What to consider when buying a dog?

Have you decided to welcome a dog into your family? Do you already know what needs a dog has and are you ready to dedicate a lot of time to the care and engagement of your four-legged friend for 12 - 15 years? Are you now looking for a suitable breeder or animal shelter? Here, we explain what you should pay attention to.

Buying a Puppy from a Breeder

Have you searched the internet for a puppy and found various puppy offers? Please don't rush anything and don't buy the first cute puppy you see a photo of online! Be aware that a dog you can view online today and buy tomorrow certainly does not come from a reputable breeder. It's better to visit the website of the relevant breed club of the SKG and search their breeder list for a breeding kennel near you. A list of all breed clubs with their internet addresses can be found on the following page of the Swiss Cynological Society (SKG):  SKG Breed Clubs

Take enough time, inform yourself thoroughly about the breed, its temperament, potential health risks, and get in touch with various breeders. You can also use the opportunity to ask any open questions about the keeping and care of the breed. Every reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with information! Don't be surprised if the breeder asks you about your living situation, as selecting suitable puppy buyers is a major concern for every reputable breeder.

Also be willing to wait several months for the right puppy if necessary. Acquiring a healthy puppy, raised with great care in a reputable breeding kennel, will pay off throughout its entire life!

How to recognize a reputable breeder?

• A responsible breeder usually offers no more than one or two different breeds.
• They breed purebred dogs with an SKG pedigree (or a corresponding FCI-recognized cynological association abroad) or can give you plausible reasons why they do not.
• A reputable breeder will gladly invite you to visit in person so you can see the rearing conditions for yourself. You should not only see the puppies but also the mother and all other dogs kept by the breeder.
• The breeder will thoroughly question you about your living circumstances and your expectations for the puppy.
• Puppies are not given away before they are 8 – 12 weeks old.
• The puppies are already microchipped by the breeder, and you will receive a pet passport and pedigree with your puppy.
• You must sign a sales contract.
• Upon handover of the puppy, you will receive detailed documentation on the feeding and care of the puppy, as well as its future development.
• The breeder remains interested in the puppy's well-being even after the sale. They are happy to be regularly informed about the puppy's development and are always available for questions and concerns.

A Dog from the Animal Shelter

If it doesn't necessarily have to be a puppy, then adopting a dog from an animal shelter can also be a great alternative. Giving a dog that has ended up in an animal shelter a new home can mean great happiness for both sides. For this to work and for the dog not to end up back in the shelter after a few weeks, nothing should be rushed here either. Pity for the dog is a bad advisor! It must be thoroughly clarified beforehand whether the dog suits you, especially if it may have already had bad experiences in its previous life.

A good animal shelter will take a lot of time to advise you and help you find a suitable companion. You will be openly informed about any behavioral problems and health limitations. You can get to know the dog on walks and may even take it home for a short trial period.

A Rescue Dog from Abroad

Many animal welfare organizations offer dogs online that are waiting for new owners in shelters or animal homes abroad. Unfortunately, some of these organizations are also dog dealers who make a lucrative business with these dogs. Such dogs usually have an unknown past. They sometimes suffer from illnesses and behavioral problems and can react fearfully, stressed, and aggressively when taken into a Swiss family. Therefore, you should only consider adopting such a dog if you are willing to invest a lot of time and money and already have extensive dog experience. Here, too, it is important to choose a reputable organization that takes good care of the dogs available for adoption abroad, organizes their transport and correct import, and helps you as much as possible in choosing a suitable dog.

Many animal welfare organizations refrain entirely from placing dogs from abroad in Switzerland. They are convinced that the suffering of dogs is better alleviated with on-site help and education, and especially with long-term spay/neuter campaigns.

No Impulse Buy!

A dog will be your companion for many years. The cornerstone for a happy coexistence is a careful selection, so that the dog's specific needs align as well as possible with your own expectations and possibilities. Therefore, take enough time and seek thorough advice. Because most importantly: Buying a dog must not be an impulse decision!

 You can find more information about buying a dog in the following brochure:

Be careful when buying a dog!