What to look for when buying a puppy

GETTING READY

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• Can I afford to look after my dog? There are lots of costs associated with owning a dog. Make sure you budget for all the costs to get set up as well as ongoing costs, such as vet bills, food and more.

• Will my dog be left alone regularly? Most dogs do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Make sure you have considered how they will be cared for when you are at work, out for the day or on holiday.

• Can I give my dog the exercise it needs? Your dog needs regular exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. Make sure you have considered whether you have the time and energy to give your dog the exercise they need.

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CONTACT THE BREEDER

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• Are they a registered breeder with SABMA, and if so, can they provide evidence of a valid registration certificate? All SABMA registered breeders receive a registration certificate that is valid for a year. Make sure the certificate is valid. If in doubt contact the SABMA office.

• Can the puppies be seen with their mother and at the place where they were born? Puppies should always be seen with their mother at the place they were born.

• Have the parents been screened for health conditions, and can they show you the results? Check that your breeder has had the parents tested and that they can show you the results. Only buy puppies bred from healthy parents.

• Does the breeder offer a contract to protect all parties, including the dog? SABMA require all breeders to sign a sales contract with every puppy sold.

• Can you visit the puppies at their home, and will you be able to revisit them before bringing the puppy home? You should always be able to see puppies at their home. If a breeder wants you to meet them elsewhere, that can be a red flag.

 

VISIT THE BREEDER

 

• Do the puppies appear healthy and happy? Puppies should be alert (though don’t mistake sleepiness for lethargy), have a shiny coat, be free from discharge and be a healthy weight – not too skinny and not too fat. Check their sight and hearing by waving or clapping and checking they respond appropriately.

• Does the mother appear healthy and happy? What type of temperament does she have? Make sure the mother appears healthy and happy. Interact with her to find out her temperament and ask the breeder about her – your puppy may share her qualities!

• Are the puppies kept in a suitable environment? Are the puppies being kept in a clean, safe environment with access to food and fresh water?

• Have the puppies and mother had worm treatments regularly since birth? Worming is an essential treatment as most puppies are born with worms.

• Will the puppies have their first vaccinations before going to their new homes? Puppies should have their first vaccinations before going to their new homes.

• Will the puppies be micro chipped before they go to their new homes? SABMA requires all puppies to be micro chipped and registered to their new owners before going to their new homes.

• Are the puppies used to being around people, and has the breeder been socialising them? The puppies should be used to being handled, and your breeder should have started general socialisation. Ask your breeder what sorts of things they have been doing in this area, such as getting them used to household sounds and smells, being handled and meeting strangers.

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