We’ve got all the information you need to help you get ready for a new arrival. Plus, learn about choosing the right dog and finding a rescue home or a breeder.
Finding a good breeder
Buying a pure-bred puppy? Be sure of your breeder.
It’s vital to buy from a reputable breeder so you can be sure your puppy has been:
- bred for good health and temperament;
- properly socialised, so it’s not too frightened or aggressive; and
- vaccinated and well cared-for.
How do you spot a good breeder?
Good breeders have clean premises and happy dogs. They’ll show you registration papers for the mother and puppies. And they’ll ask lots of questions to make sure you’ll take good care of the puppy they've brought into the world.
On the other hand, puppies from an irresponsible breeder could have genetic defects, no immunisation and might not have been properly socialised. Avoid breeders who:
- don’t take much interest in you;
- don't know much about the particular breed;
- don’t belong to a breed club;
- don’t know about genetic problems common to the breed; or
- don’t show you health papers from a vet.
Looking for a breeder?
The Kennel Club provides details of accredited breeders with registered puppies for sale. Just go to www.thekennelclub.org.uk to look through their listings.
More puppy-buying tips
These simple steps will help make sure you’re getting a puppy from a reputable breeder.
- Always visit the breeder at their premises and see the puppies together, with their mother.
- Make sure the breeder gives you full care, diet and pedigree information.
- Ask the breeder for the Kennel Club Registration Certificate. If they don’t have it yet, make sure they promise (in writing) to send it to you when they get it.
- Make sure the breeder signs the ‘Application to Register a Change of Ownership' section of the registration certificate. And check that the date of sale is completed.
Also: don’t miss our section on buying a healthy puppy.
