We're a nation of pet lovers, and rightly so! Cats and dogs offer unconditional love, affection and friendship, as well as a host of therapeutic benefits, such as improved general health and wellbeing - after all, who doesn't like a cuddle from a furry friend at the end of a long day? Choosing between getting a cat or dog can be a tough decision, but generally speaking, dogs require more attention while cats are more independent. But if you like to have a cuddle with your furry friend - and not just when it suits your cat, then perhaps a dog is the right choice for you. Pet owners have lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure and are less likely to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety. A study by the US Department of Health has even shown that owning a pet significantly improves the chances of surviving a heart attack, while a UK study found that people who own a pet deal with stress and loss better than those that don't. So owning a pet is good for more than just cuddles!

Finding the right breeder is crucial to make sure that your pup has received the best start to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide. Adding a new puppy to your household is an exciting time, but it does come with its own little stresses. Before you get your hands on that adorable ball of fluff, there's a few things to consider, such as, am I ready to dedicate my life to a dog? And what breed best suits my lifestyle? Then, once you've answered all these questions you need to find a reputable breeder to ensure that you're buying a puppy that's in good health and is well-cared for. So, if you’re wondering where to buy a dog from and what questions to ask the breeder, we've put together this puppy buying guide to help you on your journey to getting your new four-legged friend. Buying a puppy checklist Before buying a puppy, you will need to be able to answer yes to all the questions on our buying a puppy checklist. Dog ownership can be extremely rewarding as it brings you unconditional love companionship, a healthier lifestyle and a sense of joy. But are you ready for the commitment? • Can I afford to own a dog for its life? Things to think about are food, veterinary fees, possible grooming costs, kennelling fees and insurance costs. • Are my circumstances right for a dog? This includes work hours and size of home. Will there be someone at home if I work long hours? • Can I make a lifelong commitment to a dog? The average lifespan of a dog is around 12 years and so you will need to be able to commit for this length of time. • Will I be able to exercise the dog every day? Will I be able to train, groom and generally care for the dog? • Can I answer yes to all the questions on the buying a puppy checklist, 365 days of the year? If the answer is yes then you can move onto and research the next steps. Which dog breed is right for me? The next step on our puppy buying guide is that you'll need to decide which dog breed is right for you depending on your preferred size, exercise levels, grooming needs and if they suit family life. There are many breeds out there and all will suit different sorts of people and circumstances. A Border Collie, for example, will not do well in a flat with no garden and no access to regular exercise, whereas a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua will likely not mind.

If you're looking to bring a new puppy into your life, you may be wondering about the potential financial implications that come with it. Find out everything you need to know with our handy guide. Deciding to get a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but often, people don't spend enough time thinking about the financial obligations that go with it. While you may believe that it's simply a case of having enough money to purchase your furrever friend, your puppy's first year brings a wealth of costs that you need to account for too. If you're thinking of opening up your home to a new puppy, you may be wondering how much does a puppy cost? Keep reading to find out how much are puppy vaccinations and what other expenses you should expect in your pup's first year. How much is a puppy? The first question on your journey to puppy ownership will likely be how much does a puppy cost? The first factor that will influence this is the breed, as more in-demand breeds like Labradors and Bulldogs will always carry a higher price tag. It will also depend on the puppy's heritage, if they're from a showing background and are Kennel Club registered, this will significantly hike up the price. Another question to consider when asking how much is a puppy is that if you're buying from a reputable breeder, the costs will likely be higher. This is due to the fact that the sale of a puppy needs to cover running their business as well as providing high quality care. There are many costs a breeder will have to cover such as screening tests for the parents (if they're a breed prone to illnesses), possibly stud services, de-worming and vaccination costs, registration fees and so much more. One thing to be aware of is to watch out for low prices, these can indicate a puppy mill or farm or reflect poor quality of care. If you're not prepared to shell out hundreds or sometimes thousands on a puppy, you could consider adopting a puppy instead. You'll still have to pay a fee which will cover their time at the centre, but this will usually be considerably less than buying a puppy from a breeder. Additionally, your adoption fee will also probably cover microchipping, vaccinations and neutering (providing they're old enough). How much are puppy vaccinations? Once you've got your puppy, the next step is vaccinations. These are essential as they'll protect your puppy against diseases or illnesses. The puppy vaccinations cost will depend on your veterinarian. They'll need these first vaccinations when they're 6 - 8 weeks old, with the second following 1 - 2 weeks later. When buying from a reputable breeder or rescue centre, these vaccinations will usually already have been done before you pick them up. After that, you'll need to take your pup for an annual booster. If your puppy hasn't yet had their injections, some veterinarians will offer a 'puppy club scheme' which will cover puppy vaccination costs and may also include microchipping and help with neutering.

Take a deep dive into the hound dog breeds world and discover the behaviour and personality that makes them such beloved family members. From giants to dainty dogs, this group has got them all. From the majestic Afghan Hound to the miniature stance of the Beagle, hound dog breeds have stolen our hearts for generations. If you're thinking of bringing one home, there are a few things you need to know. With profiles that include various sizes, personalities and instincts, here are the hound breeds in a nutshell. A hound dog's job The hound dog breeds group consists of dogs who were developed to help humans with hunting either on horseback (generally the longer-legged hounds dogs) or on foot (the shorter-legged hounds). They do this in two very distinct ways - either using their keen eyesight or else by following a scent. Some of these hounds are pack hound who work in a group while others work individually. Scent hounds Scent Hounds, as their name suggests, love to follow scent trails even over long distances. They love searching for things as part of their playtime, and with their impressive stamina they're the perfect companion for long walks. Scent hound breeds are also keen to go searching for objects hidden around the home and garden at the end of scent trails, which means lots of fun and games for you both. They enjoy carrying soft toys, but may not respond particularly quickly to training or even be that interested! They normally have pendulous ears and a smooth or wiry coat. Sighthounds Sighthounds are playful, high speed sprinters who love to chase and, as their name suggests, hunt by sight rather than through their noses! If you have a sighthound, allowing them to exercise their natural instincts is an important part of their unique care. Sighthounds love to run, occasionally setting off on very fast sprints that leave you behind! Physically, your sighthound has an athletic, slender and streamlined shape with proportionally long legs and a long, narrow face with close-set, forward-pointing eyes. Although generally quite placid and relaxed indoors, your sighthound is constantly looking out for moving targets to chase outdoors - it's all part of the fun for such a fast-moving dog! Unlike Gundogs, hound breeds don't retrieve fallen game to their handlers and work far more independently. They were very much the preserve of landowners and nobility (and sometimes poachers!) with most coming from Europe (especially France) although some hail from the Americas or the Far East.

Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle. It's important to carefully consider what dog you would like before taking one home. It can be very easy to be swayed by big brown puppy dog eyes or a fluffy ball of energy, but remember that a dog is a long-term relationship, so it's best for you and your pet that you're compatible. Your dog will be a part of your life for a long time to come, so it's important to research ahead to know what to expect. Getting a dog: key considerations

Deciding to get a new cat is so exciting, but also can raise lots of questions. For example, what breed would you like? Can you handle the challenges of a cheeky kitten, or would a calmer senior cat suit your lifestyle more? You've probably imagined all the cuddles you'll have and the games you'll play with your new fluffy friend, but remember that your cat will be a big part of your life for a long time to come, so it's important you do your homework before you fall in love with the first cat you see. You'll need to make some decisions such as whether you want a cat or a kitten, whether they'll be an indoor or outdoor cat, who will have what responsibilities for them and what type of cat will fit in with your lifestyle. So, where do you start and what can you expect from a feline addition to the family? The benefits of adopting a cat? There's no doubt about it, cats make great pets. After all, what's better to come home to at the end of a tough day than a contented purr from a loving bundle of fur?

Buying a kitten can be a bit of minefield. There's so much to consider such as how to find a reputable breeder to begin with and what questions should I ask? At Purina, we've created this guide, complete with handy checklists to give you all the information you need. If you're looking to buy a pedigree kitten from a breeder, there are numerous factors to consider. Before even beginning the search, you'll need to make sure that you have enough time in your busy schedule to dedicate to a new kitten from this day onward, as they mature into a wonderful adult cat. For those that are seriously considering buying a kitten from a breeder, we've created this guide to lead your through the entire process, so you can come out with a healthy and happy four-legged friend to cherish for many years to come. Buying a kitten checklist Before you start thinking about buying a cat, you'll need to consider your own personal circumstances before. You need to ask yourself the following questions: • Are you ready for a cat? • Are you prepared to deal with the costs? There are vet fees to bear in mind, such as neutering/spaying and vaccinations. If you choose a long-haired breed there may be grooming costs. Additionally, there will be daily costs such as feeding to consider too. • Are your circumstances right for a cat? This includes your current working hours and your home environment - if you work long hours, is there someone else at home to care for your cat?. • Can you make a lifelong commitment to a cat? On average an indoor cat's lifespan will be between 13-17 years, so you'll need to be able to commit for this amount of time. You'll need to ensure that you can answer yes to all of the above questions, otherwise a cat may not be suitable to you. Which cat breed is right for me? Whilst you may already know what cat breed you want to get, you may find yourself unable to choose (which is hardly surprising as there are so many cute cats out there!). Each breed of cat has their own characteristics and care requirements to bear in mind. These are some good questions to consider:

Do you need a bit of inspiration to find the perfect name for your new charcoal puppy? We put together a list of the best dog monikers out there. Is there a new black dog in your life? If you've always wanted a charcoal pooch, the top thing on your list must be finding that perfect black dog name. Don't worry - it's out there and we'll help you find it. If you feel stuck and need a bit of inspiration for your new furry friend, we put together an easy guide to black dog names that will help you navigate this important decision. Onyx: an oldie, but goodie black dog name If you prefer to take the classic route to dog naming, Onyx is a name that has been around for a while, but for really good reasons. Short and easy to say, this is a black dog name inspired by a precious black stone. No wonder so many owners look into those precious puppy eyes and get convinced there's just no better name. Midnight: the ethereal black dog name A cool name that suits any charcoal pup, Midnight could be the one for your mysterious ball of fur. There is no better puppy to pull it off. And if they always try to keep you up at night for a late game of fetch, those dark looks have indeed found their name match.

There are so many benefits of having a dog, of course there's the obvious benefits like extra exercise and a best friend for life, but they can also improve your physical and mental health! It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend. Their adorable faces and happy go lucky attitudes fill our lives with such joy, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs! Life is better with dogs Nothing beats a long walk with your four-legged friend on a fresh, spring morning. Or seeing the joy on their faces when you pick up a ball and they know it's playtime in the local park! Even relaxing at home feels better in each other's company. There's an old saying, which is certainly true, that dogs repay the love you give them ten-fold. Before you rush out and adopt a dog, it's important to think it through very thoroughly. Caring for a dog can be hard work and it's a lifetime commitment, as your dog will be relying on you for many years to come. Once you're sure you have the time and lifestyle to include a dog in your life, and you've done your research about different dog breeds and personalities it's time to look at all the benefits of owning a dog. Having a dog can help you stay active One of the key benefits of having a dog is that they significantly increase the amount of exercise you do on a regular basis - and you might not even notice it! While it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to go for a walk alone, when we know our puppy needs exercise, we often don't think twice. All those strolls through the park and adventures in the wood add up. Even playing games with your dog counts as exercise. You've probably noticed how tired you feel after a long game of 'fetch', even though your dog is the one who's been running around. One of the biggest benefits of dogs is the way they encourage you to be more active, which supports your health as well as theirs. Having a dog is a great way to meet new people One of the unexpected benefits of dogs is the way they add to your social life. Going to obedience classes, saying 'hello' to other dog walkers when you go to the park with your canine companion - there are dozens of ways in which your dog makes you more sociable.

Adopting a new puppy or dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but what can you expect from the entire process? There are so many dogs in animal shelters all over the world looking for their forever homes, including both puppies and older dogs. These adorable dogs may have come to a rescue centre because they've had a rough start to life or their previous owners may no longer have been able to care for them. One thing's for sure though, rescue dogs just need someone who can offer them plenty of love and understanding. If you think you could offer a rescue dog or puppy a warm and happy home, keep reading and we'll answer all your questions, including how to adopt a dog and where to find a rescue centre. Should I adopt a dog or a puppy? Adopting a dog or puppy from a rescue centre can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you be supporting the work of a worthwhile charity, but you'll also be giving an unwanted pup a second chance. If you're thinking about adopting a dog, you'll need to decide whether you have time for a bouncy puppy or want to get a calmer, older dog instead. Puppies will demand a lot of devotion such as training, cleaning up, disciplining and will require plenty of attention to give them everything they need. Because of this, it's not a good idea to consider a puppy if you work long hours or if there won't be someone around during the day to care for them. On the other hand, if you adopt an older dog, they will already have an established routine, a degree of training and will generally just be more responsible. Finding a friend for life If you're unsure what kind of dog best suits your lifestyle, home and family, your local dog adoption centre can help with that. When you express an interest in rescuing a dog or puppy, the dog rescue will usually give you a questionnaire to fill out to better understand your current circumstances, then they'll be able to recommend a suitable dog for you. They're well versed in finding good matches for both people and pets, so you can be rest assured that they can help in finding you a friend for life. Additionally, leading charities can offer you lifelong support, so if you ever have issues with your dog, most rescue centres will be willing to help. If your circumstances ever change, most will welcome their dogs back again too.