• PUPPY BUYERS VALUE FAMILY FRIENDLY QUALITIES MORE THAN CUTENESS IN MAKING PURCHASE DECISION

A survey of puppy buyers has found that people want dogs which will be family friendly, low shedding and suited to their lifestyle, while ‘cuteness’ is of least importance to them.
Banksia Park Puppies is one of Australia’s largest dog breeders and has been breeding dogs for more than 50 years. Banksia Park is situated on a 220 acre property near Sale in Gippsland where the climate and local environment is ideally suited to dog breeding.

More than 1700 Banksia Park customers were surveyed over the past 18 months on their preferences when making a puppy purchase.
Highlights from the survey results included:
 

• 90 per cent of people surveyed said their decision was primarily based on the puppy being family friendly, followed by low shedding and whether the dog would suit their lifestyle. ‘Cuteness’ was the lowest rated factor, and it did not feature at all in 37 per cent of responses. 
• 81 per cent of those surveyed knew exactly the type of dog they wanted prior to purchase, with only two per cent undecided;
• 65 per cent of customers did their research online, with breeder websites the most popular information source; 
• 51 per cent of Banksia Park customers visited an animal shelter when looking for their puppy. However, they didn’t get a rescue dog due to the breed they wanted not being available or concerns about the temperament and suitability of the dogs available.

Matt Hams, the owner of Banksia Park Puppies, said the survey results highlighted the amount of thought and effort that many people put into making a puppy purchase.

‘People really care about the kind of the puppy they are getting and its background, including its health and temperament,’ Mr Hams said.

‘For families in particular, choosing the right type of puppy is essential to make sure it is suitable for their lifestyle and home environment.

‘We put a lot of care and attention into the health and socialisation of our puppies to help their transition into a family environment, for the benefit of the dog and its owners,’ Mr Hams said.

The survey also found puppy buyers placed a high priority on getting the type of dog they wanted, followed by a health guarantee. Purchasers also wanted to get their puppy from a reputable and experienced breeder, including those who were full-time breeders. For three-quarters of those surveyed, price was their lowest priority.

Mr Hams said the survey highlighted the important role of professional breeders in meeting the demand from customers for healthy, happy and well-socialised puppies that become much loved and valued members of Australian households.

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For Interviews or Media Statements please contact:
Kirstin Hams
0448 804 644