Puppy buying should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision. A lot of thought, consideration and exploration should be undertaken before a new pup is brought into a home. Owning a dog is a lifestyle choice that needs thorough study with an eye towards the care, obligation and responsibility entailed for the life of that pet.

Choosing the purebred dog that's right for you requires some work. There is no substitute for making a careful study of each breed's characteristics and narrowing down the field until you are left with the one that best suits your temperament, lifestyle, accommodations and taste…

Before you buy any puppy, be sure you fully understand what the future holds in store. Will the adult dog be large and/or require extensive grooming? Is it likely to need lots of outdoor exercise? Don't forget to ask yourself whether its temperament will be appropriate for your family, especially the younger members…

When you have narrowed the field on what breed you are interested in buying, go to a dog show, buy dog books, consult this website and search out legitimate kennels. Talk to breeders and other experts. Learn as much as possible about the breed. Before you go further, be sure you are able to take care of the breed you have in mind. Be sure you have the time, interest and ability to meet its requirements and needs for its lifetime. And be sure that the puppy (and ultimate grown-up dog) is going to be accepted by the rest of your family as a part of the family unit.

A fundamental decision you need to make is which sex you plan to buy. Males are typically larger than females . . . A bitch that has not been spayed will come into season approximately twice a year, at which time you must take measures to isolate her from males and prevent staining in your home. If you do not expect to breed or exhibit your dog at shows, we recommend having it spayed or neutered at the earliest opportunity. These procedures do not change a dog's personality, but they can help preserve its health and curb the pet population.

Whether you purchase a male or a female is a personal decision: one may be more difficult to housetrain than the other; one too quiet and demur. It depends on your time, activities and interests, as well as what pup you fall in love with. Sometimes you need to let intuition be your guide.

Once you've decided on the right breed, you should make every attempt to find the right breeder, someone you can communicate with and trust. The right breeder will advise you on your choice (perhaps even point you in another direction) and will guide you through the selection process. The breeder will also continue to provide information and support as your dog matures, and should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns about issues such as housebreaking, leash training, grooming and feeding…

Do not buy a dog from a pet shop or a retailer who purchased the animal from a wholesaler. Instead seek out a legitimate breeder, preferably one who specializes in the breed you have in mind. When visiting that breeder, ask to see the parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and/or grandparents. Look for healthy, happy dogs raised in a clean home or kennel. Ask questions. A breeder is there to help you and a good breeder will be at your side, no farther away than the telephone or computer email, throughout the life of your dog. You can find a breeder in your area by contacting the national breed club or a local all-breed club. You can obtain the name and phone number of a breeder referral contact person for local clubs by calling AKC at 900-407-PUPS (900-407-7877). Referrals are also available from the national breed clubs on this website at http://www.akc.org/breeds/groups/index.cfm

…Your puppy should be fully weaned, appear healthy and alert and be clearly ready for independence from its mother. Do not select a puppy that appears ill (signs include nasal discharge and/or watery eyes) or one whose littermates seem unhealthy. A cowering, trembling, shy puppy, or one that seems snappy and bad tempered should be avoided. As soon as possible, bring the new puppy to your own veterinarian for a complete physical examination and any necessary inoculations or dewormings.

Bringing a new puppy home requires a lot of forethought. You need to be sure you have a bedding area, proper water and food, toys and grooming supplies. A breeder can help you in determining what you need and guide you during the pup's first days in its new home.

It is important that you bring a new pup home at a time when the household is quiet and peaceful, when everyone has time to spend with the newcomer. A new pup needs to be carefully and thoughtfully introduced to its new home.


A dog can bring a lifetime of joy and happiness to any home when care and thought is given to its needs and requirements. The time and money spent will be returned many times over in the form of companionship, devotion and unquestioning love.

The italicized portion of this article came from THE COMPLETE DOG BOOK, 19th Edition, Revised. Copies of the book may be purchased for $32.95 (which includes shipping & handling) from The American Kennel Club by calling toll free 877-AKC-Book (877-252-2665), sending an email to info@akc.org (with all credit card information), or writing to “The Complete Dog Book”, The American Kennel Club, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606. Checks or money orders should be made payable to The American Kennel Club. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.