Waiting lists

[DeathValley69]

Hi all
I'm looking to buy a puppy and have narrowed the search to a Lab or a GR. I contacted KC assured breeders for both breeds and i'm on the waiting list for a GR (although the breeder is waiting for the pregnancy to be confirmed). Since I have been put on that waiting lists other breeders have been in touch to ask if I want to be on their list.

My question is, what is the etiquette on waiting lists; can you be on more than one? Does it depend on what stage the list is at and a general list is different from a confirmed litter list? When are you committed to getting a puppy from a particular breeder?

Also, when is it OK to ask about the price of a pup?, I don't want to create a bad impression but at the same time i do need to know at some point.

thanks

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I have no idea about waiting list etiquette, but I'd want a breeder to know a bit about me before putting me on one.

You're not committed until you've paid the deposit, and even then a good breeder should be prepared to refund you if you have second thoughts.

And I'd ask about the price sooner rather than later. You can always couch it as, you want to make sure you have everything ready in good time, vet appointment for vaccinations, bed, food - and of course the purchase price!

Prices have gone nuts the past few months. If you have found a breeder who is charging what they would have charged back in March, you've done well.

[potentialdogowner]

This is our first puppy so can't help on etiquette but how it worked for us - we emailed the breed club and they gave us details of a few breeders, we emailed the one nearest us and there were waiting to confirm a pregnancy. They sent us loads of questions for us to answer and sent loads of information about their life and dogs and breeding. We then had a video call, and only then were we accepted on the list and paid a deposit at the same time (this was before the birth but after confirmation of pregnancy). Hope that helps a bit.

[Dreamersandwishers]

Yes you can be on several lists.
You are not committed until the puppies are here and you have selected one and paid deposit.
As pp said, ask price as soon as. Our pup increased in price between us going on list and conception and that was 8 years ago. But he was totally worth it.
Ideally for you, you have a choice between litters but either way steel yourself to turn one down if you are not sure.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I should also have said re price, I have heard that breeders who know their customers or know of them by word of mouth, and trust them, are likely to be charging them the standard price, but are charging people they don't know higher prices, to try and prevent the situation where someone buys a puppy and immediately sells it on for a massive profit.

[Derbee]

We are provisionally on a waiting list for a puppy, just waiting to hear confirmation of pregnancy, and meet the breeder. She won’t confirm a place on the list until she’s met and approved us. To get to this point we’ve had to fill out a lot of forms, telling her all about us etc.

Our breed is a quite rare one, and most if not all the KC assured breeders know each other. They’ve all said that if they hear they’ve got the same person on multiple waiting lists they immediately discount the person.

So depending on breed, I’d be careful about being on multiple lists. I contacted our breeder, asked about parents, health tests, hip and elbow scores, and price all in the second email. I think it’s reasonable to know how much your puppy will be, and what deposit is paid when etc etc

[DeathValley69]

Thanks for the advice. The breeder who has added me did speak to me over the phone so I assume i'm provisionally approved. I'm happy to wait on this list but didn't know if it was the done thing to try and get on a number of lists.

[321mamma]

We're on the waiting list for a cavachon, we have been approved after a 45 min telephone call The breeder won't take any deposit before Sept 20th which is so annoying as I just want to secure my puppy 😩 The pups were born last week

[Derbee]

It’s all very difficult to know what to do! As far as price, I think it’s reasonable to ask. I know our breeder takes a £300 deposit when the puppies are born and allocated, with the remainder to be paid the week you are due to collect your puppy.

[Derbee]

I’ve also seen KC approved breeders selling lab puppies for £3,000! So it’s definitely worth checking, before you have your heart set on anything. Unless you’re happy to pay those sorts of prices I suppose

[321mamma]

I'm wondering how the puppies are allocated. We're 4 hours away from breeder so won't get a pick of the litter. We've just requested a girl. No colour preferences, we're awaiting a cavachon

[Helencatz]

I found a breeder the beginning of the year and have been on the waiting list ever since my breeder is charging a normal price not inflated at all I'm so lucky and total proof that they breed for the love of the dogs. You need to ask how much the puppies are... Its a normal question.

[Helencatz]

I seriously would not pay over a grand and certainly would not pay 2 or 3 grand if your breeder is charging this i suggest waiting till the prices come down the longer people pay these prices the longer greeders are going to charge the earth. These pups are no different to before lock down.

[Derbee]

@321mamma it would be reasonable to ask your breeder how the allocate puppies. Our breeder suggests choosing 2 puppies, and then she allocates them as they get bigger, depending on whether they will be show dogs or working dogs. She knows what to look for.

I suppose with cross breeds it’s different, as they will all just be pets, but a decent breeder will presumably choose puppies with personality traits that are more likely to suit certain households.

[321mamma]

Yes, we're just delighted to be getting a puppy with her as we've been waiting a long time. Her prices have remained the same & she is a third of the price of Cavachons from other breeders. We know her personally & my sis in law has one of her cavachons who is 8 now & a fantastic little character.
She asked our preference & I said female. She knows I've a 6 & 7 year old so hopefully she'll allocate us one that's not too crazy🤣 we can't wait!

[Derbee]

I’m sure she’ll choose you a suitable puppy! I assume we will get the least desirable puppy from our litter, as most will be show or working dogs, and we just want a pet! But I’m equally sure ours will be lovely, and perfect for our family whoever we get. Good luck, and enjoy your puppy whenever it happens