Buying a Puppy
BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed [read more]
Once you have made the decision that you want a dog, it is important to do your research before you start looking. Our Breed Guide takes a detailed look at the points below and where the different dog breeds fit in. Below are a few things to consider when buying a puppy;
1. Energy Levels
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Couch potato Energetic working dog
2. Attitude
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Easy Going Strong-willed, Stubborn
3. People Skills
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Not interested, Reserved Loves everyone they meet
4. Animal Lover
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Not interested in other dogs, incompatible with cats, etc Friendly with other dogs, cat lover, etc
5. Playtime
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Not fussed with toys Playful, always ready for fun
6. Affection
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Aloof Loveable, affectionate
7. Size
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Tiny Size of a pony
8. Coat
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Needs occassional trim Needs brushing daily
9. Style
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Practicle Glamorous
10. Purpose
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Pet Working dog, activity or breed competitions
The scales above are not exhastive, but deciding where you want your dog to fit on each one will help you find your perfect match. Decide which things are the most important to you and then start looking at the different breeds to see which one/s will suit you best.
Making the decision to bring a dog into your life is a big one. Then choosing the right dog is an even bigger decision. My advice for anyone thinking of buying a puppy for someone as a present is simple... DON'T!
Owning a dog involves a financial commitment as well as a commitment of your time. If you are thinking of buying a puppy it helps to know in advance what you are letting yourself in for.
Costs
1. Buying a puppy - A good pedigree puppy will set you back between £500 and £1,000, depending on the breed.
2. Vet Bills - Most fees will be covered by your Pet Insurance, however things like booster injections, flea treatment and worming will be an additional cost.
3. Pet Insurance - The cost of good Pet Insurance is around £30 a month. Buying cheap pet insurance will always be a false economy in the long run. It is best to insure your puppy straight away.
4. Food - The cost of dog food will depend on the size of your dog and what you choose to feed it. It is best to research on the internet which dog food you want to use as most vets will promote the food they sell, so it is hard to get an unbiased opinion from a professional.
5. Dog Training - Unless you have a lot of experience with dogs, it is best to take your puppy to training classes. It is great for socialising your dog and you will learn how to be a responsible dog owner. You may enjoy it so must that you decide to go on to doing competitive obedience or agility.
6. Kennels - If you plan on going on holiday without your dog, then you need to bear in mind the additional cost of kennel fees on top of your other holiday costs.
7. Essentials - You will need to buy basic things like a collar and lead, a dog bed, etc.
Choosing a Puppy
If this hasn't put you off then the next stage is deciding whether you want a pedigree puppy from a breeder, or a rescue dog.
If you have no idea what type of dog you want, then it is a good idea to go to a reputable rescue home. My dog, Belle, came from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and they are very thorough to make sure they match the right dog with you and your family. Below are a few links to rescue centres that are worth looking at.
If you want to get a pedigree puppy, whether it is because you want to train it for something specific, like gundog work, or just because you like the breed, then it is important to do your research. Visit our Breed Information section or The Kennel Club website to find out more about a specific breed.
It is very easy to choose a breed that you like the look of, even if they aren't suitable for you. Remember that the dog you choose will be with you for 6-15 years. You only have to look at the number of dogs in rehoming centres to understand why it is so important to choose the right breed for you. Think about how much time you will have to exercise your dog as this should be the most important factor when choosing a puppy.
Finding a Breeder
Once you have decided which breed you would like, the next step is deciding which breeder to get your puppy from. The first stage of a puppy's life is of great importance to their future development, mentally and physically. Anyone can breed Kennel Club Registered puppies, but this doesn't mean they are a registered breeder, or more importantly, know what they are doing. The purpose of The Kennel Club registration is to ensure that dogs who are closely related aren't used for breeding.
So how do you know if a breeder knows what they are doing? Well, the first sign of a good breeder is if they have a long waiting list for their puppies. A good breeder will ask you lots of questions to make sure their puppies are going to a good home. There are various tests that the breeder should have carried out such as hip scoring and eye tests. Some breeds require more specific tests. You can check this out further on The Kennel Club website.
When you find a breeder you are happy with ask to see the mother and if possible the father so that you can check you are happy they are both healthy and good natured. If the mother is aggressive or displaying any behavioural problems then find another breeder.
Speak to your local vets, dog club, pet shop owner and other dog owners. If you find that lots of people have good things to say about a breeder then this is a good sign. Above all, you have to trust your instincts. If the breeder is more interested in the size of your wallet than you, run a mile.
If you want a puppy that you can train for a specific displine then it is a good idea to see the parents in action first. If you want a gundog, then ask the breeder if you can have a demonstration of what they can do. This does not mean that your puppy will be born trained, but it gives you an idea of what it will be capable of achieving.