Where to get your New Dog
When you choose to bring a new dog into your home you have a few choices of where to obtain him.
Breeder
Getting a puppy from a reputable breeder means you know exactly what you are getting. You can reseach the breed, you will know the general temperament, the size he will be as an adult and what care that particular breed requires. You will be able to meet the mother, and possibly the father, and be able to see the traits that the puppy is likely to inherit.
Unfortunately many pedegree dogs carry genetic faults which may cause your dog health problems in the future and, of course, the puppy will cost you a considerable amount of money to buy.
Shelters
Taking a dog from a shelter is giving a new home to an abandoned and possibly abused or neglegted dog. You won’t normally get a puppy as these tend to go quite quickly but there are always plenty of adolescent and adult dogs to choose from. With these dogs you can see exactly what you are getting in terms of size and genral character, but they may be habouring some issues that will need to be resolved.
Perreras
These are the dog pounds in Spain. Every municipal has one and any dog picked up by the dog warden will be taken to the local council perrera. The dogs here are kept for 21 days and if not claimed by the owner are euthanised. It is possible to adopt from these pounds and always worth checking with them if you have lost your dog.
Accidents
Whoops! I forgot to spay my bitch and now she’s pregnant. Chances are these puppies will be free but you normally have no idea what size dog she bred with so no idea how big the puppies will grow.
Please be responsible and spay and neuter your dogs to avoid unwanted litters.
Pet Shops
Expensive and more than likely puppies from puppy mills, responsible breeders will generally want to know where their puppies going to. They come with pedigree papers but are generally removed from mum too young and often become ill within the first few weeks. The pet shop will normally have an insurance that covers vet bills if the puppy falls ill or even dies within the first week or so.
