That cute, cuddly teddy bear won’t stay that way! Take time to consider your life-style and expectations for a dog; then choose the right puppy from a reputable breeder. Remember: your puppy is a LIFE-time commitment.

A reputable breeder is known in his/her area for breeding healthy dogs that meet the standard for the breed. A reputable breeder is a member of an ANKC state affiliated canine council (in Victoria, it's the Victoria Canine Association or VCA) and breed clubs. A reputable breeder is one who is genuinely concerned about his/her puppies and their well being. Expect to be asked a lot of questions about your family and home so the breeder can be sure that the puppy is going into the right environment.

A good breeder will expect you to ask questions too and will not be offended by your desire to know as much as possible about your puppy’s pedigree, health and background.

Ask how long the breeder has been involved with Chows and how long he/she has been breeding Chows.

Ask what dog-related activities the breeder is involved in – for example, showing, obedience, therapy, hospital or institution visiting, etc.

You should be able to visit the kennel to meet all the dogs - this is not something you can do with pet shop puppies. You want to see the mother-to-be and as many of her relatives as possible, as well as the environment in which your puppy will be born and raised. You want to know that the mother-to-be and relatives of your pup have stable temperaments and are comfortable with people. You also want to be sure are comfortable with Chows and with these Chows in particular. If the father of the litter is not on the premises, ask to see photos of him or see whether you can arrange to meet him as well.

While it is possible in Australia to purchase a purebred dog without registration papers (those papers provided by pet stores are not legitimate registration papers), this means that your puppy will not be registered with the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). However, even if your puppy is only to be a pet, the registration papers are evidence that your puppy is truly purebred, that your chosen breeder conforms to the Kennel Club's Code of Ethics and that your puppy comes with an authenticated pedigree. You should not have to pay extra for those papers. It is worth noting that in Australia it is a common practice of pet shops to sell so-called "purebred" puppies for 25-50% or more above the price you would expect to pay a reputable breeder for a show quality puppy. They will even charge you extra (up to $300 more) for a non-athenticated pedigree.

Research the breed for any health problems that are common and be sure that both parents are clear of such problems. A reputable breeder will provide a warranty for his/her dogs’ health. (Remember: A dog’s hips and elbows cannot be x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia until it is at least 12 months old.)

Obtain a written contract that includes the guarantee, receipt, health record and conditions of sale. Ask about feeding, grooming and general care and get them in writing.

Ask about the breeder’s policy should any unforeseen circumstance require you to find another home for your dog. A reputable breeder will have a policy to protect his/her dogs under such circumstance.

• The person selling puppies less than eight weeks old – puppies are not ready to leave their dams and litter-mates until they are least 56 days old. It is not uncommon for Chow breeders prefer to keep a Chow puppy until it is at least 70 days old due or in some cases longer if it is required to travel to its new home unaccompanied (eg by plane) in order to cater for the psychological development needs of Chows.
• The breeder will not let you see the dam of the puppies and the environment in which they were whelped and raised.
• The puppy for which you feel sorry – you want a healthy, happy puppy, not a sad, withdrawn puppy who may likely have health and behaviour problems.
• The breeder with many different breeds.
• The breeder who doesn’t ask you lots of questions about your home, yard and life-style. A reputable breeder is greatly concerned about the puppy’s future home.
• The purebred puppy offered for sale without registration papers. Firstly, please understand that registration papers are your guarantee that your dog has a pedigree (canine genealogical tree) that has been recognised by the Canine controlling body, who actually issue the registration papers, while a so-called pedigree can be generated for any set of dogs on a computer; however, these are NOT the same as the pedigree registration papers issued by the Canine controlling body. Occasionally breeders will sell a pet quality puppy without papers, but you certainly should be able to ask for the option of having your pup registered. However, puppies in pet stores are often from backyard breeders or puppy mills, and these and other puppies, without proper registration papers, have not been carefully bred and often have not been properly raised and cared for.

You are investing in a friend for life.

Choose your breeder and your puppy carefully.

Then, with proper care, feeding and training, your dog will be a source of pride, comfort, companionship and joy.