Choosing a pedigree puppy

So you've decided you want a puppy - and a particular breed has taken your fancy. The 'pedigree' of a dog's breeding refers to the veracity of its ancestry, going back five or more generations. In the UK, The Kennel Club manages the registration of purebred puppies and their breeding line, and for a dog to be considered a 'true' pedigree, they must be registered as such. The 'quality' of a dog in terms of it's conformity to the breed standards can vary greatly in pedigree puppies, and even between puppies from the same litter.

How to begin the search for a perfect puppy:

First of all, how do you begin the search for your perfect puppy? Online classifieds such as Pets4Homes pet classifieds are a great start, as are breeder registration lists, special interest magazines, dog shows and word of mouth. High profile breeders such as those with a line of successful show dogs, or those who keep unusual breeds of dog will often have a waiting list for puppies, so you may need to register your interest in their dogs months or even years in advance.

Visiting a litter of puppies

When you have found a breeder or breeders with a litter available for viewing, comes the best part of the whole process- visiting a litter of adorable roly-poly puppies! If at all possible, try to visit more than one breeder and don't commit to placing a deposit on a particular puppy until you have done so.

Questions to ask and things to look out for

It can be incredibly easy to let one (or all!) of the puppies in front of you steal your heart at this stage, so have a clear idea in your head before you set out of the questions you want to ask and the things you want to look out for. Make sure that the bitch and her puppies (and any other dogs that may be on the premises) are kept in clean and comfortable surroundings and have everything they need. All of the dogs should be alert, healthy looking and interested in you and what is going on around them.

Kennel Club paperwork and health concerns:

Some breeders will also own the sire (the dog which fathered the puppies) and you should meet him too if possible. If the breeder sent the bitch to stud, there should be some information on the sire available, alongside the certification for the dam (mother dog.) Find out if the puppies will have received the first stage of their vaccinations at the time that you would take ownership, and that the paperwork is all in order for it. Find out if they are microchipped (this is often left to the new owner, in order that the puppy can be registered with the correct details) and check on what flea and worming treatment is used. Ask to see the Kennel Club pedigree paperwork of the puppies, and compare this with the information shown on the paperwork with the breeder's website or advertising materials.

Final thoughts

In summary, finding the perfect puppy takes time, research and patience. Be sure to visit multiple breeders, ask the right questions, and observe the puppies and their surroundings carefully. Make sure to also consider any future training and grooming needs of the specific breed you are interested in. Remember that a responsible and caring breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and provide all necessary information. Take your time and make an informed decision, as your new puppy will be a part of your family for many years to come.