Getting a dog

Before you get a dog, you should consider the following.

• Choose an appropriate breed of dog that suits your lifestyle. 
• Make sure you can afford to buy and maintain the upkeep of your pet.
• Make sure you have enough time for your pet including training and exercising.
• Make sure your house is suitable for a dog such as a garden and if you are renting a property, are you allowed pets?

You should check as far as is possible with the breeder, pet shop, rescue centre or sanctuary:

• that the dog's parents been screened for inherited defects when available
• the dog's medical history and background where available.

Where possible, you should ask to see the puppy with its mother, and see its father too. This gives a good guide to temperament and the size to which the dog may grow. This information is less likely to be available for dogs from sanctuaries and rescue shelters.

For a list of reputable breeders contact The Kennel Club. A good breeder will interview you and be concerned that you can offer the puppy a good home. Also the breeder should be happy to offer advice and be prepared to help if any problems occur after you have purchased the puppy.

After a couple of days of bringing your new dog or puppy home, take it to your local veterinary surgeon for a health care check up and advice. Follow the veterinarian's advice throughout your dog's life.