What show record do the parents have? This will help you determine if the pups are over priced or not. If there is no show record the pups really are not worth more than the cost of the vet procedures already done. If there is a show record then it proves the person has invested money into selecting good dogs to breed
Can I meet the parents? If you are buying a pup you should at least be able to meet the mom. Pups tend to emulate their mothers behavior. Do not buy from a place with a female who is aggressive or fearful of people.
What kind of guarantee does the pup come with? Most breeders offer guarantees on health from two weeks, to 1 year, to a lifetime guarantee.
If my family have a problem with the dog, such as allergies, how long do we have to return it for a full refund? If you cannot return it within a week or two, are you willing to take the risk?
Where to Buy?
If you are looking for a Purebred, buying from a reputable breeder is the best place to buy. You can determine if a breeder is reputable by asking for references, and by them proving (through show records) that they have invested time proving their dog was worth breeding. Many breeds also have breed rescues you can adopt from. You can find a reputable breeder by checking dog magazines, asking your vet, dog groomer, or local dog club.
If you are looking for a Mutt, then adopting from an animal shelter or SPCA (etc) is probably your best option. They will be vaccinated, vet checked, and often come with incentives for spaying or neutering. Most of these are non-profit and genuinely care about finding the pets good homes. They will be as honest as possible and will offer reasonable guarantees. Generally it is less expensive for you to adopt from a shelter than it is to take a "free" one and having all the medical done to it yourself.
I caution you against shopping at pet stores. Stores are stores, they are in the business of making profit, they buy cheap and sell high. They are not always honest in an effort to get a sale. Why would a good breeder use a store to sell a pup rather than selling it themselves? Why would anyone want to hide anonymously and use a store to sell for them? Pet stores will deny using puppy mills, but no reputable breeder would ever sell to a store.
If you go to a place to select a pup, and the place is overrun or filthy, DO NOT pity the pup and buy it. In doing so you are actually rewarding them for keeping dogs this way. You are better to walk away and if the place is really bad, call the SPCA to report them, and hopefully they will seize the animals and shut the place down.
What to Pay?
Do not pay a cent for a dog who has not been checked by a veterinarian, dewormed, and vaccinated. If you adopt, the shelter will have a set rate for their animals. If you are buying from a breeder they will have the price set. Less common breeds will be more costly. It is impossible to tell you what each dog is worth. You need to get a feel for dog costs in your area, and understand that many sellers ask for whatever they feel people will pay based on demand. A breeder who has shown their dogs will have a price that shows their investment. A back yard breeder will have a price based on how much money they want, or think they can get. You need to figure out what you are willing to pay with out being taken advantage of.
Male or Female?
If you are planning on getting your dog fixed then gender usually won't matter. Males lift their legs and urinate on things, females urinate on the ground. Males may get a bit larger. That is pretty much it. Spaying or neutering helps eliminate, or reduce, many health risks and aggressive behaviors.
Adult or Pup?
Puppies are jumpy, unpredictable and require A LOT of attention. If you are not fully prepared for a hyper ball of destructive activity, do not get a pup. If you have young children then a pup is probably not a good idea, it will be virtually impossible to house train a puppy successfully unless you can devote your full attention to it. A pup will jump up on the kids and chew their toys. Children can get bit by teething pups or send mixed signals. You really do not know what the personality of a puppy will be when its older. You can shape behavior, but not personality.
Adult dogs may be a better choice for somebody who does not have time for house training, or who has young children. Adult dogs are usually the economical choice.
Which one?
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If you are at a shelter you will have many dogs and pups to look at. Ask the staff to help you make the right decision based on your lifestyle. They know the dogs and may have some back ground information that can help you. They will be honest, because they want the animal to get a good home. If you do not find the right pooch, you can always come back the following week or leave your name and number for a request.
If you are looking at a breeder with a litter of pups, ask them their opinion of the pups. Do not pick the smallest, while people are often drawn to the runt, it is usually the weakest choice.
If you are looking at a private home that has one dog, take the time to think about it, go for a walk with the dog and owner. If it sells before you decided, then it was not meant to be and other dogs will come along.
Overall make sure the dog you pick is healthy looking, bright and alert. Make sure it is not shy or fearful. Always ask for a health guarantee.
In your Home!
Congratulations...
For the first few weeks keep the dog on the food it was currently on. If you plan on switching brands you should do so gradually. If you got a puppy then chances are it is not fully vaccinated, do not take a puppy off your property (except to the vet) until it is fully vaccinated. Make one of your first commitments to the dog to get it into Obedience lessons. These teach far more than just "sit" and "stay" they are a basic (and often over looked) step towards socialization.
If you experience problems, seek the help and advice of others, especially the person who sold you the dog or pup.
