Categories | Dog Breeders

You all know the saying “dogs are a man’s best friend”. This is true for many people that enjoy the love and companionship that a dog brings to their home and family whether it is a small lap dog, or a big, boisterous boofa.  Dogs make great pets as they give you unconditional love, they are always happy to see you, they love to play, and they also love to relax near you.  Once you have a dog’s love, you will have it for life.

Types of Dogs

When it comes to dogs, you can generally choose from a number of types. These include:

• Big dogs-- these are the larger breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds and St Bernards.
  

• Medium dogs-- these are the middle sized breeds such as Labradors, Border Collies, and Poodles.

• Small dogs-- these are the smallest of all the dog breeds and include Jack Russells, Miniature Poodles, small terriers, Shih Tzus and so on.

You can further break down dogs into those that are:

• Active-- these dogs love to run around, play and just generally keep moving.

• Less active-- these are the breeds that love to sit and be near their owners, and are commonly called lapdogs.

Popular Breeds of Dogs

There are hundreds of different breeds of dogs that can be found in Australia but there are some that are just incredibly popular.  These include:

• Maltese -- the Maltese is a beautiful toy breed of dog that has lovely long, white fur and they are well known as dogs that love to give you affection.  Maltese dogs get on well with other pets and they like to be near their owners. You don’t need a lot of room to keep these dogs but if you don’t have a garden, you should walk them daily.

• Labrador Retrievers -- the Labrador is one of the most perpetually loved breeds of dog and for good reason. They are intelligent, active, sociable, and love people. Labradors are extremely good with children so they are great if you want a larger dog for the family.  Labradors easily get along with other animals and they are easy to care for, needing just a daily walk.

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers -- commonly known as the Staffy, these dogs have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last few years.  Staffies are boisterous dogs that need obedience training and plenty of exercise. They can get along well with other animals if they have been socialised from a young age.

• Border Collies -- border collies are beautiful dogs that were bred to be a working dog, and thus need plenty of exercise (such as being walked twice daily).  They are extremely responsive to training and they are people dogs, so love to have plenty of interaction with the family.  Border collies do best with other larger pets (preferably of the opposite sex).

• Jack Russell Terriers -- the Jack Russell is a small dog that has a load of personality and intelligence. They love to explore so need to have a good fence to contain them.  Jack Russells are equally at home being inside or outside dogs and get on very well with other pets.

Difference between Purebred and Crossbred Dogs

When it comes to dogs, you have the choice between purebred and crossbred or mixed breed dogs. Purebred dogs are those that can have their lineage traced back for several generations. Purebred dogs are great if you want to know what you are likely to get from the dog, if you are willing to accept all of the dog’s traits (including the maybe not so desirable ones such as herding instincts), and if you’re willing to accept the possibility of a genetic health problem occurring (the risk of this is minimised by using a responsible breeder).  Purebred dogs generally cost more to buy than or mixed breed dogs.

A crossbred dog is when a dog has two parents that both have identifiable pedigrees.  Each parent however is a different breed - for example, one is a labrador and one is a poodle.  Crossbred dogs will have traits from both of the breeds of their parents.  Mixed breed dogs also refer to the common “mutt”, which are some of the loveliest dogs you’ll ever meet. Mixed breed dogs are great if you are willing to accept whatever characteristics they may have good or bad, and if you are willing to accept that their genetic diversity will protect them from serious health problems.  Mixed breeds are often less to purchase than purebred dogs.

Choosing a Dog Breeder

When you are choosing a dog breeder, there are some questions that you will need to ask.  A good breeder will be only too happy to answer them. Such questions include:

•   How are your dogs kept?

•   How many litters do you allow your dogs to have each year?

•   How do you socialise your puppies? (Do they play with them, let them inside, etc?)

•   Are you able to see the mother with the puppies?

•   What exercise requirements does the breed have?

•   What grooming do you need to do?

•   What foods do the dogs do best on?

•   What are the genetic health conditions that the breed is prone to and what are you doing to eliminate these conditions?

•   If you have to give the dog up at some time in the future, will they take them back or help in rehoming?

•  Do they offer a health guarantee?

•     Will they provide you with registration papers and the record of vaccinations?

•   Will they give you a starter pack to help settle your puppy into its new home?

If you are satisfied with the responses that your breeder gives to these questions, then you have found one that could potentially provide you with your new dog.  If your breeder tries to avoid questions or gives vague answers, however, be a little wary. Always trust your instincts as your new friend will be a part of your life for many years.

Benefits of Buying a Dog from a Breeder

There are several benefits to buying your dog from a breeder.  You can be sure that the breeder will be very knowledgeable about the breed of dog.  Most breeders will also give you a health guarantee for a period of time, ensuring that your dog is healthy and will not arrive at your home sick.  Buying your dog from a registered breeder also means that you will receive the necessary paperwork to be able to register your dog with the appropriate breed club.

How to Choose a Dog

If you are thinking of bringing a dog into your home, you want to make sure that you get one that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Consider the following things:

•   If you have children and how old they are

•   How much exercise the dog will require

•   Whether they will live indoors or outdoors

•   How much grooming you are prepared to do

•   How much hair they shed

•   If you are after a playful dog or one that is quiet and loving

•   How much space you have

•   What costs are involved with keeping the dog (food, worming, vet bills, training etc)

•   If you have any other pets in the home already

By looking at these things, you will be able to narrow down the dogs you are looking at until you find one that meets all your needs. For example, if you are looking for a lap dog that can live indoors a Maltese is perfect but if you are looking for a dog you can roughhouse with and do things with, you may prefer a larger, more energetic dog such as a Staffy or a Labrador.  Of course, don’t forget to listen to your heart too.  Often, people go out looking for a dog only to find that there is one that just stands out as being the right one.

Where to Get a Dog

There are several avenues where you can find a new dog for you and your family. Just one great avenue is through a breeder.  Other sources include through advertisements in the newspapers or pet magazines (both from breeders and private individuals).  You can also get a dog from a family member or a friend that has puppies.

If you’d like to save a life, getting a dog from an animal shelter or a breed rescue club is a great choice. Dogs of all ages – from puppies to seniors – often find themselves in these places through no fault of their own and they would love nothing more than to find a new home.

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