What to check when buying a puppy in the UK?

When buying a puppy, do your research not just about the breeder themselves, but also the breed. Many brachycephalic dogs such as pugs, french bulldogs and shih tzus will have respiratory problems throughout their lives. Always read up on the breeder’s background, do a ‘Google’ search on their name and see what comes up. Never buy a puppy without viewing, as video calls are not a substitute for seeing a puppy in person. Instead, call the breeder and ask lots of questions before visiting them in person. Take a digital or printed list of questions you want to ask the breeder when viewing the puppy, such as when was the puppy weened, if the puppy is over 8 weeks old, where and when did they have their first vaccination, and does the puppy have a microchip. One of the questions you ask should be if the puppy has any paperwork, such as microchip paperwork and pedigree papers. Buying a puppy is a big decision so take your time, it’s better to miss out on ‘that’ puppy than to bring home one that may only last a few weeks or have a life-long condition. If you’ve perfectly executed our top 5 tips and something still doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Your gut instinct is nature’s way of helping you to avoid a potentially bad situation.

Always make sure you see mum and her pups together, and never buy a puppy if you have doubts about the breeder or situation - buying the puppy will only fund their illegal operation. Check out our top tips on finding a good breeder. The Puppy Contract can help you avoid becoming another victim of the puppy trade. It will help guide you through the process of buying a puppy and give you the confidence to make the right decisions about your future puppy. Be sure to follow our tips for spotting adverts from bad breeders.

When buying a puppy, you should discover if you're ready for the commitment. Find out which breed best suits your lifestyle. You should also consider how this new member of your family will impact on your life. There's a lot to consider before you bring your puppy home, including feeding, walking, training, vaccination, socialisation and child safety. Learn more about buying a dog, including what to ask your breeder, what equipment you'll need to purchase and the importance of pet insurance. Use the filters to find a breed best suited to you. You can also use our Dog Look Up tool to view any Kennel Club registered dog's pedigree or health test results. Read the Health Standard that consolidates all health tests for your breed in one place.

Before you visit a breeder, we recommend giving them a call first to ask them some preliminary questions. It’s important to look into the health of your pup's parents, to be aware of any potential health issues. When you purchase your puppy, your breeder should provide you with certain important paperwork. Learn more about what you can expect from your visit, what to ask the breeder and what warning signs you should look out for. Research before buying a dog. You'll need to ensure you have everything you need, including essential puppy equipment, before you're ready to bring your new puppy home. The Kennel Club Pet Insurance helps owners plan for expensive, unexpected vet’s fees.