Tips on buying a puppy

• If you see an advertisement showing a wide variety of breed types think twice. This often shows that the advertiser is ordering the puppies in, often from a puppy farm in Eire where there is no legislation to prevent, control or monitor the breeding of dogs.
  
  
• These puppies are often bred and sold with breed associated problems like hip displasia, congenital eye and heart conditions or other genetic defects. These only become apparent as the puppy grows. Veterinary treatment can be expensive and in some cases the puppy could die.
  
  
• Always ask to see the puppy with its mother. If the seller cannot agree to this or if they make excuses, walk away. Often unscrupulous rackets will want to drop the puppy off at a venue of their choice, again refuse as this often signifies that the puppy is likely to have come from a puppy farm.
  
  
• Legitimate breeders are usually just as keen to see the potential owners because they want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes. Always see the mother and puppies at home as this will give you a good idea of background, health, eventual size and temperament. Legitimate breeders will not mind you asking questions as it shows to them that you are as keen about the dog's welfare as they are.
  
  
• Is the paperwork genuine? Puppies can be sold with breed and vaccination certificates that are forged. If the paperwork is photocopied on plain paper be suspicious, make a call to check out the details then and there and if in doubt walk away. Always check that the puppy you are buying is a proper pedigree. The Kennel Club will have records of all legitimate registered breeders.
  
  
• No matter how sweet or sad the puppy looks, make sure that you know where the litter comes from. Traders often play on potential owner's sympathies, or trick you into thinking that you are rescuing it and giving it a better home. The sad reality is that every puppy bought keeps cruel puppy farms in business and puts legitimate breeders in jeopardy. These farms would stop tomorrow if demand stopped.
  
  
• Be patient. Legitimate breeders will ask you to wait until the new litter is old enough and ready to be released. Many irresponsible breeders can have any puppy of your choice ready in a week because they are brought in from Ireland weekly, many are not vaccinated and have been taken away from their mothers too early.
  
  
• Never buy a puppy at a car boot sale, or from the back of a truck. You are unlikely to trace the seller if problems arise. There may be reasons why the seller wishes to get rid of the dog. It could have behavioural problems or illnesses.
  
  
• If you have already bought a puppy that has started to show signs of illness go straight to the vet and get it checked over. Make sure you have kept notes of names, addresses and vehicle numbers and report any concerns to your local trading standards office who will investigate, and if necessary, prosecute.
  
  
• Have you considered rehoming a dog or puppy? There are many dogs, pedigree and cross-bred, that are abandoned in the UK, all of whom need good homes – those at RSPCA centres are vaccinated, microchipped and you can get excellent advice from staff as to suitable breeds for your needs.
  
  
• You may also wish to ask how long the mother has been owned and for evidence of this fact. It is not unkown for breeders to purchase bitches, breed from them next season and sell the pups and bitch soon afterwards. This allows them to produce one or two litters a month. The temperament of the bitch and pups may not be known in these circumstances.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a puppy or a breeding establishment then please contact the RSPCA on 08705 555 999. Calls are charged at a national rate and are in confidence.