Choosing your puppy

Choosing a puppy is exciting — but selecting the right breed and temperament for your lifestyle is essential for future harmony. Your new puppy is a long-term commitment. Whether it’s your first puppy, or you’ve many years experience with dogs and breeds, there are some important points to consider.

Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s brightest moments — the tiny paws, the wiggly excitement, the promise of years of companionship. But behind the cuteness lies an important reality - the puppy you choose today becomes the adult dog you’ll share your life with tomorrow.

The foundation of a great relationship starts long before training sessions begin. It starts with choosing a puppy whose breed traits and needs match your lifestyle.

Why it matters…

Start With Your Lifestyle

(Not Your Wishlist)

Before you fall in love with those irresistible puppy eyes, take a step back and reflect on what your day-to-day life really looks like.

Ask yourself:

  • How active am I, honestly?

  • How much space do I have I the house and garden?

  • How many hours a day will the puppy be left alone?

  • How much time do I have to train and play with my puppy?

  • Do I enjoy grooming or prefer low-maintenance coats?

  • What kind of environment do I live in — quiet, busy, urban, rural?

  • Who will the dog be in contact with?

Your answers should influence which breed or breed type may suit you best.

Understand Breed Traits (Beyond the Stereotypes)

Breed labels and stereotypes can be misleading, but understanding breed tendencies helps predict energy levels, behaviour patterns, common health concerns and long-term needs.

Think about:

  • What was the breed of dog originally bred to do? Many dog breeds were developed for a purpose.

  • Will the breed require a lot of mental stimulation to keep it satisfied?

  • Is the breed likely to benefit from specific forms of training? Can I satisfy it’s physical, mental and emotional

    needs?

  • Is the breed likely to cope in a busy or quiet household?

Some things to consider:

  • Gundog breeds: Pointers, spaniels, retrievers and labradors.. Bred to assist human hunters in a variety of ways, they tend to be highly energetic, intelligent and trainable.

  • Pastoral breeds: Collies, shepherds and corgis, among many others! These dogs were bred to move and guard livestock, they are typically intelligent, high-energy and resilient dogs.

  • Terrier breeds. From bull breeds to border terrier with many in between. Terriers were bred to hunt vermin and are usually energetic and tenacious.

While every dog is an individual, breed influences behaviour — and that matters when choosing a puppy who will thrive with you.