Purchasing a Puppy

By Linda Gorham

As we stood ringside and waited for our Champion to compete for Best of Breed, I watched a group of spectators weave their way through the throngs of competitors and their animals. Kids in tow, the visitors questioned the handlers of each breed about their dog. Then the kids, unable to contain themselves any longer, would reach out and pet the dog. The usual amazement would show on the parents faces as the dogs, both large and small, would permit the small hands to caress them. After all, these children were strangers to the dogs, and most dogs they knew would not stand for so much confusion, let alone strangers petting them. Every weekend this same story is played out at the dog shows.

When purchasing that new family member, there are many questions that must be answered. Here are but a few of these questions.

Do you want a puppy or do you want an adult dog? Puppies are fun, but they grow up. Make sure the puppy you pick is the adult dog you want later. Make sure you look at the parents of the puppy to see how large it will become. Puppies also take a lot of time and patients to train. Commitment is very important with a puppy.

Do you have the time to spend socializing your dog? Good temperament is the first thing everyone should look for in a pet. The dogs seen at dog shows have been bred for good temperament and socialized since birth, which contributes to their good temperament. Don't be fooled by thinking that temperament comes automatically with every dog.

Do you have the room for your dog to exercise? You surely don't want a large dog in an apartment unless you have an area close by that you can give him plenty of exercise. Is your yard fenced to protect your dog?

Do you have time to bath, brush and clip your dog? There are many breeds that require constant maintenance on their coats. If you choose one of these breeds be sure you have the time and the desire to keep the dog groomed. Their health may depend on it.

Then comes the added expense of dog food, dog toys and the Veterinarian. Make sure you can handle these added expense since these are essential to owning a healthy pet.

Once you have answered these questions, then attending a dog show is an ideal second step. Not everyone wants a show dog, but what better place to see all the breeds available, and the breeders are more then happy to talk about the animals they have dedicated their life to protecting. They have studied the breed standard and have bred their animals as closely to that standard as possible. If you cannot attend a show, then read about the different breeds on the AKC web site (www.akc.org). This will give you a brief history of the dog and what care is required. This web site also links to breed clubs, where you can find more out about the breed you have chosen.

Once you have chosen a breed, visit the facilities of the person you are buying your dog from. Are the facilities clean? Are the dogs friendly? Do they appear healthy? Does the seller sign the breeders code? Ask the seller if you can take the dog to the Vet to have them checked over. Many a pet owner has had their heart broken over a new puppy that will never get well and the seller doesn't care.

With all this in mind, once you have chosen that pet, they will depend on you for their well being. In return for your care, you will receive unconditional love and devotion. Not a bad trade off.