Tips on Buying a Dog

     By now you must have an idea about choosing the right dog breed and where to find reputable dog breeders to get it.  I’m sure you’re aware of the consequences of getting a dog from a pet shop, if not check this out – here.  Though you’ve already thought about which dog breed suits your needs, your temperament and your own lifestyle, there’s still much to consider before you make your final decisions.  Think before you buy!

     Buying a dog is a very broad topic so I’ve decided to break it down to smaller topics.  These are the most common questions a dog buyer would want an answer and these are the same questions I had when I bought my first dog.  Just click on the link to get more details from that question.  Here it goes…

Do you want show quality dog or a pet?

     If you want to be a dog breeder, definitely get a show-quality puppy (reminder:  be a responsible dog breeder).  The closest the puppy is to the breed standard, the better but usually more expensive.  Remember that no one, even the experts, can predict with accuracy what a puppy will be like when it grows up.  The puppy may exhibit show potentials, but six months is the earliest age for an exhibitor to select its prospect and know that a dog is destined in the show ring.  If you’re on a tight budget, a pet-quality puppy is preferable.  A pet is no different from their show type littermates in terms of health and attractiveness.

Do you want a male or a female dog?

     It’s just a matter of choice.  A lot of dog buyers usually choose a female because they can be bred in the future but you will still need a stud dog (a bitch will not get pregnant by itself).  Not everyone wants to breed and would rather not mess with the discomforts of breeding so you can just get a male.  If you a want a pet, it is better to get a male so you need not worry about accidental pregnancy of a bitch (those bitches can sometimes get their own way).

Do you want a puppy or an adult dog?

     Those who are lazy to housetrain their puppies usually settle for an older dog but if you want to bring it up your way, a puppy is a better choice.

Do you want more than one dog?

     Why not if you can afford it and you have all the resources to take good care of them.  You must be rich?

     Having children in the family is another consideration you have to take in buying a dog.  Check it out here.  Don’t forget to look for the dog’s records to make sure you’re not being misled.  If you opted to get a show-quality puppy, check the pedigree (a genealogy of up to 5 generations from where your puppy came from) to see if it has purebred champions in its background.  Also check the registration papers (not to be confused with pedigrees) to ascertain that your pup is registered with a particular kennel club (depends on what country you’re from).  Follow the advice of the dog breeder; they will give you the medical records so you can follow-up on their next vaccination shots.  At the very least, your puppy should never be younger than 8 weeks old.  Don't  get one younger than 8 weeks as the puppy may not have been completely weaned from its mother.  Lastly, make all the necessary preparations before you bring your puppy home.  Make it a pleasurable experience for your dog on its first day.

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