Puppies are cute, cuddly, playful and fun – but also expensive! If you want to buy a dog, there are lots of different breeds out there and choosing the right one can be tricky.
Choosing a breed isn’t always straightforward; you might find yourself asking “what kind of dog would suit me best?”
Here are some of the main factors to consider when looking at puppies.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to think about how big your new pup will grow up to be before you commit to buying him or her. Puppies need time to develop physically, which means they need space to move around and stretch their legs. The bigger the dog, the more room he needs, so don’t rush into picking a big-breed puppy if you aren’t sure that this is what you really want. You may end up with a large dog who doesn’t like being kept inside, or even an overweight dog who struggles to keep fit.
A good temperament is just as important as physical size. Puppies should have a happy disposition and not be aggressive towards other dogs or people. They shouldn’t be too shy either, because this could make them nervous and anxious.
There are hundreds of breeds available, so choose wisely. It’s worth checking out the Kennel Club website for information on each breed, including health issues, grooming requirements, personality traits and any special tricks or abilities they possess. Some breeds will require specialist training, while others will be naturally suited to specific jobs. For example, doggy daycare centres often prefer terriers such as bulldogs or cocker spaniels because of their strong work ethic. Other breeds include retrievers, which excel at retrieving toys from water, and hounds, which are excellent hunters.
Puppies usually start life as pups, then become adults between five and seven years old. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so ask the breeder whether the puppy has been fully grown yet. Pups less than three months old tend to be very energetic and active, whereas older onesare slower and calmer.
It’s important to check that the puppy you’re considering is healthy. Ask the breeder what tests were carried out and look online for reviews by previous owners.
The average lifespan of a dog varies depending on many factors, including lifestyle, diet and genetics. A well-cared-for dog can live for 15 to 20 years, although some breeds are known for living longer.
Some breeds require regular brushing and bathing, while others only need a quick wipedown after a walk. Check the breeder's advice on grooming requirements.
Purchasing a puppy is a costly business, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be paying for, including food, training, vet bills and insurance.
If you already have children, you might want to consider getting a family pet instead of a single dog. This way, you can share responsibility for caring for and feeding the animal, and your kids can play together happily.
You won't be able to take your puppy everywhere with you, but you'll still need somewhere safe to leave him or her. Choose a place that's suitable for both you and your pet - ideally a garden shed, garage or spare bedroom. If you're planning on taking your dog to a kennel or boarding centre, make sure you visit the facility first to see where the animals sleep and spend most of their time.