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Click to go: Home > Breed Groups > Which Breed to Choose
Which Breed to Choose?
Navigation through our Dog
Breed Guide pages is easy.  
Just click on any one of the
tabs to the right or use the
bread crumbs above just
below the title bar.
A dog with a distinguished
pedigree isn't necessarily more
lovable, cute, funny or loyal than a
mutt.  He's simply more predictable.
Which Breed?
With so many breeds to choose from it is essential to research thoroughly. Go to our
Group pages  to read about the general attributes of each type of dog, and then the
individual breed pages for a more detailed description.

Before going ahead and bringing that adorable puppy home, think about
the following points:
  • do you have the time for a dog - puppies, particularly, need a great deal of
    attention during the early months
  • does your family all agree that they want a dog?
  • if you have children are they old enough to be sensible and not tease or hurt him
  • are there any elderly family members; small dogs rushing around can cause falls
  • a heavily coated or trimmed breed requires a lot of coat care. Realistically, will
    you be able to manage - if not you should budget for regular trips to the
    groomer.  This can be quite a significant expense.  Phone a local groomer to
    learn what they charge to groom the breed you are thinking about, and how
    frequently they would expect to groom him.

Don't forget to consider the cost of keeping a dog.  Calculate the following
  • $$ a week for food (dry and wet)
  • $$ a month for pet insurance
  • $$ a year for routine vaccinations, worming, etc
  • $$ a year for beds, bedding, collars, leads, toys and treats
  • $$ a year for Boarding/Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

Hereditary Defects and Screening
Some breeds are particularly prone to hereditary problems so you should ask for
evidence of screening from the breeder.  If the breeder doesn't screen then go
elsewhere; it's not worth the risk. If the breeder doesn't care enough to ensure that the
dogs he/she is breeding from are sound and healthy then he/she isn't going to be
much support to you as your puppy grows up.

Finding A Puppy
Bona fide breeders will be extremely selective about the people they sell their puppies
to and will ask prospective owners questions that may seem intrusive; be reassured
that these breeders, if they allow you to have one of their precious pups, will always be
at the end of the phone to advise when things seem to be going wrong.

There are some golden rules about who not to buy from
  • a puppy farmer; someone who breeds purely for profit who has no interest in the
    puppy except the check he receives for it.  Easily identified because he will
    probably have at least three of the more popular breeds and not show any
    concern about how knowledgeable you are
  • if the mother of the litter cannot be seen.  The only excuse for the dam not being
    with her puppies is if she has died.  Nothing else is good enough, however
    plausible the reason.  This generally means the litter that has been bought in for
    resale at a profit
  • an "accidental" litter a neighbour's dog has had.  If you haven't already planned
    to acquire a puppy resist being bounced into it by enthusiastic children.  Puppies
    are not an impulse buy

Research the alternatives thoroughly, be realistic about what you expect from your
puppy and what you can give him.  Remember that the crossbreed from the accidental
litter will cost as much to keep as the pedigree dog who has been carefully bred with all
the appropriate health screening.  

Have lots of fun with your new puppy.
Which Breed Should You Choose?
Loki