The decision to buy a new puppy can be a very exciting and a big life changing thing to undertake.

Before you even go out and start looking, you should think very carefully if you can provide the commitment and the money that a puppy will need from day one...

We at MPETS would strongly advice against buying puppies from the small ads in your local newspaper, or from your nearest pet shop.

Animals offered tend to come from the so called 'Puppy Farms', and are bred purely for commercial profit. The breeders can be many miles away and the puppies may have changed hands several times.

Puppies purchased from this source often have severe mental and physical problems, which arise from breeding for profit, not for health and temperament.

We urge you not to add to the profits of these unscrupulous traders.

This is why we urge you to choose a responsible breeder or ever an animal shelter such as 'Wood Green'.

When you visit the breeder, be prepared to be told you can't take the puppy straight away, many breeders insist you make several visits until they are six weeks old.

This gives you time to see the puppies interact with other pups and their parents, and to see how your chosen puppy behaves when away from the rest of the litter.

 Remember the dodgy breeders won't care, they just want your money

When you visit the puppies you should see them in their normal area, not some display pen. The puppies should be clean, feel heavy for there size, with bright eyes, and be lively and friendly.

The mother should be with the puppies and show no signs of fear or aggression, the behaviour of the mother will give you a good idea of how the puppy may turn out.

Remember that no breeder or animal shelter can guarantee your puppy will be free of all hereditary defects or health problems.