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Original poster

Finding a puppy - any tips?

20 replies

venusinfurs · 06/12/2007 12:26

Hi there
We're hoping to get a labrador puppy and have been warned not to go for puppy farms or breeders, but to try and get one from a family or some sort of small, cosy set-up. Does anyone know of any good websites we can use to search?
Any tips very gratefully received...

OP posts:
Original poster
venusinfurs · 06/12/2007 13:23

Bumpety bump!

OP posts:
dividedselfridgesxmaswindow · 06/12/2007 13:24

freeads and epupz.co.uk but beware still as breeders use these sites too.

Breed rescue often have litters - try dogpages.co.uk

NatalieJane · 06/12/2007 13:26

Venus, you do want a breeder, not just a family who let their dog go with nextdoors dog.

Firstly get yourself over to here they will give you tonnes and tonnes of advice on getting a puppy, and the right puppy for you and your family. There is also a list of good breeders. You may find you have to wait a little while for the right puppy, but it will be worth it.

Good luck!

NatalieJane · 06/12/2007 13:27

Free ads and epupz, list puppys from farms.

Please don't look there, go to the link I gave, they are fantastic and you won't regret it.

dividedselfridgesxmaswindow · 06/12/2007 13:44

Not exclusively NJ, not exclusively. I slightly actually object to your advice to ignore my advice. I could say don't look at the champdogs site because it is full of weirdy breeders who probably give up their over bred bitches to rescue and who carry on breeding when rescues are full of unwanted litters but that would be a presumptious and inaccurate generalisation - bit like yours.

beautifulgirls · 06/12/2007 14:38

The kennel club has lists of KC registered breeders - it does not mean they are necessarily "good" but means you are more likely to find someone decent.
When looking for a labrador it is really important to look for breeders that have their breeding stock (and the stud dog) hip scored under the BVA/KC scheme. The lower the score the better the chances the puppies produced will not have hip problems. I think the breed mean score for labradors is about 15 (total score) - what this means is that you should look for parents that have both got scores of under 15 in total. It is still allowed to breed with a dog over that score though not recommended - so make sure you check the results. The more responsible breeders will also get an elbow score done, but this scheme is far less popular with breeders and you may find it harder to find a litter where the parents have had this done. Ideal breeding stock will score a 0 on the elbows.
Other than that - well make sure you see at least the mother with the litter, that you are happy all the pups you see look well and generally go with your gut instinct. Ensure you get the pup checked at a vet within a day or two just in case they pick up any problems, so that you can if you need/want to return the pup to the breeder.
Good luck - Labs are great....biased black lab owner here!!

NatalieJane · 06/12/2007 14:53

OK, ever so sorry, IME most GOOD breeders do not needs sites like free ads and epupz to advertise their litters as they will have only bred the litter once they have found a suitable number of good people wanting to own a puppy.

Therefore, the puppies advertised on sites like free ads and epupz, tend to be full of puppy farmed dogs and the occasional "oops my bitch got out" type puppies - not the sort of place you should look to for a well bred, healthy puppy.

Again look on champdogs, and yes indeed the kennel clubs list.

worzsel · 06/12/2007 15:20

www.labradorforums.co.uk

if you go on there and ask they will point you in the direction of someone reputable who breeds the type of lab your afterand give you pointer re hip scores etc.

My lab cost us £150, didnt have any checks etc and is fine yet i know people who have spent £600 and have had to have both their dogs hips repleced at 2 due to displaysia.

if your buying a lab its really important to get a decent breeder as i think we've been really lucky, there are a lot of horror stories about.

good luck and be prepared, Hugos 18 months and still a complete idiot.

LittleB · 06/12/2007 19:59

You could try getting in touch with the local branch of the Labrador club, they'll have enthusiastic owners who will be able to let you know about any planned litters within the group and will give you loads of good advice too. Where in the country are you? I know of a good breeder in Somerset.

maggymay · 07/12/2007 09:33

You should look for a good breeder who spends time and effort breeding good quality dogs. Ask at your local breed club for info on breeders in your area go see these breeders befor pups are born see how they take care of there dogs then once you have decided on a breedeer its often the case of going on a list it cloud take a while but atleast you will be sure that any pup you get will have had the best start in life that is possible and will have been breed to standereds that are set out by the kennel club. The worst place to look for a pup imo is free adds and pet shops and puppy farms all of which will have endless pups available but the chances of getting a pup with health problems or a bad temprement are very high.

maggymay · 07/12/2007 09:36

opps spelling not so good today that should read could no cloud

Original poster
venusinfurs · 09/12/2007 15:52

Sorry, didn't get a chance to log on for a few days but just wanted to say thanks so much to all of you. Really helpful stuff.
Have tried one breeder following advice here, but all the puppies had gone, unfortunately. Still, feel a bit more like I know what I'm doing now.
Thanks again, everyone.

OP posts:
KittyLetteItSnow · 09/12/2007 15:56

DEFINATLY go to a breeder,

they are experts

BUT make sure they are good people, if the are good breeders they will allow you into their home, the bitch will live as a family pet not just a 'puppy/money making machine, they should be helpful, offer advice.
Be KC registered and offer insurance on your pup for the first 28 days.

If they dont welcome you into their home / want you to see the mum / hve papers then saty well clear.

HTH

VeVacuaMerryChristmas · 09/12/2007 16:07

don't overlook the option of rehoming a young rescue dog either, if a puppy is the way you want to go obviously go ahead - am not trying to make anyone feel bad - but there are thousands of lovely dogs with the potential to be great family pets, just waiting for a home

themulledsnowmanneredjanitor · 09/12/2007 16:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

boomie · 09/12/2007 16:13

We have just bought a lab puppy, she is now 13 weeks old. I did a ton of research. As others have said get yourself onto labradorforums.co.uk for some great advice and check out champdogs where you can search for local breeders.

Our pup is fantastic, very laid back (as both her parents were). I'm so glad I did a lot of research.

Good Luck.

VeVacuaMerryChristmas · 09/12/2007 16:14

are champdogs good for finding reputable breeders? think I heard somewhere that they check people out quite thoroughly before listing them

ska · 09/12/2007 16:16

and your local vets will know people who have lab pups - teir notice boards might have some. my sister breed golden retreievrs and she always goes by word of mouth rather than adverts

VeVacuaMerryChristmas · 09/12/2007 16:17

did not mean to repeat boomie's champdogs message, didn't see it

boomie · 09/12/2007 16:47

If you go on labradorforums, on the puppy forum, there is a posting about what to ask a breeder. This is really important and you need to make sure you ask these questions. There are also lots of differences in the "looks" of labs as there are show labs and working labs. We went for a show - all depends on personal preference.

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