Choosing a puppy is a tough decision to make. The puppy you wish to select basically depends on qualities you would love to have in it. The selection process will be much easier if you wish to select a simple family dog that looks cute and would just love to cuddle it. Such simple breeds are easy to obtain and cost less. Here are some suggestions on how to select a puppy that best suits your requirement.

• First, decide on what you want the puppy to do for you. Whether you want a breed that sheds very low or small cute sized puppy with little activity or the variety that needs little maintenance like grooming, or a high activity dog or just a simple breed that can play with your kids.

• If you are buying a puppy for the first time, never go directly to puppy store and get one. Take a friend of yours who is well versed with all the dog breeds and can easily identify a puppy of perfect breed, nature and health.

• Get a dog from a well known breeder.

• Make sure that the environment where the dog is bred is clean and neat. This will avoid many birth disorders.

• Check if the puppy or its parents have suffered from diseases like eye disorders or orthopedic disorders that are generally specific to certain breeds.

• Puppy’s coat should be moved gently with a light breeze. It should be free and shiny but not sticky or oily.

• There should be no signs of illness like inflammation, redness of eyes, and discharge from eyes, anal regions or nose.

• Check if all the senses of the dog are functioning well, if it is able to see, hear and smell perfectly.

• Never purchase a dog without checking either of the parents. This way you can rule out the presence of any health related disturbances.

• If you love to purchase a pure breed, never rely on the certificates produced by the breeder. Check the parents.

• Check for the gums. Strong gums are signs for strong teeth. They should be pink in color without any bleeding.

• The puppy that you will select should not show any signs of behavioral problems like aggressive or feeling of shy. Select the one that is a mix of all characters.

• Make sure that the puppy interacts well with other dogs. It should not show signs of either dominance or calmness.

• Select a puppy with a sturdy body build. Dogs with good body build will be healthy, free of diseases and other behavioral problems.

• It is best to select a puppy with highest standards that are set for that particular breed.

• Make sure that you have all your dog needs ready at home like the collar, lead, bowls, bed, toys and treats.

• Know the feeding habits of the puppy before you get it home and get all the food it loves ready at home. Make sure that the food is easily digestible.

Mark Perry

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