THE SEARCH IS ON!
After much consideration, you’ve decided that getting a puppy is the right thing to do. But, where do you go from here? Admittedly, it’s a bit of a minefield, and you can spend hours mulling over your options about the best place to get a puppy from and what type of pup would suit your lifestyle.
The question of where you start is largely guided by what your personal circumstances and preferences are, and you’ll probably already have at least a rough idea about the type of puppy you want, such as the ideal size and temperament. Many people are also guided by looks, and while this is understandable and can certainly be taken into consideration, being practical and placing the importance on personality and whether a certain puppy would suit your lifestyle, is key.
Pedigree pups
Pedigree puppies’ parents are two dogs of the same breed, which are eligible for registration with a recognised club or society, such as the Kennel Club. All pedigree dogs must conform to a breed standard set out by that club, which describes their looks, temperament, and health needs. If you are considering buying a pedigree puppy, make sure you have a full understanding about what that particular breed was originally bred for, as this will give you a strong indication of the level of exercise and training they need. Once you have come up with a shortlist of breeds you’re interested in, the best place to start is usually the relevant breed clubs. A quick search on the internet for a club, such as ‘Labrador breed club’, will alert you to the national and regional clubs, and from there you can read about the breed on the website, and
find the contact details for people who will be happy to chat with you about the breed via email or telephone, and also point you in the direction of breeders within travelling distance from your home. However, if you are looking for a rare breed, such as one on the KC’s vulnerable native breeds list, you may have to travel further in order to get one. A good breeder often has a waiting list. If you want the reassurance that you’re contacting the right clubs, then go through the Kennel Club first.
DON’T FORGET!
For a pedigree puppy, you can expect to pay upwards of £500.
Be aware that some of the ‘designer’ cross-breeds can be even more expensive than pedigrees — and you can expect to pay around £1,000 or more for a pup.