Can I afford to buy the dog I want? If not will I be happy with my second choice?

The average lifespan for a dog is 12 years, large dogs less and small dogs more. Can I make a lifelong commitment to a dog?

Can I afford the cost per week to feed a dog?

Can I afford Veterinary fees for yearly checkups and vaccinations?

Can I afford Canine Insurance?

Can I afford unexpected Vet bills ?

Is my home big enough to house the type of dog I want - comfortably?

Do I have an outside area where a dog can exercise and play safely?

Do I really want to exercise a dog every day?

Will there be someone at home a reasonable amount of time with the dog?

Do I have the time to give a dog the care and attention it deserves?

Can I devote a lot of my time to house-train a puppy? Will I find time to train, groom and generally care for a dog? Will I be able to answer YES to these questions every day of the year?

If you have answered NO to any question - think again before buying a dog.

If you are still answering YES consider this. .

Choice

If you have decided to buy a pedigree dog, choose your breed carefully.

Speak to breeders and understand the specific needs of the breed in which you are interested, needs vary considerably from breed to breed.

If you are considering buying a non pedigree dog, assess the size it will be when fully grown as, with pedigree dogs their final adult size is known, with non pedigree it is not so easy to tell. Consider the type of coat and therefore the amount of grooming it will require, with a puppy of unknown origin you will not be able to tell what the adult coat will be like until fully grown..

Buying Directly From A Breeder

If you decide to buy a puppy, when visiting breeders, always ask to see the mother of the puppies. Seeing mom is a good indication as to how the puppy will develop. Ask to see the father as well if he is on premises or near enough for you to go to him. Remember his contribution is equal to that of the mother’s.

Make sure you get a puppy which is best suited to your lifestyle.

A good breeder who spends a lot of time with the puppy will know it’s temperament best. You cannot determine a puppy’s disposition by spending only a few hours with him.

The breeder should want to know a lot about you and your way of life and your preferences in order to make the right puppy - owner match.

A good breeder may ask to visit your home to see where the puppy will be living.

If you decide to buy an adult dog see it in its home environment. Make sure your are happy with every aspect of it’s behavior. Don’t buy a dog with plans to change it, training may help some undesired behaviors but temperament is built in and there are many things which may never be altered or may take more time and effort than most people can ever give. A young puppy is much easier to train than a full grown dog who is set in his ways.

If buying from a Welfare/Rescue Organization be prepared to be closely questioned about your lifestyle and possibly expect a home inspection. Very often dogs in care have suffered neglect and ill treatment in their early lives. The Organizations' first priority is to ensure that the remainder of their lives will be spent in good caring homes.