Before buying a puppy or a dog, ask yourself:

• Can I afford to have a dog, taking into account not only the initial cost of purchasing the dog, but also the ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary fees and canine insurance? As a very rough estimate a dog can cost £25 a week.
• Can I make a lifelong commitment to a dog? - A dog’s average life span is 12 years.
• Is my home big enough to house a dog?
• Do I really want to exercise a dog every day?
• Will there be someone at home for a dog? - dogs get lonely just like humans.
• Will I find time to train, groom and generally care for a dog?
• Will I be able to answer YES to these questions every day of the year?

If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the above, you should think again before buying a dog.

If you have been able to answer ‘yes’ to all the questions the next step is to find the right pedigree dog breed for you.

More information:

Benefits of owning a dog podcast (MP3)

Key considerations when choosing a dog

Dos and Dont's of Dog ownership

Find the right pedigree dog breed

Safe And Sound scheme (child safety around dogs)

Puppy Buying Guide app for Android Phones

Thinking about buying a puppy?  Download the FREE official Kennel Club Puppy Buying Guide (for Android phones) for helpful information, tips and a checklist for that important decision in life. Click here for more information about the app.

Buying and Raising a Puppy Course
The Buying and Raising a Puppy Course is a free learning tool provided by The Animal Care College to help new owners find the right dog for them.

Kennel Club Puppy Buying guide - Episode 1 Are you right for a puppy?

This film, the first of three, runs through the questions that you should ask yourself to be sure that you are ready for the commitment that comes with owning a dog.

Produced by dogsclub.tv – Britain’s first online TV channel dedicated to dogs

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Choosing the right dog 

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