Deciding to add a Pit Bull terrier to the family is a big step. You should have already done research on the breed to learn the characteristics that Pits possess, and you should have also decided on a male of female. Once you’ve tackled those hurdles, it is time for the next step… finding the perfect puppy for your family.
The best way that I would suggest for finding great puppies is to check with your local American Pit Bull Terrier club. Get in touch with the club’s president and find out when the club meets. Attend a meeting, get to know some of the members, and begin asking around for breeder recommendations.
Alternatively, you can buy dog magazines and go through the breeder listings contained in the resources section. Take some time to call the breeders who you are interested in possibly working with, and spend a brief while on the telephone with them. Ask them questions such as:
- How long have you been actively breeding Pit Bulls?
- How long have you been involved with the breed?
- How many litters per year do you have?
- Where are your puppies kept?
- Are your puppies socialized?
- Etc.
You can also contact your veterinarian and ask them for a referral. A vet will typically know the health of a breeder’s lines, so they can be a great source of inside info.
You most certainly want to stay away from pet shops and puppy mills. In most cases, these sources obtain their puppies from a variety of places and it is nearly impossible to know if they come from healthy bloodlines or not. Also, these shops often charge large amounts of money for their dogs and prey on the uneducated, spur-of-the-moment dog buyer..
Lastly, be sure not to buy a puppy from the first breeder you meet and don’t buy the first puppy that you see. All puppies are cute. Spend time with many puppies so you can see the differences in their personalities and you’ll make a more educated choice I assure you.
