Choosing a Puppy

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First Thoughts

There are so many breeds to choose from that the choice can seem overwhelming. However, once you start to think about what suits your circumstances the choice soon narrows down:

Coat - are you prepared to spend time grooming or pay someone else to?
Do you have access to open areas for lots of excercise, or would you prefer a dog whose requirements are more easily met?
Do you have space - in the house and the car - for that Giant breed who has caught your eye?
Can you easily afford the cost of caring for a dog - think of insurance, food, vets fees (insurance doesn't cover routine healthcare), boarding?
Do you have the time to give to a dog - a bored dog can become a nuisance dog?
Are there children in the home - are you sure they will respect the dog and the breed you choose is known to be reliable with children? Top

Breed Profiles

Our site kennels.co.uk has a comprehensive listing with profiles of the majority of breeds that can be registered with the Kennel Club. Further information and links are on this site on the Dog Breeds page. Top

Seeing Litters

First, never go from one litter to another without first changing your clothes and washing your hands; young puppies are very vulnerable to infection and you may be unwittingly carrying disease.

It is essential to see the litter with their mother; the breeder may not own the sire - this is quite normal - so don't nescessarily expect to see him. If the dam of the litter isn't there don't accept any excuses; the probability is that the litter has been bred elsewhere and they are being re-sold by a puppy-dealer.Top

What to Look For

The bitch may be looking a bit scruffy, especially true in coated breeds, from the rigours of motherhood, but she should look well and friendly. If she shows any stress or aggression when you approach the pups, don't think of buying one of them. Poor temperament is hereditary, and the pups are already being taught by their mother to be fearful of strangers.

Puppies should be full of confidence and curisoity and your problem should be getting a good look at them because they will be trying to climb all over you.

It goes without saying that the puppies should be clear-eyed, clean around the hind parts and smell clean. Their surroundings, too, should be clean and the puppies should have toys to stimulate them both mentally and physically. Top

Socialisation

Puppies should be reared in the home; this way they become familiar from day one with all the noises and hustle of everyday living. They'll hear raised voices, washing machines, television, vacuum cleaners, see people rushing to and fro - all these things could be overwhelming for an 8 week pup going into his new home.

See how they are relating to each other, their dam and the people around them. They should be happy, intrested and confident. Don't be smitten by the shy one at the back who's being left out. He may well turn out not be have the confidence to cope as well with life as the others. Their baby behaviour is quite a good indicator of their probable attitudes as an adult.

Visit this site to do a personality assessment of a puppy. Top

Hereditary Defects

Check the listing here for recommended screening. Deafness, which can occur in some white breeds, and Collie Eye Anomaly can be tested for at about 7 weeks, so this should be done before taking the puppy home.

Ask to see clear certificates for those relevant to the breed for both the sire and dam, and if the breeder is Accredited, results of DNA testing. Top

Insurance

Taking Your Puppy Home

Licensed and Accredited Breeders cannot let their puppies go until they are 8 weeks. The critical learning and socialising period for puppies, when they can absorb new experiences like a sponge is between 4 and 14 weeks, so 8 weeks plus a little (depending on breed size and independence from the dam) is generally about right. Top

Puppy Pack

You should be given a Puppy Pack by the Breeder. This will consist of:

Diet instructions, plus some of the food they are being fed
Record of vaccinations given, worming programme and guidance on follow-up
Pedigree
Registration documents, or an assurance to forward them as soon as they arrive
Breed Club contact numbers or websites
An open invitation to get in touch with her if you have any problems, however small

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