Dog Buying Guide

Taking on a dog as a pet is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. It will need attention, training, routine veterinary treatment, grooming and daily care and exercise.

Owning a dog is a lot like raising a child and in many ways requires the same commitment - they need attention, care, love, training and most of all - time and companionship. A dog views its owner(s) as its pack or "family" and it's important that the owner(s) accept the dog as a family member in the same way.

Although some dogs are fairly independent and happy to amuse themselves for periods of time, they are sociable animals and so it is not ideal to get a dog if it is going to be left alone all day throughout the week while owner(s) are at work and/or school. Some dogs left alone regularly for long periods of time can become bored and this can often lead to destructive or anti-social behaviour.

A dog will require daily care for 10-15 years - too many dogs are already waiting to be re homed through no fault of their own. This may be due to changes in the previous owner's circumstances, a wearing off of the novelty of dog ownership, a lack of time for the dog or some other reason. Just as anyone would give careful consideration to their circumstances, lifestyle, commitment, time etc. before starting a family, buying a dog should be considered in the same way.

Please read our guides below:

- Selecting a Dog
- Buying a Puppy from a Breeder
- Buying a Puppy or Dog from a Rescue Home
- Buying a Puppy from a Pet Shop



Selecting a Dog

There are many dog breeds to choose from and also cross-breeds and mongrels.

The advantage of a choosing a pure bred dog is that they have fairly fixed characteristics and temperaments and so it is more easy to find one that is almost certainly right for a particular environment, lifestyle and requirements. Choosing to buy a cross breed or mongrel means that the characteristics and temperament are more uncertain and if buying a puppy, it may not be possible to ascertain the adult size of the dog although if its parentage is known an educated guess can be made.

It is important that thought is first given to the type or breed of dog suited to the potential owner's circumstances. A big dog means big expense, whilst a smaller dog is cheaper to care for on a daily basis. A large dog requires space, and may also not be so suited to households with smaller children who may get knocked over by a large dog. Some dogs require more exercise than others, some can need firm handling and are not so easily trained as others and so are not an ideal first dog. Some breeds crave company and can be destructive is left alone, whilst others are more independent and will happily amuse themselves if left on their own for short periods. It is important to thoroughly research the various breeds of dog to ensure that whichever dog chosen will fit happily into the intended lifestyle, environment and suit requirements and to be aware of any genetic defects to which the dog breed may be prone.

The age of the dog is another important factor to consider when considering obtaining a dog. For many the idea of obtaining a puppy is appealing but a puppy will require someone at home all day, or periodically throughout the day, as it will require several feeds and will also need to relieve itself frequently throughout the day and night. A puppy will also require training and is likely to chew items as its teeth develop. For some, therefore, a boisterous, untrained puppy can be a strain and so a house trained young or older adult dog is more appealing.

The sex of the dog should also be considered. Generally females (bitches) demand more attention, are easier to train but come into season twice a year when they can be messy and try to escape to receive the attention of male dogs. Neutering is a solution but can be costly and such costs will not be covered by veterinary insurance. Males (dogs) tend to have more spirit and so can be more difficult to train but are generally more consistent in temperament. They may also be prone to wandering when bitches are in season within the area.

Once the breed or type of dog, age and sex has been decided, thought can be given to obtaining the dog from a breeder or other source.

If buying a puppy look at all puppies in the litter to ensure they all look healthy and active. If one puppy is sickly it may indicate some genetic weakness or contagious illness which may be present in the others and so these are best avoided.

Any puppy should be curious, alert, bright eyed with a clean coat. It should be inquisitive, not too nervous and not show any aggression. Beware of any puppy that has runny or sticky eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wet or dirty bottom, matted fur, seems lethargic or does not have a firm body. All of these things can indicate a sick puppy.

Watching the puppies for a while will show their individual personalities as it will undoubtedly become apparent that some are more playful, confident, boisterous, quiet, wary, etc than others. Handling and playing with the puppies will also give the opportunity to see how they interact with humans.

If looking at an older dog, perhaps a rescue dog, the same applies - look for one which is curious, lively, friendly with no signs of aggression, with good clean fur and bright eyes.



Buying a Puppy from a Breeder

If buying a puppy the best place to buy is always directly from a reputable breeder. Dog breeders may be located through our dog breeders lists.

The advantages of buying directly from a breeder is that breeding has usually been carefully planned and thought through with regard to producing robust, healthy dogs of good temperament. Many breeders will also offer some form of guarantee contracting to take the dog back if not suitable. Unfortunately the same cannot always be said for puppies sold in pet shops or those that have come from "puppy farms" where dogs are bred in mass numbers for the pet market.

Many breeders of pedigree dogs also show their dogs and so breed towards producing a good healthy show dog with a view to keeping one or two themselves so quality and temperament is of vital importance when planning the breeding.

Although breeders of show dogs specialise in breeding pedigree dogs, there are also owners who have bred their pet dogs and produce cross breed or pedigree puppies. These may be the result of a planned or unplanned pregnancy but the pups have usually been well cared for and brought up in a family environment and so most often make very suitable pets and will be less expensive to purchase than a pedigree show dog.

Buying a dog direct from the breeder means that there is the opportunity to see the parents and know the date of birth of the puppy that it is intended to purchase.



Buying a Puppy or Dog from a Rescue Home

Another option when seeking a dog as a pet is to obtain a dog from a rescue home. Many dogs, both puppies and older dogs, unfortunately become abandoned or homeless through no fault of their own every year.

Rescue homes usually assess the dog's behaviour on arrival and often carry out remedial training if needed before offering for re homing. Therefore dogs offered are usually very suitable and loving pets. The advantage of an older dog is that basic training has already been carried out and so in this respect these dogs are easier to care for than taking on a puppy.

Rescue homes often have both pedigree and cross breed dogs available but the dog's background or exact breeding details are often not know. However, unless the intention is to show or breed then rescue dogs should be considered.

Depending on the rescue organisation they may require the completion of a series of forms, interviews or even a home visit to assess suitability as a potential dog owner. Their primary concern is to ensure the correct placement of the dogs in their care with a suitable new owner.



Buying a Puppy from a Pet Shop

Sometimes puppies are available in pet shops. These puppies are unlikely to have come from a reputable show breeder and are most likely to have come from a pet owner with an unplanned pregnancy or from commercial puppy farms. There is some risk as to whether these puppies will be of good temperament or health as the parents cannot be seen and often little or no information can be given about their background or breeding.

It is no fun buying a unhealthy, weakly puppy and then dealing with the problems this presents afterwards - it can cause a lot of heartache so it is essential to find a good healthy puppy. Should any pet shop or the health of the puppies for sale cause concern they can be reported to an Animal Welfare organisation or local authority if the conditions warrant it.