How to Buy a Dog

Tips on Buying a Dog

What Kind of Dog Do You Want?

Before visiting a dog breeder, you should decide exactly what kind of dog best suits your life and your lifestyle. If, for example, you have a relatively large home with a big backyard and plenty of room for a dog to exercise in, you could opt for a larger breed. However, if you live in an apartment, you may find that a medium-sized or smaller breeds may fit more comfortably with your space. Also consider how much time you will have for the dog. Active breeds will need to be walked and played with often, while less active breeds will be satisfied with regular walks and a scratch behind the ears.

Check Breed Health

Next, check out what hereditary diseases are known to occur in the breed or breeds you are considering. You can find a quick list of breeds and their associated hereditary and congenital diseases at SiriusDog.com.. You can also talk to a local veterinarian about dog breeds on your list.

Breeders and Rescue Groups

Choose a breeder or a rescue organization for the type of dog breed you would like. Obtaining a dog through rescue organizations will probably cost less money than buying one from a breeder. However, rescue organizations are less likely to have puppies, while puppies are exactly what breeders specialize in. There are many guides to breeders and rescue organizations on the Internet. A good place to start the search for one in your region is the American Kennel Club Referral page.

Pedigree

If you pick a breeder that you plan to visit, ask the breeder to send you the pedigree of its current litter before you go to see the puppies. Once you see the puppies, your emotions may overwhelm reason, so you’ll want the dog's bona fides before viewing the litter. If the breeder refuses, then you should be very wary of doing business with him. Also ask the breeder for proof that the mother and father of the litter have been tested for the diseases associated with the breed. Any qualified, professional breeder should be able to provide you with this information.

If you want to buy a purebred dog or plan to show your dog, make sure you receive the official pedigree papers for your dog from the breeder. These papers will be necessary should you want to participate in dog shows.

Rescued Dogs

If you are choosing a dog from a rescue organization, information about the dog's lineage or heredity may be limited. Ask the organization's staff what they know of the dog you are considering--where did it come from, why did it's owners give it up and what is known of its medical history.

Meet the puppy

Once you have some knowledge of the dog you are considering, you are ready for your visit. The breeder's place or the rescue organization should be clean and professionally run. At the breeder's place, healthy puppies should be active and curious, not lethargic or scared. One or two puppies may be tired during your visit, which is fine. But try to time the visit when the litter would normally be active so that you can get a sense of each puppy's personality. At a rescue organization, spend time alone with the dog you are considering. Does it appear healthy? Is it affectionate? Does it obey you?

Where to Buy

• Breeders USA is a great place to find information on breeders and on various dog breeds.
• Pets4You is a good resource website on pets. They have a comprehensive section on dogs and breeds.
• Puppy Net offers a wide selection of breeders and puppies from every state in the USA