The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Puppy in South Africa

Looking for a puppy in South Africa? Here’s everything you need to know before buying—breeds, pricing, legal requirements, and how to choose a responsible seller.

Buying a puppy is an exciting journey, but it’s important to make informed decisions. This guide covers what South African buyers need to know before bringing home a new furry friend.

Choosing the Right Puppy Breed for Your Lifestyle (Complete Guide)

Find the perfect dog breed for your home, family, and energy levels.

Choosing the right puppy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Every breed has its own personality, size, grooming needs, and energy levels. To help you find the perfect match, here is a complete guide to the best dog breeds for different lifestyles, including space, activity levels, family size, and allergies.

Different breeds suit different households. Consider:

• Space available

• Energy levels

• Family size

• Allergies

Puppy Breeds Based on Space Available

small home dogs, best dogs for apartments, dogs for large yards South Africa

Best Breeds for Small Homes & Apartments

If you live in an apartment or a smaller space, these breeds adapt extremely well:

• French Bulldog

• Pug

• Shih Tzu

• Dachshund

• Chihuahua

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Boston Terrier

• Maltese

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Bichon Frise

• Miniature Pinscher

• Toy Poodle

• Havanese

• Papillon

• Lhasa Apso

These dogs are small, quiet, and generally low-maintenance — ideal for townhouse and apartment living.

Best Breeds for Medium-Sized Homes

Perfect for homes with moderate indoor and outdoor space:

• Beagle

• Cocker Spaniel

• Border Collie

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Welsh Corgi

• Australian Shepherd

• Miniature Schnauzer

• Whippet

• Keeshond

These breeds need some playtime but don’t require huge yards.

Best Breeds for Large Homes & Big Yards

Ideal for families with plenty of space and an active lifestyle:

• German Shepherd

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Rottweiler

• Doberman Pinscher

• Great Dane

• Boerboel

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Siberian Husky

• Alaskan Malamute

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Boxer

• Akita

• Great Pyrenees

Large breeds thrive when they have room to move, explore, and exercise.

Puppy Breeds by Energy Levels

high-energy dogs, low-energy dogs, active family dogs South Africa

Low-Energy Breeds

Perfect for relaxed households, older owners, or quiet environments:

• Bulldog

• Basset Hound

• Shih Tzu

• Pekingese

• Chow Chow

• Great Dane

• Saint Bernard

• Greyhound (calm indoors)

These dogs enjoy company but don’t need intense daily exercise.

Moderate-Energy Breeds

Suitable for families who enjoy daily walks and occasional outdoor activities:

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Beagle

• Cocker Spaniel

• Boxer

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Poodle (all sizes)

• Collie

• Vizsla

Balanced, friendly, and great for active households.

High-Energy Breeds

Ideal for sporty owners, hikers, runners, and farm-style homes:

• Border Collie

• Australian Shepherd

• Belgian Malinois

• German Shepherd

• Siberian Husky

• Jack Russell Terrier

• Dalmatian

• Weimaraner

• Australian Cattle Dog

• Pointer

• Whippet

These breeds need consistent activity and mental stimulation.

Puppy Breeds for Different Family Sizes

best dogs for families, dogs good with children, companion dogs

Breeds for Singles or Small Families

Dogs that bond closely with 1–2 people:

• Chihuahua

• Pomeranian

• Shiba Inu

• Greyhound

• Dachshund

• Maltese

• Italian Greyhound

• Scottish Terrier

• Pekingese

These breeds enjoy attention and form strong personal bonds.

Best Breeds for Families with Children

Gentle, patient, and loving — ideal for young kids:

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Beagle

• Boxer

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Poodle

• Collie

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Irish Setter

• Bichon Frise

• Bulldog

Known for being friendly, tolerant, and playful.

Best Breeds for Large & Active Families

Perfect for families that love outdoor adventures:

• Siberian Husky

• German Shepherd

• Australian Shepherd

• Border Collie

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Dalmatian

• Vizsla

• Great Dane

These breeds enjoy group activities and plenty of exercise.

Puppy Breeds for Allergy-Sensitive Homes

hypoallergenic dogs, best dogs for allergies South Africa

Small Hypoallergenic Breeds

• Maltese

• Shih Tzu

• Bichon Frise

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Toy & Miniature Poodle

• Havanese

• Miniature Schnauzer

• Lhasa Apso

• West Highland Terrier

• Cairn Terrier

Medium Hypoallergenic Breeds

• Medium Poodle

• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

• Lagotto Romagnolo

• Portuguese Water Dog

Large Hypoallergenic Breeds

• Standard Poodle

• Giant Schnauzer

• Irish Water Spaniel

• Airedale Terrier

• Afghan Hound

These breeds shed less and produce lower levels of allergens.

Understanding Puppy Prices at Paws Home SA

Why all our puppies are priced at R6000 with free home delivery anywhere in South Africa

At Paws Home SA, we keep our pricing fair, simple, and transparent. While many breeders charge different prices based on breed rarity or bloodlines, we believe in offering equal opportunity for every family to welcome a healthy, well-raised puppy into their home.

That’s why all our puppies are priced at only R6000 — and this includes safe home delivery nationwide.

Here’s exactly what goes into that price:

1. One Standard Price for All Breeds

Instead of charging different amounts based on popularity or rarity, Paws Home SA offers one set price so buyers don’t feel overwhelmed or misled. Whether you're choosing a small companion dog or a big family breed, the price remains:

✔ R6000 per puppy

✔ FREE home delivery anywhere in South Africa

2. Healthy Lineage & Responsible Breeding

Even at this competitive price, every puppy from Paws Home SA is bred responsibly and receives proper care from birth.

Your R6000 includes:

• Healthy parent lines

• Proper socialization

• Clean, safe living environment

• High-quality nutrition

• Veterinary-quality hygiene standards

We maintain excellent breeding practices while keeping prices accessible for all families.

3. Age-Appropriate Adoption (8–12 Weeks)

All puppies go home at the correct age of 8–12 weeks — fully weaned, socialised, and ready for their new family.
There are no extra charges based on age.

4. Full Vaccination & Health Preparation Included

For only R6000, every puppy receives:

• First vaccination

• Multiple deworming treatments

• Tick & flea prevention

• Vet health check

• Microchipping (where applicable)

• Puppy starter pack

This ensures your puppy arrives healthy, protected, and ready to settle into your home.

5. Free Home Delivery Nationwide

Unlike most breeders who charge transport fees, Paws Home SA includes delivery in the price.

You pay: R6000 total

You get: A healthy puppy delivered to your home

Whether you are in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or a rural town, your puppy is safely transported to your door at no extra cost.

Why Choose Paws Home SA?

✔ One simple price: R6000
✔ Healthy, well-cared-for puppies
✔ Ethical breeding standards
✔ Includes vaccination & vet check
✔ Includes FREE home delivery
✔ Lifetime support and guidance

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Puppy

• Choose a breed that matches your daily lifestyle, not just looks.

• Consider grooming, vet care, exercise requirements, and long-term commitment.

• Compare breeds before making a final decision.

• Always adopt or purchase puppies from ethical, reputable breeders.

  Useful Links

  • How to prepare your home for a puppy

  • Breed Information & Guides