Do I Really Want a Puppy?

"Do I have the time and the patience for a puppy".

Puppies are a lot of work. There is the housetraining, feeding 3-4 times a day, obedience training and of course quality time.

"How much do I want to spend".

A purebred puppy is going to start at around $500. In Canada this will include the registration papers. There is no such thing as "purebred unregistered/without papers". This is illegal!

It is FEDERAL LAW under The Animal Pedigree Act of The Ministery of Agriculture of Canada. It has nothing to do whether or not the breeder belongs to the CKC. If an animal is advertised as "purebred" it MUST be registerable otherwise they are breaking the law.

This includes such ads as "purebred (fill in the blank)Poos." There are no such things. Multipoos, cockapoos, etc. are crossbreds or "mutts".

There is nothing wrong with "mutts". I've had a few over the years myself and they have been wonderful companions. What I'm saying is don't be fooled by false advertising.

Yes, you can get unregistered dogs cheaper ($300-$450) but what guarantees are you getting from the "breeder"?

Reputable breeders are willing to give health guarantees on their puppies. They have put a lot of time, thought and effort into their breeding programs and stand behind the pups they have bred. Of course this is going to reflected in the cost. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Also with a purebred dog you have a pretty good idea how large they're going to be, what they will look like as adults and what their general temperment is going to be like.eg: Dobermans are active, protective dogs while Pugs are "couch-potatos" who love everyone.

With a crossbred they could end up looking or acting like any of their numerous ancesters.

This has also answered "Purebred of Not".

"Long hair or short?"

How much time are you willing to give to this or how much are you willing to spend at the groomers?

Long coated breeds like collies, pekes and poms need to be brushed and combed daily to be kept free of hair matting.

Wire coated breeds like terriers need special care also.

Shedding and allergies are another condition to consider when choosing coat type.

Size and Activity Level

These two do not always go hand in hand. Some small breeds are highly active such as terriers, while some of the "giant" breeds like Irish wolfhounds, are content with a couple of long walks a day.

Compatible with Other Pets

While most puppies will learn to leave the rabbits, gerbils etc. alone some breeds have a more predatory or hunting instinct than others. Some hound, terrier and working breeds may not be as reliable as some sporting or toy breeds. It is unreasonable to expect a sighthound NOT to chase your pet rabbit or a terrier NOT to go after your pet rat. They are only doing what they have bred to do. Collies herd- kids, chickens, what-have-you. "Spitz" breeds hunt. This is what they are MEANT to do.

Obedient

If this is a high priority for you, think about the sporting breeds like Labs and Spaniel types. These are eager to please types. Many of the working and spitz types are obedient but require strong leadership from you as do many of the terriers. Hounds can be stubborn as can many smaller breeds such as the Pug.

Snoring and Drooling

Pugs snore and snort and Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands and Mastiffs drool. Some more than others but this IS what they do.

Above all, DON'T get a dog just because you and the kids have just seen a movie and the dogs were SO CUTE.

This is a 12-15 year commitment of another life in your hands. Would you adopt a child on an impulse then give it to someone else because it was more trouble than you thought it was going to be, it got bigger than you wanted, it wasn't as cute as a teenager or adult as it was as a baby?

Of course you wouldn't! Why then would you do it with another feeling, caring being?

Now that you've decided to get a puppy, you need to know where to look.

On the links page you'll find some good sites with breeder information. I suggest that you take your time finding your puppy and not just go with the first person you contact. For more information on what to look for and expect from the breeder, go to the Breeder page.