Picking by Breed
Too many people buy the type of dog that was originally created to have a purpose such as the Golden Retriever to hunt, or the Border Collie to herd. These breeds were developed to use their minds and their bodies as well as to be very active. Families buy them because the dogs are athletic, beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, loyal and attentive. They then take them home for their child's pet, stick them in the back yard, rarely interact with them on a regular basis and give them absolutely nothing to do. These dogs in such an unhappy position will create something to do, and it will be loud, destructive and difficult to live with. These dog could make great family pets however they must belong to fair owners who will meet their demand for an active lifestyle that stimulates both their mental and physical needs. They need on-going interaction with the family and regular training. Once these needs are meet then and only then are they the wonderful pet you've earned that is both welcome in the home and in society.

Picking for Sex
Females tend to be smaller than males. Females can damage the grass, males can damage your trees. Males say "I love you, I love you, I love you". Females tend to say " Love me, Love me, Love me". Other then that males and females can be both either submissive or dominate, active or quiet. It is the individual dogs temperament and proper training that will determine whether he or she will make a suitable pet for your home. Sex is just a personal preference usually based on looks. Consider what do you want your dog to look like 2 years down the road, a strong masculine look or soft feminine features? In the past have you always had a certain sex? Do you feel comfortable with that or do you want a change?
If your family companion recently pass away do you want a puppy who when grows to be an adult dog is similar or completely different?
Spaying in females tends to be a bit more expensive as it is a major operation however it nullifies the chances of the dog suffering mammary or uterine cancer or pyometra, an infection of the uterus.
Neutering cost less as it is a simple procedure that eliminates the chances of testicular cancer. Both of these will not change the dogs temperament however if done early enough it will prevent unwanted behaviours associated with mating.

Picking for Temperament
Decide if a quiet submissive puppy, or a more dominant one is more to your family situation ie do you have children, what expectations do you have ie agility dog, tracking dog, what is your activity level, what is your own personal experience ie previous dog owner. Even though temperament, size, activity level is fairly predicable within a breed, there is a range in degrees in their individual differences.
Dominance and aggression are not the same thing. When referring to being dominate or submissive we are referring to the confidence level and ability to take over as pack leader if one is not provided. Dominant puppies can be a handful for inexperienced owners but can be perfect for active homes and for on-the-go owners who want their pet to accompany them through life or for large families who are consistent in their expectations and training. Submissive puppies are shy and likely to need special handling, not the perfect choice for families with young rambunctious children who may overwhelm the puppy but perfect for families who use positive training methods and like to take their pet with them on personal errands and family vacations to ensure proper socialization. An all round, middle of the line, bomb-proof puppy is the preferred temperament for families with very young children or who have members of the family with a disability but this puppy may not have the extra spark needed of that agility or obedience prospect. All types of temperament can have positive and negative associations. Training, socialization and complete family interaction is what will make any dog an animal that is a welcome member both in your home and in today's society.

Picking for Colour
This should be your very last criteria and should be a flexible preference. Picking a puppy by colour is the biggest gamble ever. Although we are given clues to what colour the puppy might eventually grow to be quite often surprises are in store for us. We all have in our minds eye what our perfect dog looks like but our main priority should always be that our perfect dog matches our family needs and lifestyle.

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

Goldenoodle, Labradoodle, Cock-a-poo, Puggle, Peek-a-poo ... and on and on it goes. Fancy names, fancy claims and a great big fancy price!

Hypoallergenic?
Well maybe if some of the puppies in the litter actual got that gene from the poodle side but the only way to be sure to get a non-shedding dog is to actually purchase a purebred puppy from a non-shedding breed such as the poodle or wheaten terrier.

Will eventually be recognised as a registered purebred?
This is the biggest falsie of them all starting 60 years ago with the cock-a-poo and growing. These mixes will never be recognised, at least not in your lifetime or mine so why pay $1200 and up for an unrecognised mixed breed when you can get the exact same thing by rescuing one of the millions of puppies and dogs that have been surrendered to the pound each year for $100. or less.
Don't believe me? Then take this simple quiz.
http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/

For further information on so called Designer breeds please see the links section in the SIDEBAR.

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

To be considered a purebred, both parents of the puppy must be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. The dam (mother) must be registered with the Club in the name of the person signing the application for registration as owner or lessee at the time of the birth of the litter. Only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth of the litter may apply for registration of the litter and only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth will be considered the recorded owner at birth of the litter.

It is CANADIAN LAW as stated in the ANIMAL PEDIGREE ACT that no dog may be sold in Canada as purebred without the animal being registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.)

CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB registration papers are your certification that your new puppy is a recognized Purebred Dog.

If someone offers to sell you a purebred puppy with no CKC registration papers for a cheaper price THIS IS NO BARGAIN and you should understand why.

In accordance with the By-laws, Dogs must never be sold on a "with or without papers" basis. The breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog but under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.

The CKC charges a very small amount to register a litter then an additional small amount to register the individual puppy. They do not charge hundreds of dollars!!! It is also illegal to sell an unregistered dog as a purebred so ask why would a seller choose to offer a purebred puppy without registration papers at a few hundred dollars off if the dog really is a recognised purebred dog?

If you make this purchase you more then likely have bought from a person who does not mind selling you a dog under false pretext. Perhaps they have been suspended or disbarred from the Canadian Kennel Club or have bred from a dog purchased on a CKC Non-Breeding Agreement? A Non-Breeding Agreement is a legal document, which formalizes an arrangement between a dog breeder and the purchaser, denying the right to breed a dog without the breeder's consent.

If the sell is willing to break this legally binding contract what other illegal or dishonourable acts are they capable of? What else might they have not been straight forward with YOU about? Did they really do genetic health checks on the parents? Did they really protect the dog from being mated by the mixed breed male down the street? Did they really get an OK from the Vet on the puppies health check?

These types of sellers are only concerned with making money. Rarely do such persons do genetic health checks on the parents so they have no idea what genetic time bomb may be waiting to pop up with no consideration for all the associated vet bills and emotional pain you might later encounter. After all they now have your money and won't be there for you in the future if or when a serious problem arises.
When deciding to purchase a purebred dog it is generally because you have done some research and found that you like the look, size, coat type, energy level, temperament and purpose of the breed. It is well worth the price of a registered purebred from a reputable breeder to ensure you get what you want, after all you will not only be responsible to this animal for next 10 to 15 years but it will live in your home and play with your children.
Do you really want to bring home a ticking time bomb!

$1000. to $1500. does sound like a lot of money for a pet but spread over the life of the animal and the joy and comfort they provide it comes to less then $100.00 per year.

If the price difference between the registered dog and the unregistered dog is really that great of a factor please consider waiting awhile until you have saved up a little more.

Other options could include:
Searcing for a breeders retired dog or returned youngster.
Contacting the desired breed's national rescue group.
Purchasing an unwanted mixed breed dog from a shelter or pound.