subject: A Simple Guide To Buying A Puppy [print this page] OK, so you've decided to get a puppy, but where do you go from here? Buying a puppy involves many decisions and some hard work.
You probably will already have a good idea on the type of dog you're looking for, the costs involved and how you'll care for it. Nonetheless, there are other issues to consider.
Make yourself aware of the negative aspects of the particular breed you are interested in, after all 'forewarned is to be forearmed'. A good way to find out about this sort os information is with Breed Rescue Centres, they make sure any potential owners are fully aware of all the down-sides of the breed, the last thing they want is to have to re-home the dog again. Always make sure you are familiar with any medical problems that might be associated with the breed, especially inherited conditions.
Be patient, don't be too quick to decide on a particular puppy because the breeder seems nice, or the puppy has all the registration papers, this is no guarantee that the puppy will be healthy.
We all want our puppies to grow up happy and healthy and will be around for many years to come, to ensure this you need to buy from a reputable dealer. The Kennel Club has a "Fit for Life" campaign, which reviews all breed standards and avoiding registering puppies that have been born from closely related parents. It also continues to develop it's Accredited Breeder Scheme (ABS), the ABS was set up to promote responsible breeding and enable owners to buy with confidence from approved breeders.
It's best to go to several breeders and litters, if you've found a breeder you are happy with, and trust, but they don't have a litter available, be prepared to wait. A good breeder will always have the best interests go the puppies in mind, and will have just as much to ask you as you will have to ask them. When seeing the puppies for the first time, make sure their facilities are clean, and they look healthy and contented with toys to play with.
Never buy 'unseen', from someone that wants to hand the puppy over in a car park or deliver to your doorstep. Be wary of puppies for sale in newspaper ads, internet forums or puppies from pet stores.
You might wish to go to a rescue centre or animal shelter for your puppy, if so, you just need to be aware that some of them will have unknown histories. You won't find many puppies and older dogs can sometimes have behavioural or health problems, though staff will give you good advice on which dog may suit your circumstances.
With luck you'll end up with a wonderful new puppy and what better way to celebrate the moment than with a pet portrait. The best way to capture the true spirit of your dog!
