Interesting Facts

WELCOME TO

 

  LUCIVILLE KENNELS.

 

 

Your first consideration in buying a dog should be the knowledge that for the next 10 or more years, that dog will be part of your household. Unlike your automobile, you cannot trade in your dog for a newer model. As a companion to your family, your dog will reflect the love and affection you show him. He will represent the love and affection you show him. He will represent an emotional investment as well as a financial investment. Therefore, choose him carefully. Know as much as possible about the breed and his breeder before you buy. Deal only with a reputable breeder.

SELECTING A BREEDER.

Much of the success you will have with your dog depends upon what happened to your dog before it came to you. Its genetic background , early conditioning and socialization are the result of the breeder’s efforts. Reputable breeders are those who :

  • Study genetics, nutritions, structure and movement because their primary concern is producing dogs that measure up against the breed’s standards of perfection.
  • See that all their animals receive proper inoculations at the appointed intervals in consultation with their veterinarian.
  • Give evidence of their concern with humane treatment of dogs. Never buy from a breeder who shows his dogs no love and treats them shabbily. (if there are any evidence of cruelty to his breeding stock like starving and over - used bitches, do our community a service and immediately report him to the SPCA )
  • Give individual attention to raising and socialising each puppy in clean and healthy surroundings where it can live happily with people and with other dogs.
  • Are happy to assist you with directions for the feeding , training and grooming of your puppy.
  • Occasionally, have young adults as well as puppies available. They will help you select a quality animal at a price comparable with and ultimately better than, that offered by a commercial pet store.
  • Will openly discuss pricing and financial arrangements.
  • Never mass produce puppies sold as commodities.
  • Never deal in gimmicks or unreasonable guarantees.
  • Never use high pressure sales practices to sell you on a breed or a particuliar puppy. Rather, they will encourage you to study, visit other breeders and attend an all-breed show before you decide.
  • Not all breeders are conscientious. Commercial establishments, like those specializing in ’attack’ or aggressive dogs and puppy mills seldom have the time to give the individual attention that puppies and new puppy owners need.

Decide BEFORE you buy whether you want a pet quality puppy or a show potential puppy. A pet quality is a healthy example of the breed which falls just a little short of standard of perfection in some way. A show quality puppy is one which measures up strongly against the breed standard and has no disqualifying faults. If you intend to show your dog, study the breed standard carefully. Visit several breeders. Observe the offspring produced by various breeders at matches of shows.

SOME TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Purebred: A dog of known quality and ancestry, with both parents of the  same breed for many generations.
Pedigree : A form which has the information and the registration numbers of a dog’s ancestors. Sometimes referred to as the dog’s ‘certificate’.
Registration Papers : Forms which entitled you to register your purebred dog. If these papers are not available at the time of purchase your puppy, be certain that they are forthcoming. Do NOT buy the dog unless you receive :
  • Full identification of the dog in writing
  • Signature of the seller including the co-owner
  • Names of the sire and dam and their registration numbers.
  • Name, address and telephone number of the breeder.
Breed Standard : A description of the desired characteristics of a breed. Breeders use the standard to ensure they are producing dogs that have these desired characteristics. They continuously measure the quality of their dogs against this standard of excellence. You should read the standard carefully before you look at the first puppy, particularly if there us a chance you will become interested in showing the dog in conformation shows.
Conformation Shows :  

Events at which registered dogs compete for points towards a championship though a prescribed system. A judge compares dogs with the breed standard in terms of conformation, movement and temperament. Animals which have been neutered are not eligible to compete in these shows.

 
Obedience Trials : Events in which  registered dogs compete by performing specific exercises at various levels of difficulty. Obedience trials can be held separately or in conjunction with all breed shows. Neutered animals are eligible to be shown in obedience trials.

When you have decided to buy a particular breed, observe the behavior of the sire (if he is on the premises) and the dam. Ideally the dam will be calm and steady, possibly even curious and friendly. It is quite correct for her to be reserved. An openly hostile bitch who does not respond to her master’s reassurance is undesirable. Cowardice and shyness are also undesirable traits. The sire’s temperament is an important as the dam’s. Puppies should be playful, inquisitive and trusting of the people. They should submit to gentle handling and respond to their environment. A fine dog, like a child, does not raise itself. Please take the time to consider carefully if you have the time.