Some things that you might want to check when looking for your new family member.....

Are you purchasing a registered puppy from a registered breeder? Each State has their own Association and you can check with them Vic, SA, ACT, NSW, Qld, WA, NT, Tas.

Are you wanting to purchase a pet puppy or a puppy for show? You need to make it clear to the breeder what you are wanting because a pet puppy is usually registered on what is known as the "Limit Register" and a puppy for show Must be registered on the "Main Register". Puppies on the Limit Register cannot be shown.

Some breeders may want to breed a litter of puppies from the puppy you want to purchase. If so, you need to make it clear if you agree with this or not. If you agree, usually your puppy will have to go back to the breeders house when older and stay there until the breeder has what they wanted in the agreement from you. Please speak up BEFORE you purchase if you do not want this to happen.

Puppies should not leave their breeder before the age of 8 weeks old. Some breeders like to keep them a little longer just to make sure that they are happy the puppy is going to cope with going into a new home at such a young age.

When purchasing a puppy he should have been vaccinated at around 6 to 8 weeks old. At about 12 to 14 weeks old your puppy will be due for his next vaccination. A health check is usually done on your puppy at the time of his first vaccination.

Worming should be done reguarly and first started around 3 weeks old by the breeder. Dates and type of wormer used should be given to you so you know next dates and what is recommended to use.

Have you checked with your Council for the requirements from them on owning a dog? Councils now require your dog to be microchipped at the age of 3 months and to be registered with them. If your puppy is desexed or you are a member of the Canine Association in your State then your Council registration fees will be lower.

Your puppy should come to you in a healthy weight, clean, vaccinated and wormed, trimmed nails, clean teeth and ears, and registered with his correct State Canine Association.

You should receive with your puppy a feeding guide, his registration papers and information on the breed. Some breeders will give more than this to help get you started.

Please - If something happens and you can no longer keep your puppy, or older dog, speak with the breeder first as you will usually find that they prefer the puppy come back to them or they could help you place the puppy into another loving home.