Buying a Puppy
All the information that you need about the different pedigree breeds, their characteristics, needs and health requirements can be found in the Breed Information Centre at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/ onlineservices
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Left: Whippet Photo> The Kennel Club Picture Library/Louise Tope
Opposite: Akitas Photo> Dreamstime.com
Most breeds have their own inbuilt characteristics and temperament, being bred for their working abilities as well as looks. Within the seven groups, each breed has its own breed standard which outlines the breed’s individual characteristics and which enables you to predict how it is likely to turn out.
So how do I know what breed is best for me? This depends on your circumstances. Visit the Discover Dogs area in Hall 3 and you can meet every breed and ask questions directly to individual breed experts. There is a bigger version of this event every November at Earls Court, London too. You need to ask whether your chosen breed will fit into your daily routine? Are you out all day, or perhaps you keep irregular hours? If you are a city dweller looking for a dog with moderate exercise needs, perhaps
a Miniature Pinscher is for you. If you are looking for a family dog then the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Labrador Retriever could be good choices. If you want a lively, energetic dog and have time to give it advanced training and lots of exercise then a Border Collie could be a good fit. The important questions you need to ask centre on your preferred breed’s temperament and characteristics, the size it will grow to be (so that you can ensure that you have the space in your home and the ability to control it) and its training, exercise and grooming needs. You can do some research at home and get an idea about the breeds that might suit you by visiting the Kennel Club’s dedicated website www.findabreed.org.uk or download the Kennel Club’s free Puppy Buying Guide app from www.thekennelclub.org.uk/puppybuyingguide Small breeds can live much longer than giant breeds, so take into account the average lifespan of your chosen breed, and the estimated costs of lifetime care
(both financially and in terms of your own time) before buying. Why not contact a pet insurance company, such as www.kcinsurance.co.uk, and ask how much it would normally cost to insure the breed you are considering taking on? It is also vital to remember that some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. There are health screening and DNA tests for many of these conditions, which the parents of your puppy should have undergone in order to give you an idea about its future health status. Make sure you ask the breeder about these tests or check for yourself with the Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder, by just typing the name of the sire and dam of your puppy you can find the results of the health test, if they have been done www.the-kennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/Default.aspx Whichever breed you choose, all puppies need patience, commitment, constant supervision, socialisation and training; so don’t jump in at the deep end.
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