Once the decision has been made to have a puppy, it is vital that you choose a breed that best suits your lifestyle.
Dogs come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and personalities and choosing the best one for you is the first step to securing a happy long-term relationship. The choice of breed depends on what you require of the dog. Is the puppy intended to be a working dog, protector or companion? Consideration should then be given to the requirements of the breed such as preferred levels or exercise, space, company and interactions with other dogs.
Once the breed has been chosen you need to find your puppy. This can be done through adverts, animal welfare shelters or, most commonly, breeders. Going to a certified Kennel Club breeder provides a high level of security, precautions should be taken when looking at puppies from other breeders:
- Always ask to see the mother and ask for details of how to contact the owner of the stud dog so you can confirm the information they give you. Sadly, today there is money to be made from unscrupulous breeders and in the excitement of getting a puppy you can be deceived.
- Purchasing a puppy who hasn’t been breed well can lead to complications in terms of the dog’s health and behaviour later in life.
- A good breeder should ‘interview’ you to make sure you are choosing the best breed and pup in the litter to suit your lifestyle.
- Choose the pup that suits your home, don’t go for the pup that chooses you and bowls over all their other littermates to sit on your lap if you don’t want a forward going and explorative dog in life.
- When you are with the breeder always ask to see where they are kept and to see their littermates.
- Examine the puppies; healthy puppies should be interested in their surroundings, have clear eyes and ears, have a shiny coat and be of appropriate size for their age and breed.
- After choosing the breed and establishing a reliable breeder all there is left to do is fall in love with one of the puppies!
