Choosing a healthy puppy

May 25 02:22pm

Firstly, make sure that you and the family have decided on a breed. You can buy your dog from a breeder, pet shop or dog shelter. Puppies are normally for sale from about eight weeks old and will have had their first vaccinations by then.

When selecting your pup there are a number of things you should look for. Initially, just watch the puppies running around and pick an active one. Then, check its eyes are clear and bright and its nose is cold and wet, and both are free from coloured discharge. Check for patches of hair loss on the head, neck and body, and for lumps, scars or scabs.

Next, watch the dog walk – there should be no signs of lameness. Your puppy’s breathing should be effortless, but if you have any concerns, leave the dog or seek the opinion of your local vet.

Also, if buying a pedigree pup, make sure the breeder has screened for hereditary diseases.

Click here for our gallery of cute puppy pictures.

18 Comments Report Abuse

1. melissapd12 - May 25 08:49am

Don't leave the dog! Just get it to a vet to check the problem out.

2. tash_reus - May 25 08:56am

I am disappointed that you are promoting the idea of buying an animal from a pet shop or breeder. For every dog purchased in this manner, another dies in a shelter. Back yard breeders and pet shops prey on emotions and fail to take accountability for the fact that pets are 'lifelong' decisions.

3. lincoln_tyson - May 25 09:18am

Yes, I am all for advice on pets. But the editor might want to consider pushing the humane angle a little more such as suggesting the RSPCA and AWL shelters? This article suggests you should purchase a dog in the same way you purchase fish from the market!

4. bhuachaille - May 25 09:33am

Sometimes, unfortunately, a shelter dog is unsuitable for a family pet as it perhaps has man made character issues and is unreliable in character. Going to a registered Dogs NSW breeder (not a back yard one), one who is also recognised by their breed club, is the way to go.

5. appleguava1978 - May 25 09:51am

Lovely photo. Would do great as a wall paper.

Agree with points above. Adopt a dog, save a puppy rather than buy one from the shops.

6. indokent - May 25 11:28am

Why should we get a dog from the pound ? Find the owners of those dogs and make them pay a severe fine, not $200 but $2000. It is a dog lovers wright to buy a pedigree dog. Why should we have to get a mongrel from the pound. You have to be cruel to be kind. Put all pound dogs to sleep ! end of prob.

7. a_dallimore - May 25 12:38pm

@ Indokent: Do you realise how many physiological, genetic and behavioral problems have been brought into the world of canines just because of irresponsible pure breeding? Do you have any idea how many dogs die prematurely because of these problems, or how much money is lost, or the amount...

8. a_dallimore - May 25 12:47pm

of families that suffer from their dog constantly being in the vet with hip problems, bleeding disorders, tracheal problems, ear problems...
Buy a mongrel.They live longer, they're hardier, they have less inherited defects, and they're generally not inbred.

I agree with the tougher fines though :)

9. a_dallimore - May 25 12:55pm

of time families spend down the vet because of of this? Buy a mongrel, they live longer, they are healthier and the are not forced to inbreed by irresponsible breeders.
You want to kill all of the dogs at the pound? Try being to poor employee responsible for that task, perhaps you could volunteer?

10. a_dallimore - May 25 12:55pm

Sorry about the double post.