• A dog is a living creature that requires attention, training, grooming, exercise and proper nutrition.

• Are you capable and willing to devote your time/money and attention to a dog?
  
• A dog is a long-term commitment, depending on the breed it may live for as much as 16 or 17 years. Acquiring a dog should never be a spontaneous decision.
  
• Is the dog for you or for someone else? If mainly for the children or another loved one, are you also looking forward to the companionship?
  
• Are you trying to replace a dog from the past or find a clone of another? If so, can you accept a dog who is bound to be different?
  
• Have you considered the cost associated with owning a dog? The cost of food, accessories (leads, collars, dishes, crates etc.), veterinary expenses, training, boarding, grooming and licensing your dog with the City?
  
• Will you enjoy caring for the dog when no one else can, or will you begrudge the time?
  
• Are you gone from home long hours with no one to care for the dog? Do you hurry home from work, only to leave again most nights?
  
• How tired are you when you come home from work?
  
• Do you relax by taking a walk or playing a game, or would you rather snooze on the couch?
  
• Are you a 'neat freak' about your home? Will you be upset at canine chaos?
  
• Do you have the patience for housebreaking and training?
  
• Will you still be a good neighbor when you get a dog?

What kind of a dog, or puppy should you get?
Suggested reading:

1.Right Dog for You?
by Daniel Tortora
2.Your Purebred Dog, a buyers Guide
by Michelle Lowell

Are you ready for a puppy?

• Have you studied several breeds?
  
• Have you interacted with an adult of the breed you are considering?
  
• Are you aware of the breed's adult size, temperament, and exercise and grooming requirements?
  
• Do you know the disorders that can appear in this breed and plan to research breeders and lines to avoid problems?
  
• If a problem appears, despite the breeder's and your efforts, are you prepared to deal with it?
  
• Is everyone in the household enthused and willing to help?

The dog show is like a zoo for dogs. You may see all sizes and shapes. A large part of the show is a beauty contest judged by people who have studied dogs for years. The judge is judging how close the dog comes to the Canadian Kennel Club breed standard. There are also obedience trials; a test of a dog's skills and sometimes unofficial events such as scent hurdling or agility. Please wait and speak to a breeder after the competition in the grooming or benching area. If you are in the benching area well before judging ask if the exhibitor has time to speak to you, and always ask before you touch a dog.

Other things to consider.

• Do you have a fenced yard? How much room is required for the breed you have chosen?
  
• Do you hate to exercise or do you lead an active lifestyle? Choose a breed that reflects your lifestyle.
  
• Do you have a big energetic family or do you live alone?
  
• What type of coat do you prefer? Do you mind grooming or plan to have the dog professionally groomed?
  
• Do you hate vacuuming? Most dogs shed, have you considered a breed that does not shed?

When first contacting a breeder, ask if they have time to talk. If not, ask when you may call again. Tell the breeder that you have been thinking about buying a puppy or an older dog, and a bit about your lifestyle, if anyone is home during the day or part of the day, about your family, children and other pets. If you live in rental housing, will your landlord allow a pet or pets?

You may be asked what you actually know about the breed or if you plan to stay in the Calgary area. It's a good idea to make an appointment to meet the breeder and his/her dogs. If other breeders are available, it's wise to visit several kennels. Meet the breeding stock, this will give you an idea of what your puppy will grow up to be. You may have to wait several months for your puppy to be born. If you can, visit the puppies several times after the birth and before the placement.

CADF The Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers (CADF) is a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers, which is dedicated to the betterment of purebred dogs. CADF maintains a registry of breeders as well as training organizations and clubs. Several times a year CADF sponsors eye/blood clinics that help breeders/owners get reasonably priced, expert analyzed results. As well CADF hosts seminars to help educate the fancy and breeders in the art of good, responsible breeding. CADF maintains a 4 acre fenced park where owners, (for a nominal fee), may let their dogs run off leash in a controlled area. CADF plays an active role in the community by providing these services to the public.

Contact CADF to purchase your copy of 'How to Raise a Puppy You can Live With', a must for new puppy buyers!

Dedicated volunteers are available to answer your questions on puppy socialization and obedience classes as well as offering breeder referrals and a list of breed / group clubs; such as agility and junior kennel clubs.

For more information call:

Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers
CADF
259-3265
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CADF Code of Ethics

1. All puppies sold by a Breeder shall be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and properly identified.
2. All puppies shall receive their first set of vaccinations prior to placement and a record of the shots will be provided to the buyer.
3. Puppies shall be checked by a licensed veterinarian who will supply a certificate of health status.
4. Puppies shall not be sold until seven weeks of age unless extenuating circumstances prevail.
5. Puppies shall not be sold singly or in litter lots to wholesale, middlemen, retail outlets, or by auction.
6. Breeding stock shall be screened for known hereditary abnormalities appropriate to the particular breed, where the methodology is available to do so.
7. The Breeder agrees to fully inform buyers of potential health or genetic problems pertinent to the breed at large or the individual puppy.
8. The Breeder shall supply to the buyer of each puppy at the time of sale a written agreement of sale properly executed stating all terms of the sale (e.g. release of non-breeding agreements).
9. The Breeder agrees to provide follow-up advice to buyers regarding health and behavioral problems.
10. The Breeder shall provide a detailed information sheet on proper care e.g. feeding instructions, required vaccination regime, socialization and training, responsibility of pet ownership, etc.
11. The Breeder shall, if under suspension by the Canadian Kennel Club, be removed from the CADF Registry for the duration of the suspension, and/or if convicted of cruelty to animals shall be removed permanently.