How to Choose a Healthy Puppy

If you chose to purchase a puppy as a new addition to your family, don’t just rush off to the pet store. There is a special science to finding the perfect pup for your family. You will want to evaluate the stages of life that your family members are in before picking just any dog, and choose a breed that works well in your environment. Are you in an apartment? You may want to consider a smaller dog breed like a Maltese, Chihuahua, or Pomeranian. Do you have a large yard for your dog to roam around? Maybe an Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, or Golden Retriever is the perfect animal for you.

When you finally choose the right breed, you will want to find a breeder that sells the puppy you want. Do not look in pet stores, because a lot of these cute little animals come from puppy mills. These mills are riddled with disease and unsanitary conditions, and your dog may have all sorts of disorders that will shorten his or her life and cost you thousands of dollars. Instead, opt for a breeder. To find a breeder that provides the dogs you want, you will probably need to do some research.

Ask friends or family where they got their dogs, or look for advertisements on the internet and in newspapers. You can also use the American Kennel Club to find recommended breeders in your area. If you see a dog in a pet store that you want, ask the pet store workers if they know where the dog came from and whether or not they can produce papers. Some places do bring dogs in from AKC breeders. Most purebred dogs are happy and healthy, but make sure to take them to the vet for a check-up anyway, to make sure that you can cater to your pet’s needs.