15/10/2017
BUYING A PUPPY
When selecting a breed, look at the characteristics of the adult, not the puppy.
If you have decided on a particular breed, you must find a good breeder. Directories of studs and breeders are available through various governing bodies like Kennel Club and canine associations. You can look them up in telephone directories, dog magazines or web searches.
Most breeders are genuine. However, as in any group where money is involved, there are unethical and dishonest individuals. Most breeders will check you out to ensure you will give their pup a good home. They know how the dog will turn out, and if it is not in the best choice for you. Some breeders encourage you to choose a puppy straight away, so you can visit regularly and share in the pup’s development. Some people prefer to wait until the pup’s personality is more apparent.
Buying a puppy from pet shops can be excellent, but also be dreadful. Many pet shops are staffed by informed, conscientious people who are keen to find you a good pet, unfortunately though some are not.
The origin of many of the animals sold through pet shops is unknown and so are their parent’s characteristics. Some people will breed puppies just to supply pet shops, or will unload unwanted litters on them. These pups are rarely well socialized and frequently have health and parasite problems.
Animal shelters, lost dogs homes, or welfare organizations can be a rich source of pets, although usually the dogs available are already mature.
Don’t buy a pup for its looks, if is wary or difficult to approach, or it is smelly and ill groomed or badly nourished.
Be aware that some breeds such as Brachycephalic Breeds which include French Bulldogs, Pugs etc are prone to enormous breathing problems which will cost you thousands of dollars to rectify on top of the massive cost of the breeds themselves. So do your homework before purchasing any pup whether pure or crossbreed.
Don’t get desperate! If the pups have not had the early love and care they need to make them good pets, keep looking.
