Owning a dog can often be 13-year commitment
or longer, and is not a decision to be taking lightly. Owning a puppy can
be very costly and the following expenses need to be taken into consideration.
Costs include:
Once you have considered the costs you need to think about what sort of
puppy/ dog you are looking for. Rescue organisations often have unwanted
litters of puppies that are looking for loving homes. Some rescue organisations
are more reputable than others ~ some companies deal in dogs for
gain and can appear to be very plausable ~ so take care when choosing.
Dogs from the better rescue organisations will be neutered and microchipped
before going to their new homes, or a voucher scheme will operate to ensure
this is done as soon as possible.
When taking a puppy from a
rescue shelter, bear in mind that the rescue may not be able to guarantee
that this is a pure bred puppy ~ often the father of such pups is unknown.
If the rescue shelter claims
that the dog has been assessed, then ask to see a copy of the assessment
report and the qualification of the assessor.
Do not be taken in by a "sob-
story". ALL dogs needing to be rehomed have a sorry tale to tell but not
all will be suitable for you. Beware the rescue organisation who deliver
dogs to your door without you ever having seen it!.
Avoid buying a puppy from a pet shop,newspaper advertisement, or fancy web site. It is possible they may be from a breeder who has put profit before the puppy's welfare, and your pet could have problems in the future. When you have made your choice of breed, and researched it thoroughly, take note of the following points when visiting breeders and rehoming centres.
Once you have made a decision it is wise to contact either your local rescue centre or the breed club secretary of the breed you have chosen. Breed Club details can be obtained through the Kennel Club, or via your local UK National GSD Helpline contact.
Be prepared to put your name on a waiting list for a litter to be born.
In the meantime ask if you can visit the parents to give you an idea of what the dog will be like as an adult. Do not be taken in by wall fulls of fancy rosettes and ribbons, these do NOT pertain to the dog you will be buying.
Insist on seeing the mother interacting with the puppies and if possible, meet the father. If it is not possible to meet the father of the pups, then ask for as much information as possible about him.
You should have easy access to the puppies when they are old enough to view and be able to handle them. Do not allow the breeder to show you just one puppy.
Make at least two visits to the breeder to view the puppies before the final collection.
If you are unsure about buying the right puppy, make enquiries with the local vet to see if he would be willing to attend the viewing to check the puppy for any visible health problems – this could save money and upset in the long term.
Request a written agreement that purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your veterinary surgeon within 48 hours of purchase.
Check that the puppies have regular access to human contact, ideally with more than one person.
Check that the facilities are clean and that the puppies appear alert and healthy.
Ensure all the relevant paperwork is available for inspection. This should include: the pedigree and registration papers, hereditary screening certificates of the parents (for example, hereditary eye disease or hip dysplasia if appropriate to the breed).
Check to see if the puppy has been wormed and vaccinated. Some breeders will have the puppy vaccinated at eight weeks of age before releasing it to its new home.
Remember a Kennel Club registration/pedigree does not guarantee a perfect puppy. It is up to you to carry out the appropriate checks.
Ask if the puppy will be covered by insurance for any illness during the first six weeks in your care (most good breeders subscribe to this scheme).
Ask the breeder if they would be willing to take the puppy back, should your initial circumstances change (for example if you discover you are allergic to the dog). Get written confirmation of this.
Ask the breeder questions about the puppy's feeding regime. Good breeders will supply you with a diet plan and information relating to the care of the puppy.
Expect to have to pay a deposit on choosing your puppy.
Choose a puppy that is interested in you, not the one that cowers in the corner. Be aware that the most outgoing puppy may develop a more dominant or independent character.
Check the puppy has no discharge from its eyes or nose and that there are no sores, bald patches or scabs on the skin.
Make sure that the puppy is alert and responsive to sounds and is showing no obvious signs of illness, such as coughing.
If a puppy appears unwell on collection, DO NOT take it – arrange with the breeder to return another day. If you have any doubts, choose another breeder.
Please remember these are only guidelines. There may be some variation between individual breeders. Your local UK National GSD Helpline contact or the GSD Breed Council Secretary can advise you of those breeders who have signed "The Breeders Charter" ~ a set of minimum standards laid down for breeders ~ and would recommend that you bought from these breeders.