With so many breeds to choose from it is essential to research thoroughly. Go to our Group pages (left) to read about the general attributes of each type of dog, and then the individual breed pages for a more detailed description and links to clubs and breeders.
Before going ahead and bringing that adorable puppy home, think about the following points
do you have the time for a dog - puppies, particularly, need a great deal of attention during the early months
does your family all agree that they want a dog?
if you have children are they old enough to be sensible and not tease or hurt him
are there any elderly family members; small dogs rushing around can cause falls
a heavily coated or trimmed breed requires a lot of coat care. Realistically, will you be able to manage - if not you should budget for regular trips to the grooming parlour. This can be quite a significant expense. Phone a local grooming parlour to learn what they charge to groom the breed you are thinking about, and how frequently they would expect to groom him.
Don't forget to consider the cost of keeping a dog. Allow, as a minimum
£10 a week for food
£12 a month for pet insurance
£150 a year for routine vaccinations, worming, etc
£200 a year for beds, bedding, collars, leads, toys and treats
£250 a year for Boarding/Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Hereditary Defects and Screening
Some breeds are particularly prone to hereditary problems so you should ask for evidence of screening from the breeder. If the breeder doesn't screen then go elswhere; it's not worth the risk. If the breeder doesn't care enough to ensure that the dogs she is breeding from are sound and healthy then she isn't going to be much support to you as your puppy grows up.
Finding a Puppy
We have many breeders and breed clubs listed on the relevant pages; these and puppyfinder.org.uk are your best source. Although in the world of dogs it is usual to refer to a breeder's "kennel" this simply means the dogs she breeds, not that they are kept kennelled. The vast majority of showdogs are first and foremost housepets who are part of the family.
Bona fide breeders will be extremely selective about the people they sell their puppies to and will ask prospective owners questions that may seem intrusive; be reassured that these breeders, if they allow you to have one of their precious pups, will always be at the end of the phone to advise when things seem to be going wrong.
There are some golden rules about who not to buy from
a puppy farmer; someone who breeds purely for profit who has no interest in the puppy except the cheque he receives for it. Easily identified because he will probably have at least three of the more popular breeds and not show any concern about how knowledgable you are
if the mother of the litter cannot be seen. The only excuse for the dam not being with her puppies is if she has died. Nothing else is good enough, however plausible the reason. This generally means the litter that has been bought in for resale at a profit
an "accidental" litter a neighbour's dog has had. If you haven't already planned to acquire a puppy resist being bounced into it by enthusiastic children. Puppies are not an impulse buy
Research the alternatives thoroughly, be realistic about what you expect from your puppy and what you can give him. Remember that the crossbreed from the accidental litter will cost as much to keep as the pedigree dog who has been carefully bred with all the appropriate health screening. And have lots of fun with your new puppy.
