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• Think carefully about whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Puppies need a great deal of attention and
training. Many breeders have adult dogs which they want to sell on, and there will be many adult dogs available
 in rescue centres which will make wonderful pets.

• Decide whether you want a mixed breed dog or purebred - on the whole mixed breed dogs are genetically
healthier and will cost less in veterinary bills. On the other hand, a purebred dog is more predictable in terms
of size, character and temperament.

• It’s important to choose a dog to suit your lifestyle. Some dogs are not suited to town life or homes without
gardens. No dog should be left alone all day or without human contact. All dogs need love, exercise, training,
and mental stimulation. Bear in mind that you will have a ‘duty of care’ for your dog under the Animal Welfare Act.

• On animal welfare grounds, do not choose a giant breed as these have shorter life spans, are prone to cancer, heart problems and other health issues due to their extreme size. They are also very expensive to keep and care for. Similarly, avoid miniature or ‘handbag’ breeds of dog which are prone to poor teeth, fragile bones and hydrocephalous (water on the brain).

• Avoid breeds which have disproportionately short legs (dwarfism), excessive folds of skin (prone to infection), long ears (to step on), too much hair (uncomfortable for the dog and difficult to groom), droopy eyes (which become sore and weepy), disproportionately long backs (prone to disc problems), or very large heads. Avoid dog breeds that have flat faces (brachycephalic) (difficulty breathing, overheating, soft palate issues which may require corrective surgery). All of these characteristics prevent a dog from enjoying a good quality of life.

• Do as much research as possible on your chosen breed. Even breeds without extreme physical characteristics will be prone to genetic diseases. Contact the breed Health Co-ordinator through the national breed club. Ask what the common health problems for the breed are and what health tests or screening is available. Also consult your local veterinary practice about breed related health. The Kennel Club website will give you limited information about the official health screening and DNA tests available. (KC Breed Health Information)

• Buy your dog or puppy from a breeder who is a member of a breed club and whose puppies are registered with the Kennel Club. This is not a guarantee of good health (far from it) but if you have a cause for complaint, the breed club and Kennel Club can be informed.

• Ask to see the five generation pedigree certificate of the dog before agreeing to purchase. If the same name appears more than once on the pedigree it is a sign of a high level of inbreeding.

• Check that the breeder has done all of the available health screening on the parents of your puppy (or adult dog). Ask to see the relevant certificates to prove that both parents of your puppy are healthy and fit to breed. It is advisable to see this paper work before going to see the puppies. It is so easy to let your heart rule your head once you have seen them.

• It's important to see the puppies interacting with their mother and in a home environment where they have had a chance to be properly socialised. Don't buy a puppy which has been taken from its mother under 8 weeks old. The breeder must also show that the mother’s comfort and welfare is paramount. Ideally you should meet your puppy’s father as well to make sure that his temperament (as well as the mother’s) is sound.