip dysplasia by the Institute For Genetic Disease Control or the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals. In its most serious form, dysplasia can result in a dog which is crippled by the time it is a year old. Mild forms of dysplasia will result in the early onset of arthritis and a limiting of the dog's working life. Reputable breeders will not only have their breeding stock x-rayed but will offer the buyer a guarantee on the hips of the pup.
• Many breeders will guarantee the working performance of the dog if the breeder's instructions on training and management are followed. An unsuccessful dog should be replaced.
• Most knowledgeable breeders will require that working pups be spayed or neutered. It is well documented that altered animals are more reliable guardians. The breeder's concern is to provide the stockman with successful predator protection and altering the animal contributes substantially to this success. Some breeders will have guardian pups altered before they are sent to their new homes. This is a totally acceptable procedure.
• Potential guardian pups should have had the same quality care as any well reared pup. This includes correct vaccinations and wormings for its age. You should receive a complete written health record on the pup. Do not purchase a pup for guardian work if it is under 8 weeks of age. It is extremely important that the pup have had time with its litter mates in order to develop its strong identity as a dog. If handled correctly, pups as old as 10-12 weeks can become excellent guardians. Older pups must be evaluated individually and the input of a knowledgeable breeder is crucial at this point.

We want to emphasize the importance of buying from a knowledgeable breeder. There are many people who live on farms and breed dogs to supplement their farm income. These people have limited knowledge of the use of livestock guardian dogs in varied situations. A knowledgeable breeder is well read and well informed on both historical and current uses of the breed in protecting livestock. If the breeder does not have the answer to your "problem" she knows where to obtain that information. Feel free to ask the breeder for referrals to people who are using her dogs in situations similar to yours. Reputable breeders belong to organizations dedicated to the advancement and protection of the breed, and are governed by strict Codes of Ethics which benefit the breed and the buyer.

You are entitled to an adequate guarantee on your pup and it must be in writing.

If you have questions about the use of livestock guardian dogs or about reputable breeders please feel free to write call or email:

The Great Pyrenees Club of Puget Sound

Linda Weisser

3449 Gull Harbor Rd NE

Olympia WA 98506

360-357-9478

lmweisser@home.com

Kerry Kern Woods

1206 W Bender

Ellensburg WA 98926

509-925-3339

woodskk@eburg.com