Choosing the breed of your new puppy is a completely personal decision, as it is ultimately you who they will be spending their life with. Before deciding on the breed, ask yourself these questions:
- Will this breed fit in with your lifestyle and commitments (size and activeness)?
- Do you have the time to exercise and care for your pup?
- Are you prepared to train your puppy and socialising it to teach it basic manners? Is my home safe for a puppy to be in and secure?
- Am I prepared to make sacrifices in order to tend to my dog???s needs?
- Can I afford to look after a dog for possibly over 15 years (equipment, vet fees, registration, food, grooming, toys)?
- Do I have ample space for my dog to play around in?
- Do you really want a full grown dog or is the idea of having a puppy the key factor?
When finding the right breeder for you, it is important to look at a number of options and ask plenty of questions so you can make the right decision. Dog Shows are the perfect place to get to know breeders as they are always on hand to answer any of your questions. Responsible breeders will take breeding dogs of sound body and mind very seriously as they will always consider the improvement of the breed before breeding a litter.
Once you have selected your breed, it???s time to choose a breeder. Take your time and visit as many breeders as you can to gauge which one is the best for you. When visiting these breeders, take note of the cleanliness, the general health and well-being of the dogs and puppies there, and the willingness of the breeder to assist you and answer all your questions.
It is important to pay close attention to the breeders, as responsible breeders will show you around and allow you to interact with the dogs; have a healthy living environment; openly discuss the positives and negatives of the breed; and ask you questions. They will also provide you with the receipt of sale; certificate of registration from the Australian National Kennel Council member body; a complete vaccination record; and a puppy care and diet sheet.
Choosing the right puppy for you can take a lot of time and thought, so here are some questions you should ask your breeder before committing to your new furry friend.
- Why did you choose to breed this type of dog and how long have you been doing this for?
- Do you have other litters available?
- Can we see the entire litter together?
- Can I see the mother and other family members?
- Are the puppies registered with the Australian national Kennel Council?
- Are there any hereditary problems I should know about this breed?
- Will the puppy have a complete vet check before I buy?
- Can the puppy be returned if any unforeseen circumstances arise?
Always remember to consider your lifestyle and commitments when selecting a breed for you as a fully active dog that needs an increased amount of attention may not be right if you work long hours or do a lot of extra activities. A puppy will be a lifetime responsibility that you should think carefully before going through with, so when you???ve made your decision on the breed, be prepared to wait for the right one to suit you!
Click on the link for a downloadable pdf version: Finding the right breeder??
