About Buying a Dog
Thinking about buying a dog?
So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of
years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even
the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your
dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the
following questions in mind as we go along.
The Breed For You
Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to
select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you
select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred
dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament.
Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as
an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.
You and Your Dog
Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a
puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with
children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before
you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of
buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy.
We strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating before buying.
Remember, dogs are for life.
The AKC's Complete Dog Book can help you begin your
research with its pictures and descriptions of each breed recognized by the
AKC. Your initial research will help you narrow the field when it comes to
selecting the breed for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider your dog's
lifestyle, too. And for extended research, consult the resources at your local
library.
While investigating, always be honest with yourself. The Bearded Collie you
fell in love with because of his lush coat is indeed beautiful, but are you
going to be able to brush this coat every day as it requires? Maybe a short
coated dog better suits your busy lifestyle. Think about the size of your house
or your apartment. Will that Golden Retriever be happy in your studio apartment?
The Golden Retriever is a larger sporting dog who requires a lot of exercise. Do
you have a fenced yard so he can go out safely? If not, can you afford to
install a fence? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your dog
and being a responsible neighbor. Always remember, it is okay to change your
mind about which breed you want or if you want the responsibility of owning a
dog at all. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to
breeders. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid
questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share
his or her experience and knowledge with you. Where can you find breeders and
see dogs? At dog shows (conformation events). Also contact AKC
clubs in your area for their recommendations.
Selecting A Breeder
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be
stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the
breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate
temperament for their breed. Your AKC breeder referral contact will direct you
to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a
breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or
the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder’s home interact with
your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The
responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for
each puppy.
How Much Does A Puppy Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member
of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment.
Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider.
Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care,
(a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a
collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask
yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership =
Responsibility.
Being a responsible owner means considering your dog's lifelong health care
needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and
illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog.
It is sensible to consider planning for these.
As a special registration benefit, the AKC has arranged a Complimentary
60-Day Trial AKC Pet Healthcare Plan* for newly registered dogs. This benefit is also
available to dogs whose ownership has been transferred, if the trial plan was
not activated by a prior owner. Details about this special complimentary benefit
will be sent to you shortly after registration or transfer. Visit www.akcphp.com to find out
more.
* The 60-Day Trial Plan is provided by the master
policy issued to the Association of American Pet Owners. Activation
required. Administered by PetPartners, Inc. Underwritten by Markel Insurance
Company, 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Not available in all states
and only available to US residents. Eligibility restrictions apply. Contact
PetPartners, Inc. for terms and conditions. Must be activated within 28 days of
AKC Certificate Issued date. Visit www.akcphp.com/trial or call toll free at
1-866-725-2747.
Caring for your dog
All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming
and veterinary attention. There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog
care. AKC’s own books, The Complete Dog Book and AKC Dog Care and Training Book, contain information
on proper dog care. We recommend you have these or some other authoritative
reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs
should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major
infectious canine diseases. Pet health insurance offers options for coverage
toward these essential items, as well as toward preventative costs.
Your dog and your neighbors
All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors,
both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their
neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the
pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember,
excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or
inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog.
Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good
neighbor.
Obedience training for everyone
One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A
poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than
attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained
dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire
canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being
willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes
are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.
The AKC’s Mission:
The American Kennel Club is dedicated
to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs
and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated
organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance
canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and
promote responsible dog ownership.
Thinking about buying a dog?
So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of
years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even
the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your
dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the
following questions in mind as we go along.
- Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?
- Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a
dog? - Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a
dog?
The Breed For You
Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to
select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you
select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred
dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament.
Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as
an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.
You and Your Dog
Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a
puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with
children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before
you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of
buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy.
We strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating before buying.
Remember, dogs are for life.
The AKC's Complete Dog Book can help you begin your
research with its pictures and descriptions of each breed recognized by the
AKC. Your initial research will help you narrow the field when it comes to
selecting the breed for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider your dog's
lifestyle, too. And for extended research, consult the resources at your local
library.
While investigating, always be honest with yourself. The Bearded Collie you
fell in love with because of his lush coat is indeed beautiful, but are you
going to be able to brush this coat every day as it requires? Maybe a short
coated dog better suits your busy lifestyle. Think about the size of your house
or your apartment. Will that Golden Retriever be happy in your studio apartment?
The Golden Retriever is a larger sporting dog who requires a lot of exercise. Do
you have a fenced yard so he can go out safely? If not, can you afford to
install a fence? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your dog
and being a responsible neighbor. Always remember, it is okay to change your
mind about which breed you want or if you want the responsibility of owning a
dog at all. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to
breeders. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid
questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share
his or her experience and knowledge with you. Where can you find breeders and
see dogs? At dog shows (conformation events). Also contact AKC
clubs in your area for their recommendations.
Selecting A Breeder
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be
stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the
breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate
temperament for their breed. Your AKC breeder referral contact will direct you
to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a
breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or
the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder’s home interact with
your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The
responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for
each puppy.
How Much Does A Puppy Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member
of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment.
Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider.
Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care,
(a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a
collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask
yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership =
Responsibility.
Being a responsible owner means considering your dog's lifelong health care
needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and
illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog.
It is sensible to consider planning for these.
As a special registration benefit, the AKC has arranged a Complimentary
60-Day Trial AKC Pet Healthcare Plan* for newly registered dogs. This benefit is also
available to dogs whose ownership has been transferred, if the trial plan was
not activated by a prior owner. Details about this special complimentary benefit
will be sent to you shortly after registration or transfer. Visit www.akcphp.com to find out
more.
* The 60-Day Trial Plan is provided by the master
policy issued to the Association of American Pet Owners. Activation
required. Administered by PetPartners, Inc. Underwritten by Markel Insurance
Company, 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Not available in all states
and only available to US residents. Eligibility restrictions apply. Contact
PetPartners, Inc. for terms and conditions. Must be activated within 28 days of
AKC Certificate Issued date. Visit www.akcphp.com/trial or call toll free at
1-866-725-2747.
Caring for your dog
All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming
and veterinary attention. There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog
care. AKC’s own books, The Complete Dog Book and AKC Dog Care and Training Book, contain information
on proper dog care. We recommend you have these or some other authoritative
reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs
should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major
infectious canine diseases. Pet health insurance offers options for coverage
toward these essential items, as well as toward preventative costs.
Your dog and your neighbors
All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors,
both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their
neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the
pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember,
excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or
inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog.
Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good
neighbor.
Obedience training for everyone
One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A
poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than
attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained
dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire
canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being
willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes
are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.
The AKC’s Mission:
The American Kennel Club is dedicated
to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs
and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated
organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance
canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and
promote responsible dog ownership.
