I live in Bucharest Romania..so I need help....does that go without saying?

I had a Teacup Peke and he must have been sick from the beginning because I couldn't house train him and he got a staph infection and finally went into total liver failure. The vet was of little help... I have found a few vets that I will try this time around.

Ok I have found a Dachshund. We have a small yard with no grass only concrete so I think a small breed is the best choice.

I will hopefully see the dog and mother within the next few days. The pup is only 4 weeks old so I have plenty of time to check everything out.

My main question is....They have one male available I don't know if this means that there is only one puppy in the litter or the other dogs have been spoken for. Is it rare to have only 1 puppy in a Dachshund litter. If this is the case should I be alarmed.

I have to everyting through an interpreter so I will save my questions until I see the puppy. So what should I look for....general things that sould be noted either way. I really don't care about papers I would just like a healthy dog. Papers document healty blood lines...but how would I even know if the docs. were real?

I also have the number for a breader who breeds 3 different small breeds and wants $700 for a Bishon Frise (sp). The going price in the US but about 1/2 of the median income here which really means nothing because they have super rich and super poor here so a purebred is a luxury so it has a luxury price tag....maybe or is it becasue I am a rich american. Either way I assume I should lose this breeders number on the sole fact that he has up to 40 puppies available. "Puppy Mill" in any language right?

Please help I really have a limited # of dogs to choose from I have to get numbers from local vets and have friends call and make appiontments. I am sure there are easier ways but I have not found them..and actually nothing is easy here so maybe I have found the best way and just don't know it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Debra

Worse comes to worst, I'd go with a byb with healthy stock rather than the puppy mill. When you see puppy make sure coat is shiny, smooth, and clean nose is wet, and puppy exhibits normal puppy playful behaviour (I'd be wary if pup is a little too nice)--ask to see the mother too, if she is friendly (Dachshunds may be a little sharp at first but ideally she should get over you and show no fear aggression), looks and feels healthy, and so on.

Papers don't really mean crap, begging your pardon--I'd like to see some health testing if possible but know a lot of countries may not have those available or is not a common practice. A good idea may be to ask the breeder if you can take the puppy to a vet first and then bring it back if it's not healthy.

As Kristine said, I would certainly want to see the mother and father, if possible. Even if the father isn't on the property, maybe you can find out where he is and go visit him.

AVOID THE WOMAN WITH 40 PUPPIES! Obviously, as Kristine said, look for signs that the puppy is healthy. You can also do a search for Dachsunds on the internet. Often times websites will have a "what to look for in a puppy" section, although they're not always written by the brightest bulbs, IMO. Perhaps someone here can recommend a good breeder for Dachsunds that you could get in e-mail contact with?

Also, make sure the place where the puppies are is clean and safe. This says a lot about the people...make an unexpected visit if you can, if you're worried about it.

Finally, if you have any misgivings, hold out. I know it's hard to get a puppy where you are and I certainly appreciate the need to have a puppy in your arms ASAP. But as you know from your previous experience, it just isn't worth it to have a sick dog. Even if it takes another year, find a good breeder!

All of this is just my opinion, and I wish you the best of luck getting a healthy pup.

Thank you very much for your help. I think I have found a pup. We went see the litter today and they are beautiful. It is a litter of 5 pupps and only one is still available and they are only 4 weeks old. I was able to see the mother and the litter mates. They stay in the living room of the apartment and were very happy and healthy little guys. I was very happy with what I saw. 5 very well fed puppies in a clean comfortable environment. Momma was very concerned about us and let us know in a very appropriate way.

The kids loved them all and were sad that he was too young to take home today. We have even named him....Herbie (Like Herbie Fully Loaded) It was the one name we all liked immediatly. It was a very good doggy day for us.

Debra

Congrats. What colour is he? I remember when we got our Dachshund--he was the cleanest, smoothest little puppy ever. Still kinda looks like that today--I don't think they ever grow up. :p