What you need to know before you buy your Puppy.

Bringing a new Puppy into your home is a major event, one which will be more successful and enjoyable if you do your research before you start looking for a Pup.

Firstly have you the time, energy and financial resources that are needed? Pups should not be left alone for more than 4hrs, they do give you sleepless nights at first and then when they are mature there is the exercise needed. All dogs should have appropriate insurance and will need inoculations and the best quality food that you can afford, will they need regular professional grooming?

If you feel you have the time, energy and finances required, you now need to find a breed that suits you and your lifestyle. It not really good enough to want a Boxer because you like the look of them, you need to have knowledge of the breed and whether they are going to 'work' within your family setting. For example if you are a keen hill walker and generally hike for miles each day then a Bulldog wouldn't suit you, they are not famed for their enthusiasm for exercise! Equally if you are only able to manage short walks then a Springer Spaniel wouldn't suit. The Kennel Club have an online service that enables you to match your lifestyle with suitable breeds, you can then do further research into the breeds to see which one fits you the best.  Of course the Kennel Club will only have information on Pedigree breeds and they will be the only breeds that I will refer to, 'Designer' dogs are another topic, if you want a cross breed then I would suggest you go to your local rescue centre as you will find many Pups and older dogs needing good homes, do not encourage indiscriminate breeding by spending your hard earned money on an unknown entity.

When you have chosen the right breed for you, you need to find the best breeder you can. Always make sure that the Pup comes from Health Tested parents, Health Testing doesn't mean a once over by the Vet, it involves testing for breed specific problems, most are now carried out using DNA. For example I own 2 Cocker Spaniels, their 'parents' have been DNA tested for 2 diseases that can occur in Cocker Spaniels, by doing so I am guaranteed that my 2 will never develop those conditions. Always see the Pup with the Mum, Dad is often a stud so you may not be able to view him but the Breeder should be able to show you copies of his pedigree and any Health Testing certificates. Reputable breeders can be found via the Kennel Club or through Breed Clubs, which can offer help and advice .

You should be able to view Pups from 4 weeks old onwards and they are Generally ready to leave Mum at 8 weeks old, some smaller breeds are older leaving for their new homes.

So you have decided you have the time, energy and resources for a new Pup, you have chosen your ideal breed and found a reputable breeder, you have met and chosen the newest member of your family and the day has arrived to collect him, What next ?? Oh yes sit back and enjoy the ride !!!!