A puppy-buyer’s guide

Just saying “oh, how adorable” is not all you need to do before taking on a new dog.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association recommends the following guidelines for those looking to buy a dog:

Consider adopting rather than buying. A large number of healthy puppies and dogs need a home.

Don’t support puppy farms. Even if you feel sorry for the puppy (and you will), supporting unethical breeders will only encourage more.

Visit the breeding facility. It should be clean, and the puppy should have the opportunity to mix with animals and people and be fed adequate amounts of nutritious food.

Puppies must be at least eight weeks old before they are released to their new owners. For smaller-breed puppies, 10 weeks is preferred.

Puppies must be in good health. A responsible breeder will have had them checked by a veterinarian for any congenital defects, and puppies should be on regular parasite control and vaccination programmes.

Don’t support breeders who produce puppies with severely exaggerated features, such as short skulls and excessive skin, that may compromise welfare. If you’re buying a dog with such features, choose a breeder who is trying to breed away from these features.

Ask about the health history of the parents – be wary if they have needed correctional surgery to enable them to breathe comfortably, correct eyelid issues or walk normally.

Support breeders who are members of Dogs NZ and participate in their screening programmes.

Avoid buying puppies produced from mating closely related dogs.

Only source puppies from bitches who were between one and six years old when they were mated.

Don’t support breeders who subject their bitches to more than two caesarean sections.