Advice From Experience

CHOOSING A PUPPY

Practical advice on choosing the right puppy and finding a responsible breeder.

CHOOSING A BREEDER

What to look for in a responsible breeder and the questions you should always ask.

HEALTH & TEMPERAMENT

Why health testing, temperament and careful breeding matter when choosing your puppy.

Choosing the Right Puppy

Finding the puppy that is right for you

Choosing a puppy is an exciting decision, but it is also a commitment that could last 12–15 years or more. Take your time and choose with your head as well as your heart. The right puppy should suit your home, family and lifestyle — not simply be the first puppy that catches your eye.
 

Temperament Matters

Temperament is every bit as important as appearance. A good breeder knows their puppies individually and can help match the right puppy to the right home. Look for a puppy that is confident, curious and comfortable with people, while remembering that every puppy has its own personality.

Think about the adult dog your puppy will become. Consider the breed’s size, exercise needs, grooming requirements and natural temperament, and whether these genuinely fit your everyday life. A puppy may be irresistible, but choosing the right breed is just as important as choosing the right puppy.
 

Health & Early Care

Ask what health tests have been carried out on the puppy’s parents and whether you can see the results. The appropriate tests vary between breeds, but a responsible breeder should be happy to explain them and why they matter.

How a puppy has been raised matters too. Good early socialisation, gentle handling, everyday household sounds and plenty of positive human interaction all help prepare a puppy for life with its new family.

Take Your Time

Never feel pressured into making a quick decision. A responsible breeder will want you to be completely happy with your choice and should be just as interested in finding the right home for their puppy as you are in finding the right puppy.

Bringing a puppy into your home is the beginning of a relationship that will hopefully last for many wonderful years. Be prepared for the time, training, exercise, veterinary care and companionship your dog will need throughout its life.

THE CHEZZA’S APPROACH

              More than five decades of experience, with every puppy raised as an individual.

At Chezza’s, choosing a puppy is about far more than colour or appearance. With over five decades of breeding experience, I know that every puppy has its own personality. I take great care to match each puppy with the home and family I believe will suit them best.
 

Health, temperament and type are at the heart of my breeding programme. My puppies are raised with love, careful handling and plenty of human interaction, giving them the best possible start before they leave for their new homes.

Finding the right home matters enormously to me. I want every puppy to become a much-loved member of the family, which is why I am always happy to talk openly with prospective owners, answer questions and help them decide whether one of my puppies is truly right for them.

Choosing a Breeder

Choosing your breeder is every bit as important as choosing your puppy.

A responsible breeder should be happy to talk openly about their dogs, how their puppies are raised and the health testing carried out before a litter is planned. They should welcome your questions and be prepared to show you the relevant health-test results.

You should be able to meet the puppy’s mother and see that she is happy, healthy and comfortable with her puppies. A good breeder will know their dogs well and should be able to explain the temperament and characteristics behind the litter.

A responsible breeder should also ask plenty of questions about you. They will want to understand your home, family, lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog. This isn't being nosy — it is part of making sure each puppy goes to a home where it can be happy for life.

Never feel pressured into paying a deposit or making a decision immediately. Take your time, ask questions and trust your instincts. A responsible breeder will want you to feel completely comfortable and confident before you commit to taking a puppy home.

Above all, choose a breeder who will still be there after you take your puppy home. Good breeders care about the dogs they produce for their entire lives and should be willing to offer advice, guidance and support whenever it is needed.

Health & Temperament

Why good health and a sound temperament should always come before appearance.

           When choosing a puppy, health and temperament should always be among the most important considerations.            A beautiful puppy may catch your eye, but it is good health, soundness and a stable temperament that will matter throughout the many years you hopefully spend together.

Responsible breeding begins long before puppies are born. The appropriate health tests should be carried out on the parents before a mating is planned, helping breeders make informed decisions and reduce the risk of inherited health problems wherever possible.

Health testing is not simply about ticking boxes. A responsible breeder should understand the results, consider the health history behind their dogs and be happy to explain the relevant tests to prospective puppy owners. You should never be afraid to ask to see those results.

Temperament is equally important. Puppies inherit characteristics from their parents, but their early experiences matter       too. Careful handling, good socialisation and being raised in a positive environment all help puppies develop into          confident, well-adjusted family companions.

At Chezza’s, health and temperament have always been at the heart of my breeding programme. My aim is not simply to breed beautiful puppies, but to breed happy, healthy and confident dogs that will become much-loved members of their families for many years to come.