Trying to Find a Puppy

Tierheim (animal shelter) will most likely not even give you a pet, as unfortunatly there is the misconception that all Americans will leave their animals behind when they move back to the states... I know not true for everybody, but once again, a few giving everybody a bad name!
I agree with the others postings, research!!! I honestly wouldn't get a dog (or any other animal) for a 6 year old! My daughter grew up with a dog, she keeps wanting a pet of her own, yet is not even able to remember to check the water for our 2 dogs....
I usually like mixed breeds better they usually have less genetic problems, and usually are sturdier!
Where are you at in Germany? I can try to help you if you let me know your location, and what kind of dog you are looking for! most german papers are online by now too, and I can research the ads for you!
Take care
M.
Schweinfurt

Hi...I can't say I have any advice where to find one but please be careful since you are here in Germany. Puppy Mill sales run rampant over here - there are so many in Czech. I know a few people who have gotten dogs from them (some knew ahead of time, some were clueless) and none of their dogs have been healthy! The added expense for some of them proved to be too much and they had to give their expensive puppy mill puppies away.

~K.~

I too know of puppy mill stories in Germany. None of them turned out well. If this is your first puppy ... I beg you to do a lot of research first. All breeds are very different and not all of them are good for families with young children. Have you considered the cost of having a puppy/dog in your family? Veterinary care and food are very expensive. Especially if you feed a good quality food. And when you move, the cost of moving your pet falls on you. If the weather is not favorable the time of year
that you move ... you could end up boarding your pet for several months ... VERY expensive.

The reason (I hope) that people charge so much for pups is that it costs them a lot to vaccinate pups and care for the mother. They also want to make sure that they are finding homes that can afford the cost of keeping a family pet forever. The price may look big .. but in the long run may save you a fortune.

You should know the breeds you are interested in. Then you should be able to see the mother and father (dogs) and have a chance to see their temperaments. A responsible breeder can make these arrangements. You should see veterinary records for the care of the mother and any genetic testing that is recquired to breed or sell that particular breed. Ex. - Labradors and other large breeds have genetic screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia.

You might be thinking ... "I am not looking for a show dog!" It still is best to see the way the parent dogs interact with you and children.

I have raised puppies. I have adopted strays. I love them all and they all deserve a chance for a great life. If you have no experience with a dog in your house, please find a responsible breeder that will help you learn about caring for your dog and integrating them fully into your family. There is a LOT of training involved with a dog, especially with children in the house. If your husband goes away a lot ... imagine having an infant that does not wear diapers and has razor sharp teeth (they don't have flexible fingers to play with and use their mouths ...). It can be VERY stressful if you are not prepared.
Maybe you can find a local pet lover to help you prepare your family and home and to go on the puppy search with you. The first cute puppy you see, you will want. If you have an experienced person along that is not so emotional about the search, it might help you. Then again, a lot can be said for "that feeling" you get when you first lay eyes on them!
Perhaps you can ask at the veterinary clinic. They may have a pregnant patient to tell you about. Or can make recommendations about local experiences. You also need to find out what German vets speak great English in your area. Then you will know where to go when you can't get in at the US Vet clinic. Even if you speak German ... the medical lingo can be confusing, especially when you are stressed with a sick pet.
I know that I did not answer your question. I just know of too many families that brought a puppy or kitten home before they were truly ready. It is the pet and the children that suffer most. If I can help prevent that ... I take every opportunity. Please be prepared so that it goes well for your family and the puppy!!

Good luck and enjoy your future puppy snuggles.

We found are dog through the Base paper it took us a year to find the right one, that was only a couple hundred. I hope you find one that you are looking for, good luck.

A.,
Have you contacted the Vet Clinic on Post? Sometimes they have listings of animals for sale or adoption. They may also know of rescue groups or shelters in the area. Another resource is the web. I'm sure there are breeders that you can purchase a pup from. Germany is known for it's Shepards and somewhere in Europe people are purchasing really light Golden Retreivers and charging a lot for their pups in the states! Try google and type the breed dog you want with words like breeder, for sale, rescue, group and Germany. See what comes up! Goodluck!!!! Whatever you do, don't support a puppy mill! T. in Japan

I live in England, so am not too familar with the bases in Germany. Have you thought of contacting a local animal shelter? A German friend of mine from Heidelberg area (she lives in the UK now) suggested the following information to help:
animal shelter=Tierheim (in German)

Tierheim Heidelberg
www.tierschutzverein-hd.de

Speyerer Schnauz 3
69124 Heidelberg
06221 24502

I don't speak German, but she suggested this website to help with translation:
www.leo.org !!!! very good translator.

Good luck with your quest and don't forget there are many unwanted and well deserving pets at animal shelters across the world.

Yes there are puppy mills. I purchased my Yorkie from one and she ended up with giardia and coccidia. Anyway, I purchased a Golden Retriever from a great breeder. You may want to look in your local German paper. (I don't know where you are located so I can't tell you how to find one.) Also, talk to a German vet. They can direct you as well. With the Euro rate now, it is going to be very expensive to purchase a new member of the family. I found my 2 dogs when the rate was much better and spent about $1100 on 2 dogs. The other thing that I suggest is that you do research on the breed you want. I spent a month on the internet reading up on breeds. Also, be careful if you purchase a dog over the internet. I had a friend who purchased one from a "breeder" in the states. She thought that all would be fine. Come to find out, the person purchased the dog from another country. Unfortunately, Germany does not allow dogs from that country in unless they are quarentined. So the first 30 days, he spent in quarentine. Buyer beware! Good luck and I hope you find your new edition. It takes time but they are well worth it.