Buying a puppy

You should see the puppies with their mother, in the place they were raised. Ask to see the whole establishment, not a single room. If a breeder is reluctant for you to visit before buying, walk away.

In England, anyone breeding and selling dogs as a business needs a local authority licence. Ask to see it. A five-star rating under the council's animal activity licensing regime reflects welfare standards, accommodation, record keeping and animal care.

Ask what health screening and DNA testing both parents have had, and how the pairing was chosen. Ask about the mother's temperament and how she is kept. A breeder who can answer in detail is a breeder who knows their dogs.

A puppy should come with a vaccination record, microchip details, worming history and written information about feeding and care. Never accept a puppy with no paperwork, however charming the seller.

A healthy, well-socialised puppy is curious, comfortable being handled and clear-eyed with a clean coat. Shyness can be normal for a moment, but a puppy that cowers or is uninterested in people is a concern worth discussing.

Prices far below the market, puppies available immediately in several breeds, or a meeting in a car park are all warning signs. Good breeding costs money, and it should show.