Genetic tests
From your research you will know which, if any, genetic anomalies are prevalent among your favourite breeds. One of the most frequent in the larger dogs is hip dysplasia. The best breeders, however, have been working on this problem for many years and are succeeding in reducing the incidence in most breeds. You should have found out the average score for the breed and the breeder will show you either the parents’ scores or the mother’s British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club score sheet. If the score is very much higher than the norm, you would be well advised not to buy one of the puppies, however cute. There are other genetic tests, particularly for eye conditions that affect some breeds. The Kennel Club will be happy to advise you about any genetic abnormalities that may be present in various breeds.
Choosing a Puppy
Take your family to see the puppies, which should be over eight weeks old, but make sure the children are under control. There is a possibility that the puppies have never encountered children before and might be disturbed, as will the breeder.
Always ask to see the puppies’ mother. This will enable you not only to see the fully grown size of an adult dog but also, and more importantly, to make a quick judgement of her temperament.
Never buy a puppy without seeing the mother first. This will help you to assess a pup’s eventual size, appearance and temperament. (© Jean-Michel Labat)
Whichever sex you have decided upon, ask the breeder to remove the others and then examine the puppies individually. Look for any sort of discharge from the eyes, the mouth, the anus or the vulva; if there is any present, don’t take that puppy. Any runt of the litter should also be discounted. On no account should you be persuaded to buy a puppy at a lower price because ‘there is something minor wrong with it’. Therein lies trouble. If everything looks good, watch for the most extrovert puppy, the one that approaches you full of curiosity and happiness, and ignore any that creep about apprehensively.
Checking a puppy
When choosing a puppy, ensure you examine him thoroughly before committing to a sale. Watch the puppy carefully for reassurance that he is contented and well cared for. Stroke him, play with him and ask to see the mother.
• Gently examine the puppy’s anal regions for any tell-tale signs of discharge.
• Fold back the ear flap and check for any wax or discharge. The ears should not smell unpleasant.
• Check the eyes for signs of discharge. They should be clear; bright and alert.
• Examine the mouth and teeth. They should be white and smooth with a correct bite.
Taking your puppy home
The children will be very excited when you finally bring your new puppy home but you must try to keep them calm during the journey. The puppy is most unlikely to have been in a car before so have a soft blanket available, sit him on a lap and stroke him gently. He may be car sick so you should have a plentiful supply of tissues. Don’t be cross with your puppy if he is sick; he doesn’t know that he is doing anything wrong and should be comforted to make him think that travelling in a car is a pleasurable experience.
At first reading, all this may seem to be an awful lot of trouble but owning the right breed of dog can really create enormous interest and give your family a closer understanding of nature.
Registering your puppy
When you have made up your mind, it is time for business. The registration of dogs and puppies with the Kennel Club is important as you will not be able to show a dog or breed without it. The cost is normally absorbed by the breeder. At the time of buying, you may be dismissive about the need for registration, but do not be hasty. You don’t know how your interests may change in the future, and many great careers in the world of dogs have started with the purchase of a first puppy. It may be that the papers have not yet been issued by the Kennel Club, in which case you must ask the breeder to state in writing that the documents have been applied for and will be sent in the immediate future. When you receive the registration document complete the ‘Transfer’ form on the reverse side, return it to the Kennel Club with the appropriate fee and the dog will be transferred into your name.
The Cost
For most people the expense of having a dog has to be thought about carefully. The costs of buying and owning a dog can be considerable. The initial cost of buying a pedigree puppy depends very much on the breed but even if you acquire a cross-breed or a mongrel puppy you will still have to pay for his first vaccinations and, later on, for annual boosters. Veterinary treatment is not cheap and statistically some dog breeds need more veterinary attention than others. Fortunately, some insurance companies specialize in insuring against illness and accident in pets, thereby ensuring that you can afford to pay the veterinary fees. The cost of pet insurance varies and you will have to shop around to find the best deal for you, but paying the annual premium may save you a lot of money in the long run if your pet dog ever has an accident or a serious illness.
Learning to groom your own dog could end up saving you a lot of money. (© John Daniels)
A fact of life is that the bigger the dog, the more he eats. A large dog can cost a lot to feed properly, although there are often cheaper alternatives to expensive dog foods. Another important element is professional grooming, unless you are prepared to learn how to do it yourself. Breeds such as Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles can cost a lot of money per year to keep in trim.
Don’t Forget
• Discuss a ‘buy back’ agreement with the breeder. Most reputable breeders will agree to have the puppy back if, for any reason, he is not suitable or your home conditions change so much that you cannot look after him.
• Do not forget to get a signed and dated receipt when you hand over the money. You should also enquire about insurance; some insurance companies working in conjunction with breeders will offer four to six weeks’ free cover. This is useful as it encompasses the most vulnerable time in a puppy’s life.
• The breeder should give you five or six days’ free supply of the puppy’s normal food. Keeping to the same food will help to prevent stomach upsets and enable you to change the diet slowly, if required.
Every puppy is born perfect; it takes human beings to introduce imperfections. Like children, the initial stage of a puppy’s life is the formative part. With puppies the first year is of ultimate importance but what constitutes a perfect puppy varies considerably. While some people are very tolerant of lively, active puppies, others like them to be calm and laid back. However, whatever is wanted, a puppy must always be treated with affection and firm kindness – smacking and harsh treatment of any description are always counter-productive.
The perfect puppy should arrive in your house when he is between eight and nine weeks of age, although some unscrupulous breeders, puppy farmers and dealers often try to sell them at six weeks. However, the extra two weeks are of great importance to the young puppy because it is during this time that he will learn from his mother about his own identity in dog terms and also how he should behave with his own species. He also acquires just a little more strength and maturity, which will allow him to settle into a new environment with minimal stress for both dog and owner. Ideally, you should try to get a puppy from a breeder