What to buy for a puppy
The kit Puplr recommends, by stage and by dog. Pick your breed for a kit sized and chosen for it, or read down from day one.
Affiliate links: Puplr may earn a commission at no cost to you. We have not tested these products. Each line says why the item is there, and links go to search results so you compare current products, prices and reviews yourself. How we choose what goes here .
Kit picked for your dog
Pick a breed, or a size and coat. Each pick says why, how sure the evidence is, and its source.
Choose a breed to see the kit sized and picked for it.
Before day one: the nine
Everything else can wait until you know the puppy. The first week checklist covers what to do with it, and the day one buying guide explains each one.
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1 of 9
Crate or pen
Optional. Dogs Trust lists "a crate if you're planning to crate train your pup". Source
What to look for
Sized for the adult, with a divider: AKC suggests a crate "appropriate for your puppy's adult size with a divider". Source
Search for A crate with a divider panel, sized for the adult dog
Spend Buy once, for the adult
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2 of 9
Washable bed
Dogs Trust: "comfortable, washable beds and bedding, large enough for your dog to sprawl flat out on." Source
What to look for
Two pieces of bedding, "so you use one while washing and drying the other" (The Royal Kennel Club). Source A bed "that can withstand puppy teeth" (PetMD). Source
Search for A machine washable bed or crate pad, and a spare
Spend Cheap and washable for now
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3 of 9
Food and water bowls
Dogs Trust adds "including spares", so one set can be in the wash. Source
What to look for
"grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel", since plastic "may not be suitable for puppies, kittens, or any pets that chew on bowls" (Today's Veterinary Nurse). Source Easy to "wash your dog's food and water bowls daily" (AKC). Source
Search for Stainless steel bowls, grade 304 or 18/8, two sets
Spend Replace any that crack or chip
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4 of 9
Collar and ID tag
In the UK a collar and tag is the law. Dogs Trust recommends adding your phone number to the tag. Source
What to look for
"Choose a small, lightweight one that's suitable for the size they are now", loose enough to slip two fingers under (The Royal Kennel Club). Source Check the fit "almost daily", because puppies grow so fast (The Royal Kennel Club). Source
Search for A light flat collar and an engraved tag with your phone number
Spend Buy for now, resize as they grow
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5 of 9
Harness and lead
Dogs Trust suggests a "fully-adjustable harness that your pup can move freely in and finds comfortable". Source
What to look for
Buy for the puppy you have: RSPCA Australia says medium and large breed puppies need "a small collar/harness initially". Source
Search for A fully adjustable flat harness and a plain lead
Spend Buy for now, resize as they grow
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6 of 9
Chew toys
"to help teething puppies", as Dogs Trust puts it. Source
What to look for
"Soft enough to indent with your fingernail", and "The whole toy shouldn't be able to fit completely in your dog's mouth" (PDSA). Source "Any toy that is small enough to be swallowed should be avoided" (VCA). Source
Search for Two or three bendy chew toys sized for your puppy's breed
Spend A few at a time, rotated
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7 of 9
Enzyme cleaner
Dogs Trust: "Enzymatic cleaners are best as they remove the urine particles that can encourage your dog to wee there again." Source
What to look for
Not bleach: "Avoid using ammonia based products such as bleach as this is likely to cause your puppy to use the same area again" (Blue Cross). Source
Search for An enzyme cleaner made for pet urine
Spend One bottle to start
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8 of 9
Brush or comb
On the PDSA's checklist. The point is handling: the RSPCA says to introduce grooming and being handled early. Source
What to look for
Ask your vet "which brush would work best for your dog before any investment" (Blue Cross). The tool for the adult coat can wait. Source
Search for A soft puppy brush for short, gentle handling sessions
Spend Start cheap, the coat tool can wait
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9 of 9 · optional
Puppy pads
RSPCA Australia: "useful during the toilet training process, especially when you're unable to supervise your puppy or need to leave the house." Source
What to look for
Optional: AKC says pads "can sometimes slow the transition to outdoor elimination". Source
Search for Training pads, only if you will use them
Spend Optional
The photo shows the goal, a puppy toileting outdoors, not a product. Photo: Ben Owen , Unsplash , Unsplash License .
By stage
What to add as the puppy grows. Open a stage for the list.
Before day one Crate and what goes in itBuy the crate for the adult dog and use the divider. The rest is cheap and replaceable. More in Crate training .
Crate and what goes in it
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The nine things worth having in the house before the puppy walks in. Links go to search results for your selected country, so you can compare rather than take one pick.
Crate with a divider
Buy the crate for the adult dog. The divider shrinks it while the puppy is small, so one end does not turn into the toilet.
Washable crate pad
Thin and machine washable. A puppy who chews their bedding gets a bare floor for a while, so start cheap.
Crate cover
Darkens a wire crate at night so it feels more like a den. Leave at least one side open for air.
Stuffable chew toy
Something to work at in the crate while you build up the time with the door shut.
Clip on crate bowl
Fixes to the crate wall so it cannot be tipped over during longer stays.
Enzyme cleaner
Accidents happen in the first weeks. Enzyme cleaners break down the smell that tells a puppy to go in the same spot again.
8 to 16 weeks Getting out before the vaccinations finishFor carrying the puppy out to meet the world, and paying them for staying calm. More in Socialisation weeks .
Getting out before the vaccinations finish
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The nine things worth having in the house before the puppy walks in. Links go to search results for your selected country, so you can compare rather than take one pick.
Puppy carrier or sling
Lets a puppy see traffic, people and shops before the vaccination course finishes, without putting their paws on public ground.
Treat pouch
Clips to a belt so you always have something to pay the puppy with the moment they meet something new calmly.
Harness and lead
A flat harness spreads pressure across the chest instead of the throat while the puppy learns not to pull.
Lick mat
Something to focus on while you practise handling paws, ears and mouth, the things a vet and a groomer will need to do.
About 3 to 6 months TeethingSomething legal to chew, sized for the mouth the puppy is growing into. More in Teething timeline .
Teething
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The nine things worth having in the house before the puppy walks in. Links go to search results for your selected country, so you can compare rather than take one pick.
Chew toys for toy and small breeds
Soft rubber in a size a small mouth can actually hold.
Chew toys for medium breeds
Size up as the puppy grows. A chew that fits entirely inside the mouth is too small.
Chew toys for large and giant breeds
Big puppies outgrow small toys within weeks and can swallow pieces of them, so buy for the size the puppy is heading to.
Freezable teething toy
A different texture to rotate in. Many owners find a chilled toy goes down well when gums are sore.
Stuffable chew toy
Keeps a puppy chewing one thing for longer, which is the whole point.
The first year As the puppy growsHarnesses and collars get outgrown. Size for today, check the fit every week. More in Adult size predictor .
As the puppy grows
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The nine things worth having in the house before the puppy walks in. Links go to search results for your selected country, so you can compare rather than take one pick.
Crate with a divider
Size the crate for the adult weight you just worked out, and use the divider until the puppy fills it.
Adjustable puppy harness
Size for the puppy you have today. Expect to replace it at least once before the adult size arrives.
Adjustable collar and ID tag
You should be able to slide two fingers under it. Check the fit every week while the puppy is growing.
Bed
Cheap and washable now. Buy the adult sized bed once growth slows down.
Every summer Hot weatherNone of this replaces shade, water and walking in the cool of the day. More in Hot weather safety .
Hot weather
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The nine things worth having in the house before the puppy walks in. Links go to search results for your selected country, so you can compare rather than take one pick.
Collapsible water bowl
Water comes first. It folds into a pocket so water goes on every walk, however short.
Shade sail or tarp for the garden
Shade before gadgets. SPCA New Zealand says a kennel can trap heat, while tree shade and tarpaulins let the air through.
Paddling pool
A shallow pool in the shade gives a dog somewhere to cool their paws and belly. Always supervise it.
Cooling mat
A cool place to lie when there is no cool floor. It helps, it does not replace shade, water and staying in during the hottest hours. Stay with your dog while they lie on one: the ASPCA says to avoid leaving pets unsupervised around cooling mats in case they try to eat them.
Cooling coat
Worth a look for flat faced and heavy coated breeds, which struggle first when it is hot.
By adult size
Buy the crate for the adult dog. These are the standard crate sizes the published adult weights of each size class point to, from the same logic as the crate size calculator .
Adult size Breeds Adult crate Chew toys
Toy 33
18 inch to 24 inch
Small puppy chew toys
Small 71
22 inch to 30 inch
Small puppy chew toys
Medium 125
30 inch to 42 inch
Medium puppy chew toys
Large 112
36 inch to 48 inch
Large breed puppy chew toys
Giant 23
48 inch
Large breed puppy chew toys
Crate sizes worked from each breed's published maximum adult weight against the PetMD crate sizing chart. PetMD's caveat applies: measure the dog, because weight and breed are only an estimate. Source .
By coat
Grooming tools follow the coat, and a breed's coat type is in every breed guide.
Double coat 148 breeds A double coat is two coats, a soft undercoat under a coarse topcoat, and the undercoat has to be raked out rather than brushed over. Source: AKC, double coated breeds .
Double coat: what to look for
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Undercoat rake
A double coat is two coats, a soft undercoat under a coarse topcoat, and the undercoat has to be raked out rather than brushed over.
Slicker brush
A double coat is two coats, a soft undercoat under a coarse topcoat, and the undercoat has to be raked out rather than brushed over.
Deshedding tool
A double coat is two coats, a soft undercoat under a coarse topcoat, and the undercoat has to be raked out rather than brushed over.
Curly or wool coat 48 breeds A curly coat mats close to the skin, so brush daily with a slicker and then check your work with a metal comb. Source: VCA, grooming and coat care .
Curly or wool coat: what to look for
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Slicker brush
A curly coat mats close to the skin, so brush daily with a slicker and then check your work with a metal comb.
Metal grooming comb
A curly coat mats close to the skin, so brush daily with a slicker and then check your work with a metal comb.
Detangling spray
A curly coat mats close to the skin, so brush daily with a slicker and then check your work with a metal comb.
Wiry coat 41 breeds A wire coat keeps its texture and its colour if the dead hair is stripped out, and loses both if it is clipped off. Source: AKC, hand stripping .
Wiry coat: what to look for
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Stripping knife
A wire coat keeps its texture and its colour if the dead hair is stripped out, and loses both if it is clipped off.
Metal grooming comb
A wire coat keeps its texture and its colour if the dead hair is stripped out, and loses both if it is clipped off.
Slicker brush
A wire coat keeps its texture and its colour if the dead hair is stripped out, and loses both if it is clipped off.
Long silky coat 29 breeds A long silky coat breaks if you brush it dry, so use a conditioning spray and work down to the skin in layers. Source: AKC, grooming a Yorkshire Terrier .
Long silky coat: what to look for
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Pin brush
A long silky coat breaks if you brush it dry, so use a conditioning spray and work down to the skin in layers.
Metal grooming comb
A long silky coat breaks if you brush it dry, so use a conditioning spray and work down to the skin in layers.
Detangling spray
A long silky coat breaks if you brush it dry, so use a conditioning spray and work down to the skin in layers.
Short smooth coat 114 breeds A short smooth coat still sheds, it just does it quietly, and a rubber brush lifts the loose hair before the sofa does. Source: AKC, types of dog brush .
Short smooth coat: what to look for
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Rubber curry brush
A short smooth coat still sheds, it just does it quietly, and a rubber brush lifts the loose hair before the sofa does.
Grooming glove
A short smooth coat still sheds, it just does it quietly, and a rubber brush lifts the loose hair before the sofa does.
Hairless or very light coat 4 breeds Bare skin burns, so use a sunscreen made for dogs, never a human one, and keep the hottest hours indoors. Source: AKC, do dogs need sunscreen .
Hairless or very light coat: what to look for
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Dog sunscreen
Bare skin burns, so use a sunscreen made for dogs, never a human one, and keep the hottest hours indoors.
Sun shirt
Bare skin burns, so use a sunscreen made for dogs, never a human one, and keep the hottest hours indoors.
Sensitive skin shampoo
Bare skin burns, so use a sunscreen made for dogs, never a human one, and keep the hottest hours indoors.
By build and health
Flat faces, deep chests, long backs, heavy ears and small mouths each change one or two things on the list. Each of these comes from a published breed trait, with its source.
Flat face 32 breeds A flat faced dog is already short of airway, so put the lead pressure on the chest rather than the throat and keep the dog out of the heat. Source: Peer reviewed, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome .
Flat face: what to look for
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Chest harness
A flat faced dog is already short of airway, so put the lead pressure on the chest rather than the throat and keep the dog out of the heat.
Cooling coat
A flat faced dog is already short of airway, so put the lead pressure on the chest rather than the throat and keep the dog out of the heat.
Shallow wide bowl
A flat faced dog is already short of airway, so put the lead pressure on the chest rather than the throat and keep the dog out of the heat.
Struggles in the heat 38 breeds Thick coats and big bodies both make heat harder to shed, and shade and cool water beat every gadget sold for it. Source: Peer reviewed, heat related illness in UK dogs .
Struggles in the heat: what to look for
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Cooling coat
Thick coats and big bodies both make heat harder to shed, and shade and cool water beat every gadget sold for it.
Paddling pool
Thick coats and big bodies both make heat harder to shed, and shade and cool water beat every gadget sold for it.
Collapsible water bowl
Thick coats and big bodies both make heat harder to shed, and shade and cool water beat every gadget sold for it.
Thin coat, feels the cold 47 breeds A thin coat over very little body fat loses heat fast, so a coat in winter is practical rather than decorative. Source: AKC, does your dog need a winter coat .
Thin coat, feels the cold: what to look for
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Winter coat
A thin coat over very little body fat loses heat fast, so a coat in winter is practical rather than decorative.
Fleece jumper
A thin coat over very little body fat loses heat fast, so a coat in winter is practical rather than decorative.
Deep chest 67 breeds Feed from the floor rather than a raised stand: in the largest study of it, a raised bowl went with more bloat, not less. Source: Glickman et al, JAVMA 2000, non dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation volvulus .
Deep chest: what to look for
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Floor standing steel bowl
Feed from the floor rather than a raised stand: in the largest study of it, a raised bowl went with more bloat, not less.
Slow feeder bowl
Feed from the floor rather than a raised stand: in the largest study of it, a raised bowl went with more bloat, not less.
Long back 25 breeds Dogs built long for their height get disc trouble, so keep them lean, take the pull off the neck, and give an older dog a way up that is not a jump. Source: Peer reviewed, back length to height ratio and disc disease .
Long back: what to look for
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Body harness
Dogs built long for their height get disc trouble, so keep them lean, take the pull off the neck, and give an older dog a way up that is not a jump.
Sofa ramp
Dogs built long for their height get disc trouble, so keep them lean, take the pull off the neck, and give an older dog a way up that is not a jump.
Non slip runner
Dogs built long for their height get disc trouble, so keep them lean, take the pull off the neck, and give an older dog a way up that is not a jump.
Ears worth watching 81 breeds A heavy ear traps warmth and damp, so dry the ears after a swim or a bath, and clean them only as often as your vet asks you to. Source: Peer reviewed, otitis externa in UK dogs .
Ears worth watching: what to look for
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Ear cleaner
A heavy ear traps warmth and damp, so dry the ears after a swim or a bath, and clean them only as often as your vet asks you to.
Microfibre towel
A heavy ear traps warmth and damp, so dry the ears after a swim or a bath, and clean them only as often as your vet asks you to.
Small mouth, big dental risk 106 breeds Small dogs get gum disease far more often than big ones, and daily brushing is the only thing that reliably holds it off. Source: Peer reviewed, periodontal disease and body size .
Small mouth, big dental risk: what to look for
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Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
Small dogs get gum disease far more often than big ones, and daily brushing is the only thing that reliably holds it off.
Dental chews
Small dogs get gum disease far more often than big ones, and daily brushing is the only thing that reliably holds it off.
Grows big, grows slowly 140 breeds A big puppy who grows too fast pays the price in their joints, so use a food formulated for large breed growth and add nothing to it. Source: FEDIAF nutritional guidelines 2024 .
Grows big, grows slowly: what to look for
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Working brain 83 breeds A working breed needs their brain tired as well as their legs, and a long line lets a dog range while recall is still a work in progress. Source: AAHA canine life stage guidelines 2019 .
Working brain: what to look for
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Training long line
A working breed needs their brain tired as well as their legs, and a long line lets a dog range while recall is still a work in progress.
Puzzle feeder
A working breed needs their brain tired as well as their legs, and a long line lets a dog range while recall is still a work in progress.
Snuffle mat
A working breed needs their brain tired as well as their legs, and a long line lets a dog range while recall is still a work in progress.
Joints worth protecting 130 breeds Omega 3 is the one joint supplement with real evidence behind it, and good footing on a slippery floor costs almost nothing to fix. Source: Peer reviewed, omega 3 in canine osteoarthritis .
Joints worth protecting: what to look for
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Car ramp
Omega 3 is the one joint supplement with real evidence behind it, and good footing on a slippery floor costs almost nothing to fix.
Non slip runner
Omega 3 is the one joint supplement with real evidence behind it, and good footing on a slippery floor costs almost nothing to fix.
Buying guides
All buying guides
How we worked this out
Nothing here names a product or quotes a price. Each item is a kind of kit with a reason, and the reasons come from Puplr's research on what a puppy of a given size, coat or build needs, with the source next to each one. Food, supplements and anything for fleas, ticks or worms are left out: those belong with your vet. Search links go to the retailer for the country you pick in the header.
Last reviewed 17 October 2026.
Search for Two or three bendy chew toys sized for your puppy's breed
8 to 16 weeks Getting out before the vaccinations finish
For carrying the puppy out to meet the world, and paying them for staying calm. More in Socialisation weeks.