Buying A Puppy

– David Margan, Communications Consultant

In the last two years, largely driven by the COVID pandemic, lockdowns and working from home puppy sales have soared, as have some prices. People are looking for comfort and companionship in isolation.

Currently, according to official figures, there are 4.8 million dogs in Australia.

But puppy sales are a business that’s poorly regulated and it’s a matter of ‘buyer beware.’

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s ‘Scamwatch’ believes that puppy scams are now one of the top five national rorts and at least $2.1 million has been fleeced from people wanting to buy a puppy but in reality that figure would be much higher as it only reflects those who have lodged a complaint. Many people have just ‘sucked up’ losing $3000 to $5000 in these scams for the purchase of non-existent puppies.

According to Ulla Greenwood, President of Dogs Queensland, the state’s premier purebred dog body; “The Queensland Breeder Identification Number (BIN) system has been an abject failure. Any backyard operator can go online, fill out a simple form, get a Breeder Identification Number and then call themselves a ’licensed breeder’. There are no checks, no follow-ups, nor any requirement to comply with a ‘Breeder’s Code of Conduct’ as is the case with a Dogs Queensland breeder.” But don’t be put off adding some canine joy to your home for there are simple ways to get a great result.

But first what’s popular and what’s not?

In the World of Dogs it’s still the old favourite purebred dogs that triumph and for good reason. There is a predictability about the breed characteristics that you don’t get with a crossbred.

The latest figures from the Australian National Kennel Council reveal what breeds are the most popular breeds with our breeders and their new families : Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, with the pure bred French Bulldog coming in fifth but showing one of the biggest growths in popularity in the community.

One third less Pugs are being bred compared to ten years ago and they have slipped to number 20 in the popularity stakes.

In Australia there are now 200 different pure breeds that are officially recognised with a world of choice.

One of the rarest is from the Italian city of Bologna. The aptly named, ‘Bolognese’ has only just recently arrived in Australia.

Another rare breed is the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle (Intermediate) with four being bred.

As in any marketplace demand and supply is a major influence on price, add rarity to the occasion and the five most expensive pure bred puppies in Australia at the moment are the Tibetan Mastiffs, French Bulldogs, Lowchens, Samoyeds and the British Bulldog. Prices for ‘pure bred’ dogs can range from $2000 – $11,000. It makes it all the more important to go to a well-regarded breeder with a depth of knowledge of the breed and bloodlines.

Many though are priced around $3000 – $3500, however the record for the most expensive dog in the world goes to one Tibetan Mastiff puppy sold in China for an eyewatering $2 million.

While some cross bred dogs can be just as expensive, because they are fashionable at the moment, buying one of them can often be like getting a pig in a poke.

They can have congenital health problems that will never go away and could end up costing you thousands in vet bills.

Dogs Queensland President, Ulla Greenwood; “Genuine pure bred dogs have hundreds of years of breeding with certainty about temperaments and breed characteristics so you know what you are getting. Professional breeders registered with Dogs Queensland and its umbrella organisation, the Australian National Kennel Council comply with a stringent Breeders’ Code of Conduct and generally provide lifetime advice and support.” What are sometimes loosely described as ‘Australian cattle dogs’ have remained consistently popular over the last ten years as they are seen as archetypically ‘Australian’ and make good watchdogs and family members.

Litters of Australian Shepherds has risen threefold in

When considering buying one, keep in mind these fabulous animals are high energy ‘working’ dogs and need plenty of exercise and love to be kept stimulated.

Of course once you’ve got a dog you have to look after it and some dogs can be more expensive than others. Obviously size and food bills are a factor, and coated dogs taken to the groomers can send the bills up, but the biggest unexpected cost can be poorly bred dogs with expensive health issues.

So what should you do to make the right choice and get a puppy that will be lifelong companion and member of your family? This is what Dogs Queensland recommends;

• Do your research to find out what breed best suits you and your circumstances. Feel free to check out the Dogs Queensland website and contact the office for breeder advice.

• Never buy a puppy sight unseen and never buy from a ‘breeder’ you don’t meet.

• Make sure you visit the breeder and see the environment in which the puppy has been raised.

• Make sure you see its Mum and relations.

• A breeder who is keen to know who is buying the puppy and their circumstances is a sure sign their first concern is not profit, but the welfare of the puppy. Being on a waiting list can be a good sign.

• Make sure you are given the proper paperwork confirming vaccinations, microchipping, pedigree, transfer and information about caring for your puppy.

• Some but not all, things to consider; your style of accommodation, do you have kids, will the dog have regular company and exercise, how much time can you honestly give it?

• Cute is not the best reason for your choice.

• Pure bred dogs have well known characteristics that can make for easier decision making.

• Best of all, deal with a professional breeder, a specialist breeder who knows the breed well and who will give you the best outcome. Deal with one registered with Dogs Queensland – www.dogsqueensland.org.au – and one of our breeders might become a friend for life.