Puppy Buying Tips
LOOKING FOR A PUPPY?
1. The first, and most important thing to decide, is a Stafford right for you?
Check out our "Before you buy" page to hekp decide if a Stafford is the right fit for your family.
2. Research the Common Conditions/Diseases that can affect the breed
Staffords have a short list of conditions and/or diseases that are hereditary within the breed, whether the dog is a pedigree or not.
These conditions/diseases are:
- L2-HGA (L-2-HYDROXYGLUTARIC ACIDURIA)
- HC (HEREDITARY CATARACTS)
- PHPV (PESISTENT HYPERPLASTIC PRIMARY VITREOUS)
Staffords can also be affected by a few other conditions/diseases that aren’t currently considered a hereditary issue within the breed.
These conditions/diseases are:
- DM (DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY)
- HD (HIP DISPLAYSIA)
- ED (ELBOW DISPLAYSIA)
- Patellar (PATELLAR SUBLUXATION)
Information regarding the conditions and diseases can be found in the "Breed Health" section of the website, alongside what to look for when requesting this information from a breeder, and information on how breeders can screen/test for these conditions/diseases.
3. Find a Breeder
Buying from a Dogs NZ (NZKC) Registered Breeder means you will receive pedigree papers with your puppy. These papers will have the pedigree (family tree) of your dog on them. They will also have breeder details, your puppy’s details and your own details. They are produced by Dogs NZ, so are certified.
Purchasing a pedigree puppy from a Dogs NZ registered breeder is the best and safest way to ensure you are 100% getting a Stafford. No guessing games as your puppy grows!
This is a good article about why you should purchase a pedigree dog (it does mention ANKC as it’s governing body, as it’s an Australian article. For New Zealand, this is Dogs NZ):
https://www.dogzonline.com.au/why-buy-a-pedigree-pure-bred-dog.asp
Registered breeders will sometimes list litters on this page of the DogsNZ website: https://www.dogsnz.org.nz/pedigree/puppies/staffordshire-bull-terrier/280
There are also contact details of some breeders on the following sites:
https://www.dogzonline.co.nz/breeds/breeders/staffordshire-bull-terrier.asp
https://www.dogsnz.org.nz/breeders/info/staffordshire-bull-terrier/280
Note: The presence of a litter or breeder in the link above does not mean that they have DNA tested both parents. Any buyer will need to make their own enquiries, as recommended later in this file.
4. Research Your Breeder and Ask them Questions
This may seem like an odd thing to do, right? Asking the expert questions about something you may not be too sure of?
Whilst this may seem odd, it’s a good thing to do.
Many breeders will enjoy the fact that you have researched the breed and that you are concerned about getting the right puppy for your family and lifestyle.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/
https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/16-questions-you-should-ask-the- breeder/
https://www.dogsnz.org.nz/dogs/buying-a-dog
5. Ask to see copies of the DNA test results for both parents
Your potential breeder should be able to provide you with DNA Test Results for both parents. This will be one set per parent, or if the parent(s) are “Clear by Parentage” you should be able to view two sets per parent. I.e. One for each of their parents. It is recommended by Dogs NZ and Genetic Testing Companies that “Clear by Parentage” only lasts for one generation. This means that either your potential puppy’s parents or both of their parents need to be tested in order for your puppy to be clear of these conditions/diseases.
Please feel free to contact a Committee Member or Admin if you are confused or would like some more info/confirmation that you are on the right track 😊
There are examples of DNA Test Results in the group album here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.3053607074653539&type=3
6. Be prepared to sign a contract
This is a totally normal thing for reputable and registered breeders to request of their puppy buyers.
Not all breeders will request their puppy buyers to sign a contract, but for those who do the contract covers multiple things, including but not limited to; A rehoming policy, conditions around breeding, showing and/or exporting (if any).
A contract is not a scary thing, this can help to prove ownership, as well as provide both you and your breeder security around the puppy, their bloodlines and the future of the breed.