Getting a dog

[Brucey49]

We are looking at getting a dog. The children have done alot of research and we have had advice from friends with dogs.

My instinct is to look for a dog from the Dogs Trust to rehome.

I am not at all sure about buying puppies from sites like Gumtree and Prelived (no offence to anyone who has done this).

What advice would you give?

[Saucery]

I would say never ever buy from Gumtree or Preloved. There are many dishonest people selling their dogs on there and even though it is heartbreaking to see some of the poor loves being flogged for cash by mercenary arseholes who shouldn't be allowed more than a pot plant to look after a dog from there could have health or behaviour problems undisclosed.

Dogs Trust is a good idea and also smaller local rescues, particularly Breed specific ones.

[Saucery]

I've nothing against buying puppies btw, from a reputable breeder.

[Brucey49]

How do you find reputable breeders?

[CornflakeHomunculus]

How do you find reputable breeders?

I'd always recommend starting with the breed club of whatever breed it is you're interested in. More popular breeds tend to have a national club (sometimes a couple) and then regional ones which cover specific areas.

The KC Assured Breeder list is a reasonable starting point (though lots of excellent breeders refuse to take part because the scheme is very flawed) and Champdogs tends to have a much higher number of reputable breeders compared to other sites where people list litters.

As well as the big national chains of rescues (keep in mind that RSPCA branches are effectively like franchises, they're not controlled by the main charity and their quality can vary wildly) there are loads of small, independent rescues who often have their dogs in foster homes rather than using kennels. Most breed clubs also run their own rescues for dogs of their breed, again these tend to be foster based.

Whichever option you go for the key is to research, research, research. There are good and bad breeders, good and bad rescues.

There's loads of really useful information linked to on this thread, it's well worth having a scroll through and reading all those relevant to getting a dog/puppy.

[Saucery]

You can look on the Kennel club website (not foolproof but you can check further if you have a name etc), or ask friends and family. Or, as I did, stop a man in the street to quiz him about where he got his gorgeous dog ( I did vaguely know that he was a decent dog owner so trusted his judgement).

kC website also has a list of things to look out for and questions to ask of a breeder too iirc, which is excellent background info. No matter how sweet the puppies are or how much you want the breed/dog walk away fast if they can't answer those questions or you suspect it's a front for a backyard breeder.

I will go for rescue next time, specific breed, and the process is very thorough if done correctly. Our local one spoke to me for at length about what would be suitable and their expectations, which was completely acceptable. It also threw up a couple of points I hadn't considered.

[Brucey49]

This is great - thanks so much. I think the kids were loking at Labradoodles or Goldendoodles if they got a pup so not something that would fall under the KC?

[Saucery]

Rescue and info

[girlwhowearsglasses]

Champdogs.

[CornflakeHomunculus]

It can be extremely difficult to find a reputable breeder of poodle crosses. Their explosion in popularity has led to vast numbers of iffy breeders (ranging from the naïve owners breeding from their family pet to the industrial scale puppy farmers) jumping on the bandwagon and churning out puppies with very little thought given to health, temperament, confirmation (the physical construction of the dog which can impact upon health), etc. There are some good breeders, at least of labradoodles (i.e. they've got a very clear, long term goal for their breeding programme, they health test appropriately, they give appropriate consideration to temperament and conformation, etc.) but they're very few and far between.

Obviously these issues exist extensively in pedigrees as well, especially in breeds that have seen surges in popularity, but the breed clubs and the existence of pretty strong breed communities do make finding reputable breeders easier.

If you're keen on the larger poodle crosses I'd recommend investigating standard poodles. They're fabulous dogs in their own right; intelligent, fun, highly trainable and you've got a much better chance of finding a decent breeder.

[Brucey49]

Brilliant - thanks so much.

[HerOtherHalf]

As far as animal welfare ethics are concerned I'd say a rescue dog every time. If you keep an open mind about breed it will give you more options and it's worth remembering that mongrels make just as good pets (often better) as pedigree or designer cross-breeds. As Cornflake covered, a lot of breeders like the designer crosses because they are not covered by the KC and thus there is no oversight as to how many litters are forced out of the mother.

[ruthsmumkath]

There are some very good goldendoodle and Labradoodle breeders in the U.K.

Have you looked at Jastra for Goldendoodles

Or
Doodle Hall for Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodles)

Our boy had links to both of the above. He is amazing with a fabulous temperament.

[mydogisthebest]

Can I ask why you are looking at doodles? They are often quite expensive which is ridiculous for a made up breed.

Also if it is because of size and/or allergy please be aware that often they do moult and owners are allergic to them. I have labradoodles as small as a spaniel and as large as a greyhound.

I've known a couple of people get labradoodles and cockerpoos and then get rid of them because of how big they grew or because they moulted such a lot

[annandale]

I would be very very cautious of rescue dogs if you are a complete novice to dog owning, personally, but if you have a bit of experience and are prepared to do just as much training and behaviour input as for a puppy, it could be great. Temperament would be my number one consideration.

[BagelGoesWalking]

You can get a rescue dog with children! I'd recommend looking st smaller rescues who have their dogs in foster homes. Dog is living with other dogs, children, cats etc. So you can get a pretty good assessment of their temperament. They will have basic training, be toilet trained and it will make life much easier for you.

Do YOU want a dog? Don't ever get one "for the kids" However cute and cuddly, kids lose interest quickly and you will be the one walking when it's pouring with rain, not them!

Also consider the cost. Vets, boosters, food, toys, when you go on holiday what will you do etc etc. Also a dog does limit your ability to be out of the house for more than 4-5 hours at a time (and that's when dog is an adult not a puppy).

Look at rescues like Black Retriever X, Help Pozega Dogs, Desperate Greekies, Silver Fox Dog Rescue and join their Fb groups. Many dogs don't even get onto websites as they're reserved via FB, which is always much more up to date.

[Brucey49]

Thanks - mydogisthebest - we have been looking at doodles as we have several friends with doodle crosses of one type or another. We have heard about the allergy side of things but it is not the primary reason for choosing them. I suppose it's familiarity.

Bagelgoeswalking - thanks for the additional info. I will check those sites out. The kids are the primary motivators for it but we have decided as a family that we will do this so it is a family decision.