You have finally decided its time to add a four-legged bundle of joy to the family and everyone, especially the kids, is excited about the prospect! They want to go buy the pup right now – this instant – and you are having trouble dissuading them otherwise. Relenting, you give in to their noisy demands and promises of helping to raise the pup. After a quick visit to the local pet store, you bring your newest member of the family home, ready for a few sleepless nights and a couple of stains on the carpet.

 

Instead of a few sleepless nights, however, months later you are still not getting your required eight hours a night! What you were hoping to be an easy addition to the family has unfortunately turned into a behavioral and medical nightmare.  Separation anxiety , learning difficulties, and an inability to accept discipline are just the cake while the icing includes everything from digestive disorders to an army of internal and external parasites. So even on nights where the pup makes it through the night without needing to go outside or be given medication, the worry over how to pay for the pup’s mounting vet bills keeps you up. You promised your kids a puppy but their new playmate is beginning to eat into their college fund without any sign up letting up!

 

Buying a purebred dog can be a wonderful and delightful experience, or a stressful and disheartening nightmare situation, depending on how much thought and care you put into the purchase.

 

Choosing the Right Breed of Dog

 

Choosing the right breed can make an enormous difference when buying a purebred dog. Too many wonderful dogs end up in the local shelter because their original owners did not do their research, buying a purebred dog for emotional reasons versus looking at their lifestyle and discovering a breed of dog that best suits their needs. Energy levels, exercise needs,  grooming needs , and breed specific medical requirements are all as equally as important as gender and size if not more so. For example, a big, mellow dog is often easier to care for then a small but high-energy breed.

  

Research the internet, read breed books, and visit a dog park in your area. Do no be swayed by fashionable breeds and although children should have a part in selecting the breed, you must let them know that you will veto their choice if it does not suit your family or lifestyle. Children often do well if you give them a few breeds to choose from that you have already ‘pre-screened’ for suitability to your family’s situation.

 

Once you have honestly looked at your lifestyle and researched various breeds that match your criteria, spend a day or two at a dog show talking to owners of those breeds. Most people are happy to talk about their dogs and they will ask the right questions about your lifestyle to help decide whether their breed is right for you. The will also direct you to a reputable breeder!

 

Where NOT to Buy a Purebred Dog

 

Buying a purebred puppy from a pet store, swap meet, a sign on the side of the road or out of the trunk of a car in a parking lot is supporting  puppy mills . Period. Puppy mills mass produce puppies, often small or hypoallergenic breeds, as a means to make money, not for the betterment of the breed. Anyone who looks at breeding dogs as a way to earn a living is contributing to the hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals that are destroyed each year in North America.

 

Choosing the Right Dog Breeder

 

Choosing the right dog breeder is as important as choosing the right breed when buying a purebred dog. Reputable breeders are passionate about their breed and only plan a litter when the majority of pups are ‘pre-sold’. They limit the number of litters each bitch will have per year and throughout their life. Puppies are raised in a home or home-like environment with proper care, pre-screening of breeding stock,  socialization , food, medical care, and early training.

 

This may mean a wait list but a healthy, well-adjusted, easily trained pup is worth a short wait!

 

Choosing the Right Puppy

 

You have picked your breed, found a breeder and the puppies are on the ground. Now, how do you choose which adorable pup from the litter of adorable puppies is best for you and your family?

 

First, listen to the breeder. No one know the personalities of the pups like the breeder and she will know which is the dominant pup, who is laid back and who is the shy one. The breeder will help match the pup to your knowledge base, abilities and lifestyle, helping to make a perfect pairing. Many people are attracted to the dominant pup because they are the first to investigate strangers while strutting about, tail up and sure of their own importance in the world. These pups can also be the most difficult to raise however as their ability to adjust to family life can be a strain and will challenge their owners at every avenue.

  

Once the breeder has made a suggestion on which pup will best suit you and your family, obviously your feelings must come into the decision. An instant connection is ideal as this pup is hopefully going to be an important part of your family for many years to come. Go with your heart – if you have done your homework and picked the right breed and a reputable breeder, you are half way to the perfect four-legged companion for you and your family. The rest of buying a purebred dog is pure instinct and nothing means more then the bond that develops between a loving owner and the right pup.