Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting time for you and your family. Dogs make wonderful companions and great friends, and ownership can be a very rewarding experience. But owning a dog takes time, patience and a lot of hard work, and it’s your responsibility to nurture a healthy, well-behaved pet. So if you’re prepared to make that commitment, we’re here to help you find your perfect puppy.

Any particular breed?

You might have a very fixed idea about the type of dog you want. But if you are at all uncertain which breed will best suit you, it’s well worth doing your homework, not the least because there are over 400 breeds to choose from.

The Internet: This is an excellent place to start your search; there are dozens of websites dedicated to specific breeds of dogs. There are even sites that will offer quizzes to help you to select the perfect breed for you. Also, talk to people who already own the breed you have in mind. And your vet will be able to give you advice, with some even offering free purchase consultations. Your vet will also be able to tell you if your intended breed has a tendency to inherit certain conditions, and advise you whether the breeder should carry out any health screening tests. The more you can learn about the breed you want, the more you’ll be certain that you’ll be able to provide for him,

Ask the right questions: Your vet will advise you on the right questions to ask a breeder about the following screening tests and whether they’re appropriate for your breed of dog:

• Large breed dogs should have their hips checked for dysplasia; this is called hip scoring, and the lower the score, the better the hips

• Some breeds, for example Collies, Labradors and Irish Setters, should have specific eye tests

• Some breeds should have blood tests for specific conditions, for example von Willebrand’s Disease in Dobermanns.

To help you decide: If you have young children, choose a sociable and even tempered breed, and if you live the outdoor lifestyle, you should go for a breed that will thrive on this and be part of your active life. On the other hand, if you prefer the quiet life, or have a small garden, consider a smaller breed that would be happier relaxing with you indoors. It’s also important to bear in mind how big your dog will be when he reaches adulthood; you’ve got room for the puppy right now, but what about later on? And some dogs require more looking after than others. A long-haired breed is going to need daily grooming and brushing; and a boisterous type like a Dalmatian is going to need lots of exercise.

Where to get your puppy from

No matter what type of puppy you’re after, there are lots of places to look. Advertisements in local papers, animal shelters and charities, friends and family and pedigree breeders are all good sources. But for a pedigree breed, the specialist dog papers and pedigree breeders are your best bet.

At the breeder: You should be able to see the mother, or dam, with the whole litter. Ask if it’s possible to meet the father (the sire), too. Please don’t rush your first visit; take your time, ask questions and even take notes. Ask to see the results of screening tests if they’re required for your breed. Find out what the puppies in the litter are being fed, when they were last wormed and if they’ve been examined by a vet yet. Pay attention to the temperament of the mother of the litter, and avoid choosing a nervous puppy; this could indicate poor early socialisation. And don’t be tempted by the smallest, weakest puppy just because you feel sorry for it. Be aware of how and where the litter is being reared; it can be a good indicator of how the puppies will turn out later. For instance, if you’re taken to a shed away from the house, be very wary as the puppies might not have had any human contact. The first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life are critical in his behavioural and social development. A puppy deprived of the sights, sounds and smells of everyday life could lead to problems in the future.

Prefer a crossbreed? If a crossbreed is what you’re after, local dog charities, shelters and rescue centres are good places to begin your search. But all reputable rescue centres will want to make sure their dogs are going to good homes, so be prepared for a request for a home check.

A He or a She?

You’ve decided on your breed of dog; now you must decide whether to have a male or female (bitch). Most bitches have tendency to be quieter and less dominant than males, but remember that they will come into season and be ‘on heat’ about twice a year and for those two or three weeks, will need to be separated from all male dogs.

Some male dogs have a greater tendency to be more aggressive or dominant towards people and other dogs, although bitches can also develop this behaviour. Male dogs will run off in pursuit of a bitch on heat and although such behaviour can be dealt with by training, castration may be required in some cases.

If you get your puppy from an animal shelter or charity, you may be asked to sign an agreement to say that you’ll have your pet neutered, to prevent unwanted litters in the future.

How old should your puppy be?

If a puppy is taken away from his mother or brothers and sisters too early, he may miss out on important behavioural and emotional development stages. As a rule, a puppy bought between seven and nine weeks of age is ideal. But don’t introduce your new puppy to the big wide world until seven days after his second vaccination, at around 13 weeks old. At this stage you should gently introduce your puppy to other people and dogs, and get him used to traffic. See our article on socialisation for advice.

Remember: Wherever you get your puppy from, your first task will be to arrange an appointment with your vet for a health check, to make sure he’s in good condition. Remember, too, that buying a puppy is more than a financial investment; it’s an emotional one, too. A little research and some careful thinking now will pay off for you both in the future.