When it comes to adding a new family member to your pack, the thought of finding the right match can feel overwhelming. Here are our tips for working out the best dog for your family and lifestyle and finding a responsible dog breeder if you are a seeking a purebred dog:
First, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for in your new dog. We suggest you ask yourself the following questions:
– Are you after a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog?
– What energy level do you want your dog to have?
– How active will their lifestyle be? What time do you have to exercise them daily etc?
– Will they be around young children or elderly people?
– What grooming requirements am I able to keep up with?
– What budget do you have to be able to afford a dog/s?
– What are you looking for from a dog – do you want a lap dog to cuddle with or a dog that can go on 10km runs with you daily – these are very different doggos!
– And lastly what temperament are you looking for in a dog?
Once you’ve answered these questions, it will help narrow down your search.
Next, you’ll need to decide whether you want to rescue a dog or purchase one from a breeder. While we strongly advocate rescue dogs (we have had many of our own over the years) we do understand that sometimes the right dog is not available to rescue. It’s important when buying from a breeder, that you do your research to find a responsible dog breeder who is a registered breeder with proof of this.
If you’ve decided that getting a puppy from a breeder is the right choice for you, follow our tips below to ensure you’re getting the healthiest puppy possible from a registered, ethical and responsible dog breeder. Buying from a registered breeder ensures you’re getting a purebred dog from someone who follows Australia’s breeding regulations. This helps you avoid backyard breeders and puppy farms during your search.
If you have decided that you want to rehome a dog through a shelter or rescue group, visit our blog HERE!
Trusted Sources for Finding a Responsible Dog Breeder in Australia
In Australia, we are fortunate to have two reliable and trustworthy websites that can help connect you with a registered breeder.
General Google searches or listings on sites such as Gumtree and the Trading Post should not be trusted, as they often lack regulation and verification.
Instead, you can search for breeders in your state or by specific breeds through Dogz Online or Dogs Australia.
To be listed on these websites, breeders must provide proof of registration and regularly update their information regarding breeding programs and available puppies.
Understanding Certified Pedigrees
Paying a large sum of money is not a guarantee that you are buying a purebred dog. Being shown photos of the parents or their papers is also not the same as receiving a Certified Pedigree Certificate.
With the rise of designer breeds, many people are misled into believing they are purchasing a purebred dog simply because both parents are purebred—albeit of different breeds—and the price is high. This is not the case.
For example, a purebred Cocker Spaniel crossed with a purebred Poodle does not produce a purebred “Spoodle.” In fact, this is a hybrid and not a recognised breed in Australia.
Depending on the agreement with your breeder, your puppy should come with a Certified Pedigree Certificate. If the puppy is being sold as a pet only—not for breeding or showing—this certificate may be a Limited Pedigree Certificate, which is orange in colour. Dogs that are intended for breeding or showing purposes will be issued a Main Register Certificate, which is blue.
This certificate will include key details such as the puppy’s registered name (assigned by the breeder), microchip number, date of birth, and family lineage. The pedigree typically traces back at least three generations, including the names of the Sire (the father) and Dam (the mother), as well as their parents and grandparents.
To verify the authenticity of a dog’s pedigree in Australia, ensure the certificate is issued by Dogs Australia (formerly the ANKC)—the only internationally recognised registry for purebred dogs in Australia. You should also confirm the breeder’s registration number with Dogs Australia and check that the certificate includes the breeder’s prefix, the dog’s microchip number, and the issuing state body.
How to Check if a Dog Breed Is Recognised in Australia
If you are unsure if the breed you are interested in is a registered and recognised pure breed in Australia, you can simply search on Dogz Online’s pure breed directory.
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and make informed decisions. Relying on trusted websites, understanding the difference between designer breeds and purebred dogs, and ensuring your puppy comes with a Certified Pedigree Certificate are all essential steps to protect yourself and support responsible breeding. By taking the time to verify breeders and breed recognition, you’ll be setting yourself—and your future furry companion—up for a happy, healthy life together.
