What You Should Know About Getting a Puppy in Florida

 

Image by Viveka Rosin from Pixabay 

A new puppy can be a wonderful addition to your family. If you live in Florida and you’re deciding whether to bring home a new puppy, here are some things that you should know.

You Should Choose a Breed That’s the Right Fit for You and Your Family

When you’re deciding what breed of puppy to get, you shouldn’t base your decision on looks alone. Research a breed thoroughly to determine what energy level and character qualities would be a close match with what you’re looking for. For families, retrievers and shepherds tend to be a good fit. If you’d like to find out about German Shepherd puppies for sale Miami FL, reach out to an experienced breeder.

Do Not Buy a Puppy Less Than Eight Weeks Old

Florida law regulating the sale of animals prohibits the sale of puppies less than eight weeks old. It is critical that puppies stay with their mothers and littermates for the first eight weeks. As mothers start to wean puppies around five weeks, they won’t want to spend all day every day the litter. However, the puppies need to stay with the litter during this time for proper socialization. 

Some Municipalities Still Enforce Breed Bans

Unfortunately, certain parts of Florida have legal restrictions against entire breeds. Miami-Dade still continues to enforce a ban against certain types of terriers including pit bulls and Staffordshires. While some authorities may be a little lax about enforcing the bans, it is important to recognize that there is considerable liability exposure involved with owning a breed that is not allowed in a specific locale.

Learn more about your options from reputable Florida breeders. Some due diligence in advance will help assure that you and your new furry family member will be very happy together for years to come.