Buy or Adopt a Dog?

Why Consider Adopting a Dog?

There are many reasons why adopting a dog into your family can be fantastic. By adopting a dog or puppy you will be saving a life, plus, the fee for adopting means that you will be giving another dog a chance.

When visiting animal shelters and rehoming centres you will get to meet a variety of dogs, meaning that you can find the right dog for you in terms of both your needs and theirs, making a perfect match. Dogs from rehoming centres or shelters should also come with a full medical check-up, microchip and vaccinations, etc.

What to Be Aware Of When Buying a Dog

When looking into buying a pedigree or specific breed, it is best to find a reputable breeder. They will be an expert on a specific breed of dog and will have records for the puppy’s linage, along with medical records. A breeder of a high standard will want to meet you before or just after a litter of puppies are born to make sure that you are going to be a responsible owner; this is a good time for you to ask questions and see the conditions that your pup is being/has been raised in.

It is extremely important to check that you are getting your pup from an reputable breeder as there are a lot of people out there that pose as legitimate breeders, when in fact they are they are what is known as ‘backyard breeders’ who run puppy farms. These ‘farms’ are where illegitimate breeders force adult dogs to mate and produce litters that then have to live in awful conditions until sold. These people have no regard for the dogs’ health and more often than not, the poor pups will contract some kind of illness.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

If you want to purchase a pedigree dog then there is a list on the Kennel Club website outlining their recommended breeders for each type of dog, this can help to point you in the right direction. It can also help to attend dog shows and speak to dog owners who have the type of breed you would like as they will be able to recommend a good breeder. It is not wise to purchase a puppy from a pet shop, from someone that has a ‘selection’ of breeds to choose from or over the internet without seeing where/how the pup has been raised.