How to choose a fit and healthy puppy
Buying a new puppy is a very exciting time for a family. However, it really is very important to do your research first, both on which breed to buy and also who to buy from. Spending time researching before you buy a puppy will be repaid over the years ahead.
Unfortunately we see too many new puppies that have been bought from online sites, such as Gumtree, who are seriously ill. This is not to say that all adverts online are scams, but we know that with the wealth of information it is easy to get overwhelmed. So, we have put together a list of what to look for and what questions to ask when searching for your new puppy.
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ALWAYS make sure you can see the puppies with their mother and if possible, the father although this may not always be possible as the breeder may not own the father. However, the breeder should be happy to answer questions about both parents
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Make sure the mother (and father if possible) look healthy and are being well looked after
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Puppies need to stay with their mother until 8 weeks old when they are fully weaned as this is vital for health and socialization. Although it may be tempting to get a puppy as soon as possible, don’t trust a breeder who is willing to let a puppy leave the litter before 8 weeks old
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Always visit the advertisers home to view the pet and confirm they are genuine. Don’t send money for a deposit or pay for a pet online without viewing and meeting the pet
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It’s best to make sure you can visit the puppy more than once before you bring them home so that they can get used to you and your family and therefore feel more comfortable when they do come home. Good breeders should encourage you to visit regularly and be happy to arrange this with you
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The puppies should have been health checked by the breeder’s vet. You can ask for evidence of the health check or find out which vet they use and ask if they are happy for you to call and confirm the pups have been checked. If the breeder shies away from this, it’s a huge warning sign!
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Puppies need a course consisting of 2 vaccinations. They should have had the first vaccination before they leave the breeders premises and ideally at least 2-3 days before you pick them up. The details of this vaccination will be on a vaccination card that the breeder will give to you when you pick up the puppy. Make sure to ask the breeder which vaccinations they have had and if not, why not
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Puppies should be wormed around 2 weeks of age and again at 5 weeks. They should also be wormed just before they leave the breeder
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Puppies are also required to be microchipped by law. The breeder should ask for your details so that the microchip can be put in your name
When visiting a puppy, it’s important to think of some questions before you go. When you see a litter of cute puppies in front of you, it’s very easy to let your emotions take over and forget the questions you wanted to ask. It may help to write some down and hopefully our list below will help.
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What is the temperament of the mother and father?
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Can you view the father of the puppies?
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Has the mother had any previous litters? If so, how many? What was the temperament of the pups? Does the breeder have any references from previous buyers?
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Have any genetic health tests been performed on the mother or father? If so, make sure you see the relevant paperwork
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Is the breeder registered with their local council?
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Will the puppies be up to date with vaccinations, flea and worm treatment? Will they be microchipped?
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What have the puppies been fed?
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Are the puppies showing signs of being newspaper / puppy pad trained?
For more information about buying a puppy and which breed is right for you, we have found www.puppycontract.org.uk really useful. It is a free tool kit developed to encourage those buying and breeding puppies to do so responsibly.
Owning a dog is a big commitment but is a fantastic experience and can be hugely rewarding. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
Watch these BBC videos to see how to avoid the pitfalls of the puppy trade.
If you’re serious about getting a puppy please take the time to watch these BBC programs that give great advice on how to avoid fuelling the worst aspects of the puppy trade.
Be forewarned and forearmed!
Help to stop cruel and illegal puppy trading by making sure you do your homework on the breeder selling your puppy. If they don’t come up to the mark, don’t buy from them, find another one that does.
