Finding the Perfect Puppy for Sale
"There, in the pet shop window... was the cutest puppy for sale I'd ever seen!"
I remember it like it was yesterday...I was a senior in college, ready to begin a new life in a few short weeks.
On a whim, my boyfriend and I stopped by the local pet shop; and there, in the window, was the cutest little puppy for sale I'd ever seen!
He had big brown eyes -- one with a pink rim, and the other surrounded by a big splotch of black fur. He was mostly white, with a pale nose, a big round belly, and huge, clumsy feet.
It was love at first sight! I told my beau that I HAD to have this dog. I wouldn't walk away from the store without the little guy! But my annoyingly level-headed partner broke my trance. "Why do you want a dog now ?" he asked. "Where are you going to keep him? How will you afford the vet bills? What do you even know about him, or where he came from?" He suggested that I go home and think about it, and not buy a puppy on a whim. And he kept at me until I caved in. I "caved" because I knew he was right. And as hard as it was to walk away, I went home to my apartment empty handed. Within a few hours, of course, I realized what a mistake it would have been. I mean, what would my landlord have said? My college roommates? How about the fact that I was about to move to a strange city and had no idea if I'd have time or a place for a dog in my new life? And I didn't know the first thing about the dog's temperament or background. "What", I asked myself, "was I thinking"? Before you Start Shopping -- Steps you can take to Avoid Big Mistakes So... you're searching for a puppy for sale, and you can't wait to get started! There are so many great places to find a puppy for sale, near and far. And adding a new member to your family is so exciting, isn't it? If an adorable puppy for sale makes it hard for you to think clearly, I certainly understand! This page is for you! In many many ways, finding the perfect dog or puppy for sale is like finding the perfect mate. You're going to be sharing a good part of you life and times with this furry creature, and you want the experience to be enjoyable for both of you. We've all entered into relationships that had us asking ourselves later, "What Was I Thinking?" (Usually, it's because we didn't listen to that "little voice" that told us it was a bad idea in the first place!). Many times it's because we were attracted for the wrong reasons. In the doggie world, this could mean buying a breed that's been popularized by the media but is all wrong for you. Or falling for that dog or puppy for sale who's got so So go into this with your eyes open. Don't be reluctant to walk away from a puppy for sale that doesn't seem like the right choice for you. Don't get a big, active dog who craves attention if you live in a small city apartment and work long hours. And don't get a dog if you won't have time to train him, socialize him, and play with him. Definitely be prepared to spend money on food, toys, crates and carriers, routine and unexpected vet bills, replacements for chewed up belongings, etc, etc. You get the picture. Most of all, don't buy that puppy for sale on impulse! (This is how dogs end up in shelters). Do your homework, and you'll be in for a wonderful and rewarding experience with your newest family member! There are many things to consider before you begin your search; things that will save you mountains of trouble in the long run. Mature Dog versus Puppy -- do you have what it takes to raise a puppy? Which Breed is Right for Me? -- the most important question of all Buying your Puppy from a Breeder -- reputable breeders vs backyard breeders Buying from a Neighbor or RelativePet Shop Puppies -- proceed with caution Health Records -- don't bring her home without them! Where to Find Your Puppy for Sale -- sources both near and far Mature Dog versus Puppy
many problems that you just want to "rescue" him, but then those problems come back to bite you ( literally, sometimes!).
The Adoption Option -- wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes
When they're ready for a new dog, most people instinctively look for a puppy for sale. Puppies are adorable and loads of fun, but they're also a lot of work! Adopting a mature dog is a better choice for many of us, once we think it through. Why?
Well, for starters:
- Older dogs may already be house-trained
- Mature dogs don't need to be taken outside nearly as frequently
- They often come out of shelters with some obedience basics already mastered.
- If you acquire a fully grown dog, you don't need to guess about how big he'll grow or what kind of temperament he'll develop!
The Adoption Option
There are so many wonderful dogs just waiting for the chance to find their "forever" home, that it seems a shame not to consider the adoption option.
If you'd like to explore the option, you can check with the online Pet Adoption Center at PETCO.com. You can also visit
PetsMart adoptions: follow the link and it takes you to an article called "Adopting at PetsMart", where you'll find general information plus a store locator to the PetSmart nearest you.
Because Petco and PetsMart are such large organizations, they have the resources and facilities to reach out to shelters in their communities, and help place homeless dogs and cats directly from their own store locations.
You can also go straight to your local animal shelter. Shelters have dogs of all ages, sizes, colors and breeds. Shelters do screen their animals for temperament and health, and they screen potential adoption families as well. Expect to be asked some questions about your lifestyle and background -- it's in the best interests of both you and the dog that the shelter make a good match!
what to look for
Whether visiting a local shelter or a large store like Petco, you'll want to pay attention to the following:
- Is the dog clean and healthy? Is he friendly? Lively? Not to aggressive, and not too needy?
- Talk with those caring for the animals; they may be familiar with a particular dog's personality and habits.
- Find out whether the dog was a stray or whether his owner turned him in. Some wonderful dogs are reluctantly given up by owners too old or sick to care for a dog, or because their owners died or moved away.
- Ask to bring the dog to the holding area so you can see how she reacts to you. It's normal for most dogs to be afraid and anxious. If you can, take her for a walk and spend a little time with her.
- Don't be afraid to walk away. Settling for a dog that you feel isn't quite right for you or your situation can be disastrous for both of you.
what it costs
If you came here looking for a puppy for sale, then you came prepared to spend money for your puppy, right? Well, you'll also be asked to pay a "donation" for your adopted dog or pup. It's not that the shelter is trying to make a profit from you: the donation typically covers expenses like shots and neutering, and sometimes even the first trip to the vet.
Which Breed is Right for Me?
You know, this is probably the most important question to ask before you start looking for your dream puppy for sale. Personally, I'm married to a man who's the epitome of the "Bull in the China Shop". So of course, we needed an indestructible dog! Cleo is a mastiff, and she's just perfect for rough-housing with a guy like Mark (who's 6'3" and "husky"). But if we had any four legged children living at home, or were still in an apartment, Cleo would be all wrong for us. She'd
still be the right dog for Mark...but she'd be all wrong for our living situation and all of us would suffer the consequences.
choosing the right breed
Check our dog breed page for a complete listing of breeds from PuppyFinder
PETCO also has a great breed selector, which is part of their "follow the path to your perfect pet" feature. I recommend it highly for anyone searching for a puppy for sale, preparing for and naming your puppy, and a lot more.
It's packed with information and offers the best guide to dog breeds I've seen. (Scroll down a bit for an example of their "breed qualities" charts).
On the page itself, of course, the "steps" along the path are all clickable links. The breed comparison feature is arranged by breed size, so you can decide on a small, medium, or large dog. Then, when you choose your dogs breed, you'll get a page that shows a photo, breed history, and breed characteristics (size, appearance, coat and color, head and tail). But my favorite part is this:
That's not all. Before you start looking at those puppy for sale ads, you can already be making preparations and picking out some names. At the top of the breed selection page, you notice that all of the steps are mapped out for you: The feature for "naming your pet" is fantastic; it that allows you to choose, besides male or female, from categories like the following: Popular, Mythological Character, Cartoon Character, Famous Person, Persons Name, Place, Color, Nature, Edible or Drinkable, Love and Beauty, Power, Nickname, Quirks and "isms", Sports and Games, Objects of Desire, Honorary Titles, Terms of Endearment. I'll bet your puppy for sale will already have a few names picked out after you visit this page! |
Buying your Puppy from a Breeder
If you want a purebred puppy or you plan to enter the show ring with your dog, look for a reliable breeder. 
The best breeders won't always have puppy for sale ads in the papers. They tend get business by reputation, and have owners lined up before their puppies are for sale, or even born! But they may have a website.
EuroPuppy is a great place to search online, and you don't have to live in Europe to buy from them. They have happy customers all over the world. K9Nation is another good place to search for breeders.
dog shows
If you like to buy locally, a great place to go is an AKC dog show. The type called a "benched show", requires the dogs to arrive early and await their turn in the ring in a designated area. Spectators are free to wander in this area.
You'll not only have a chance to observe the dogs but will often get to talk to an owner/handler or a handler's assistant about their breed. People are more than happy to discuss their favorite subject with you. You'll get answers to your questions , and probably lots of information you never thought to ask about. So, you won't actually find a puppy for sale at the show. But if you hit it off with the breeder or handler, you may end up buying a puppy from their next litter!
You can also ask your local veterinarian for a reputable breeder or any puppy for sale they're aware of, or call the following agencies for a list of breeders in your area:
American Kennel Club at 919-233-9767
United Kennel Club at 616-343-9020
Canadian Kennel Club at 416-675-5511
what to ask a dog breeder
- Will the breeder help you choose the right puppy for your needs?
- Are his dogs registered with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Dysplasia Registry?
- What are their registration numbers?
- Are the animals certified free of PRA and other eye diseases?
- Are the puppy's hips and eyes guaranteed?
- What are his terms if the puppy develops genetic problems?
- Can you visit the parents of the litter?
- Can you talk to other dog owners who have purchased his puppies?
- Does the breeder require that his puppies be spayed or neutered?
- Have his puppies received their first shots?
- At what age are his puppies placed?
reputable breeders
There's more than one kind of breeder out there. The most reputable breeders are dedicated to improving the breed they love. And because they love the breed, they belong to local and national breed clubs, are often involved in showing competitively, and will have lots of happy customers who are willing to act as references. Reputable breeders are concerned with producing great-looking, healthy pups, and they go the extra mile and spend what's necessary to do this. The puppy for sale from a breeder
like this can cost several hundred dollars or more. Often, there's not a big profit involved.
Reputable breeders also may have some "pet quality" pups in their litters. These dogs are healthy and will make great pets, they just won't show well in the ring. It could be a minor flaw like an overbite, or a less-than-ideal stance -- things that are purely esthetic and won't make your puppy any less loveable. You can generally get a pet quality puppy for sale from a breeder for less than the going rate.
commercial breeders
Then, there's the other kind...the breeders who are strictly in it for the money. These commercial breeders run large-scale operations, breeding many dogs at once and the same dogs over and over. Dogs from this source often don’t get the early socialization they need and may have behavioral and medical problems. They're also more likely to suffer from inherited diseases such as hip dysplasia. Some of these breeders sell to pet stores. Others sell directly to pet owners. Be very wary of a puppy
for sale from one of these "puppy mills".
backyard breeders
Somewhere in the middle, you have breeders who simply aren't as skilled and knowledgeable as the reputable breeder. They may be breeding pups part time for extra income, or may have had an unexpected litter from their purebred pets. These people are less likely to stand behind their product, especially where unexpected puppies are concerned. They have no reputation to protect. Although reputable breeders will list a puppy for sale in the newspaper, it's more likely that the puppies in the
classifieds are from back yard breeders. Ask the questions listed above, and you'll know right away who you're dealing with.
Buying a puppy from a neighbor or relative
Still tempted by that cute puppy for sale at the local pet shop? Tempted by the low price? Consider buying your puppy instead from a neighbor or relative.
You'll know a lot more about the love and care the dog has received and the conditions she was raised in.
Your neighbor or relative does have a reputation to protect -- the one they've built with you! And you're likely to get your dog for a lower price.
Pet Shop Puppies
I've already pointed out which are the best pet stores to buy from- they're the ones who are helping local shelters find loving families for dogs without a home. Smaller pet stores, unfortunately, tend to buy their stock from puppy mills. There are exceptions, but you have to know what to ask. So, if you must buy that puppy for sale in the window, please ask the following questions:
Where did the dog come from?- Are you a licensed USDA dealer?
- Does the kennel or broker conduct genetic clearance for breeding stock?
- Can you have a copy of the dog's eye and hip certifications?
- What health problems are common to this breed?
- Does the breed tend to bark a lot?
- How much socialization does this breed require?
- How much exercise does this breed require?
- How much grooming does this breed require?
- How much do they shed?
- What happens to the puppies that are not sold?
The store clerk or manager should be able to provide you with answers.
Health Records
Health records and vaccination certificates should be provided with any puppy. Accept a puppy without them, and you're taking a big risk. Plan a visit to your veterinarian within a few days of adopting your dog. If you don't have a vet, you should select one right away. Take a copy of your dog's vaccination and worming records and any other medical records you may have.
That's it! Now, you're armed and ready to find that perfect dog or puppy for sale and you know exactly what you're getting into, don't you? You can start shopping locally or search far and wide!
posted by Carolyn at
9:12 AM
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