There are hundreds of breeds of dogs available to choose from.
Comment of the month: " If you are thinking about leaving the country or downsizing your home, but REALLY want a dog - how about adopting an "oldie" from one of the rescue centers?" This way you are committed for a shorter time frame AND give a deserted old fellow a decent retirement!
This page is under construction, so please check back to see how we are getting on!
Here are some basics, and some links to the breed pages I like.
Why not to buy from a "puppy mill", pet shop or other
Not sure of what breed of dog you need? I will assist you! Finding a puppy requires some homework to avoid landing up with a dog you either dont like, or one that costs and enourmous amount in vet bills due to hereditery diseases.
All you need to do is decide on what breed is best for you (or go for a cross breed! - We have hundreds of dogs looking for homes....) and then send us an email with "Puppy Seeker" in the subject line and we will source your puppy for you! We also offer this service for older dogs and trained dogs.
And the cost? All we ask is ten percent of the purchase price of the puppy, or, in the case of welfare, a donation to the particular society.
Why use us? We will thoroughly check out your new friend, and his breeding, his history and family legacy, as well as age, temprement and everything you need to know! This way you wont be ripped off and breeders will appreciate selling a puppy to the right home!
Should you get a pup? How about a fully grown dog!
Many people are put off at the idea of buying a fully grown dog. Dont be! Many rehomed pets are truly amazing and with the right choice, you wont be sorry! It is important that you take into consideration that the dog may have spent many weeks or even months in a kennel, and will be stressed, and perhaps was mistreated before and may have some problems. But all things can be resolved, and with patience and love, you can have a wonderful pet!
Puppies require a lot of time and effort and need to be fed during the day, while you are at work. If you can arrange his stimulation, safety and feeding while you are away, then a puppy may be for you!
All new pets are nervous and can be naughty whilst establishing parameters, so make sure you have secured your new babies environment. A good rule of thumb is to evaluate your home and garden and imagine you were letting a toddler loose out there! Anything unsafe for small children is unsafe for dogs - from uncovered pools to chemicals and electrical sockets. Your fencing must be in excellent shape, and any escape routes must be well secured. Staff and family members must be made aware of the dangers of letting the new arrival out, or of leaving dangerous (or valuable!) items lying around.
If in doubt - ask an expert!
Why not browse the breeds section for more info on a good breed for you!
You may not know where to look for a good breeder. A good place to start is with the Kennel Union of South Africa, (KUSA) who will be able to set you on the right path. Other breed clubs are listed in the back of "Animal Talk" magazine, and there are several other "kennel clubs", for exmaple the German Shepherd Dog Federation, which offer puppies, advice and training. Most breed types have clubs, who are experts in their breeds and can advise you best. Examples are the DOberman Club, the Collie Club of SA, and the Boxer Federation.
NOTE: The official names of the clubs may differ from my entries above!
Other potential places to get puppies are from rescue societies. There are many available, SPCA has branches in every area, and there is a society called "Wetnose Animal Rescue" in Pretoria. (contact us for details), CLAW, or via our rehab center.
If you are looking in the newspaper for a puppy, and are offered a "pure bred" dog "without papers" or "special litter - can't register", or my personal favourite - "both parents purebred" - and are not presented with VALID breeding history of the parents - then you ARE BEING TAKEN!!!
All registered dogs are giving a proper, authenticated breeding history , and you should be able to contact the applicable club and confirm this. Without this validation, you must be aware that you do not know what you are getting. You cannot be assured that the parents are HD free, or OCD free, or will not later suffer with a number of hereditery ailments.
ALWAYS insist of proof of all claims.
Pet shops often sell cute puppies without any breeding history or without having the parentage available. DONT BUY PUPPIES FROM PET SHOPS! As cute as they may look, you are encouraging back yard breeding. A breeder worth anything would never ever sell his puppies to a pet shop for resale. Would you?
Often puppies are ill, and you will never know whether the parents of the puppy are well treated, healthy and happy. Just dont do it. You are not "saving" a puppy, you are encouraging many more to be bred.
Puppy mills are money making schemes - ALWAYS visit the HOME where you will be getting your puppy from. DONT arrange to "meet the owner half way". If someone does not want you to see the premises, be aware of potential problems. If you visit kennels that are not clean, and the parents look abused, not cared for, thin or generally unhappy - walk away and report the incident.
Lastly - NEVER EVER BUY a puppy from someone who advertisises the breed along with several other breeds for sale, or mispells the breed name.
Here is an example of a "bad advert" seen in a local newspaper....
"Boorbols for Sale
Strong and good wathdogs.
Spaneels also available. Golden. Parents pure bred.
Alsation dogs cross Boorbol - Both parents registered and good watchdogs
Worshoundjies - six weeks old - ready to go.
Contact : breeder on ********** for delivery"