What to look for

Make sure you see the puppy with its mother, unless it’s a rescue dog. Be cautious if the puppy is not at the same place as the mother.

Licensed dog breeders must not show a puppy to a buyer unless the mother is present. If the mother is not there, the seller may be a puppy dealer. They often give convincing but false reasons for why the mother is not around.

Healthy puppies are usually bright and active. They should have clean coats, clear eyes and clean bottoms.

All dogs, including puppies, must be microchipped before you buy them. Puppies should be registered to the breeder. Rescue centres usually update the microchip with your details.

Always ask for a receipt. Puppies can be expensive, and you would not normally buy something costly without proof of purchase.

Do not buy a puppy just to ‘rescue’ it from poor conditions. Walk away and report the seller to the RSPCA or your local dog warden. Giving money to bad breeders or dealers encourages them to keep selling.

Page last updated: 29 October 2025