Puppy search

Make sure you see a puppy with its mother when you buy from a breeder or commercial premises - this will give you a good idea of background, health, eventual size and temperament. It should stay with its mother for at least eight weeks.

Try a local small breeder who could have healthy puppies bred in a home environment - your local council dog warden, vet or animal welfare officer may be able to help.

Don't buy from a large, unlicensed breeding establishment - ask to see a copy of the breeder's licence.

Don't be tempted by advertisements offering lots of different breeds for sale - this is a tactic sometimes used by dealers selling puppies bought from unlicensed puppy farms.

Never buy a puppy from someone at a car boot sale, tabletop sale or in a car park, and avoid buying puppies from pet shops - you may be supporting the illegal and cruel practice of puppy farming.

Choosing a puppy

Puppies must be at least eight weeks old before they leave their mother.
Purchase should be after, or conditional on, a satisfactory veterinary examination.
Avoid skinny dogs or puppies. Also avoid puppies with potbellies, as they are quite likely to have intestinal worms.
Never be tempted to take a puppy with runny eyes, a runny nose or a cough. Teeth should be clean and white. Gums should be pink and not smelly.
Make sure the puppy's bottom is clean without any signs of diarrhoea or soreness.
Do a quick check for fleas and other parasites - many puppies have them but they can be treated. Brown or yellow deposits in the ears are one sign of ear mites.
Puppies should have received the first vaccinations in their immunisation programme before they leave their mother and the vendor should supply an interim certificate.
Always make sure the breeder gives you a diet sheet showing how the puppy has been fed so far - moving home is enough of an upset for a young puppy without adding to it by the stress of feeding unfamiliar food.


And a couple of questions to ask yourself....

Are you physically fit enough? Besides the walks, you’ll be chasing them round the house and probably doing so on less sleep than you would like.

Do you have the time? If you work full time, I would really advise against getting a puppy. In the early weeks, they need loads of attention, training and generally keeping an eye on.

Can you puppy proof your house? Remember to buy lots of alternative things for them to chew – toys, bones, chews, that kind of thing. It’s a good idea to buy some ‘get off’ spray to protect your furniture too.

I will update this guide shortly and hopefully it will be very comprehensive, but if you can see anything I've left off feel free to let me know

Steve