If you decide that you want to buy a dog or puppy rather than adopt a rescue dog, the reason is usually that you would like a dog from a specific breed. You need to take care in these cases to go to a breeder that treats their animals well, and does not make the bitches carry an excessive number of litters. In these cases, registered breeders are essential if you want to be sure that your puppy has been born in happy surroundings, and well cared for.

Good breeders will want to check you out as well: if they care about animals – and the best breeders are passionate about animal welfare – they will want to reassure themselves that you are equipped to care for the puppy. When they offer dogs for sale they still feel a continuing responsibility for the dogs’ well-being.

This means the breeder will check that you have a suitable home, preferably with an enclosed garden, and that you can give the dog the right amount of exercise according to the breed. They will also ensure that you find yourself a puppy training class where the dogs learn how to socialise with dogs and humans and to fit in with their new pack! If there are any difficulties with your dog in the early days, make sure that you tell the breeder as they will be familiar with the characteristics of that breed and they can give you tips for helping your puppy.