Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a
puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with
children. We strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating
before buying. Remember, dogs are for life. Dog ownership = Responsibility.
From the AKC “How To Pick A Puppy"
A Few Questions You Should Ask Yourself
Before You Contact a Breeder:
1. Do I want the responsibility of caring for a Glen for up to 15 years?
2. Am I prepared for the expenses that come with owning a Glen, like
veterinarian office visits, spaying/neutering, shots, and training classes?
3. With my schedule, how am I going to housebreak the puppy?
4. Do I want to brush every week, clip nails, and bathe as needed or pay to
have it done?
5. Will I set aside the time and follow through taking the Glen to training
classes?
6. Do I have a securely fenced in yard or is it underground electronic?
7. I do not have a fenced in yard, so can I see myself getting up and
walking the Glen in all kinds of weather at l east 3 times a day every day?
8. Whom can I call on to dog-sit if I’m out of town?
9. If for any reason I can’t keep the Glen will you take the dog back?
• Will I get a refund?
A Few Questions You Should Ask the Breeder:
1. How long have you owned Glens?
2. How many Glen litters have you had?
3. What are the known health issues of the breed?
4. What kinds of pre-breeding testing are done with the parents?
5. Do your dogs have a CHIC number? (Refer to “What is A CHIC”?)
6. Tell me about the personality of the Glen.
• How do they get along with
children?
• How do Glens get along with other
dogs, or other animals?
• Do Glens bark a lot?
7. Do Glens shed?
• What are the grooming requirements
of a Glen?
• How often does the Glen need
grooming?
8. How much exercise does a Glen need?
9. What is the best way to train a Glen?
10. What kinds of activities can I do with a Glen?
• What are these and can a Glen do
any of them? Dock Dog, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Earthdog, Nosework, Barn
Hunt?
11. Do you use a contract with any of your placements?
• Can I see a copy before I go any
further?
12. Are you going to give me some type of questionnaire to fill out?
13. What is a “pet quality” puppy?
• Do you sell pet puppies at a lower
price?
14. What is a “show quality” puppy?
• Do you have a specific contract for
a “show quality” puppy?
• Do I have to show the puppy?
15. What kinds of follow up do you do with a buyer?
16. Can I meet the mother and father of this puppy?
17. I’ve heard that to be well socialized a puppy needs a lot of life
experiences before 12 weeks of age. What kinds of socialization does the
puppy have before placement?
18. Will I get a copy of the health history of the puppy at placement?
• What shots are given before
placement?
• Has the Glen been checked for worms
and wormed with what?
19. Are the puppies micro-chipped before placement?
20. At what age do you let the puppy go?
21. Will you ship the puppy?
22. Do you belong to the AKC parent club of the breed, The Glen of Imaal
Terrier Club of America?
23. Will you give me information about the parent club, GITCA?