If a breeder isn't on KC website or a KC accredited breeder should I be concerned?

[tulpe]

We are trying to find a Vizsla pup. I have found two breeders in Cambridgeshire area (2 hours drive from us) one of whom is KC accredited and the other who only breeds when they themselves want a pup.

Before I arrange to meet with breeders/pups etc are there any (possibly unspoken) guidelines about whether or not someone chooses to become KC Accredited?

Thanks.

I, along with a lot of other very good breeders I know, have chosen not to be a part of the KC accredited breeders scheme because as it stands, some puppy farmers are KC Accredited breeders and health testing is not mandatory, even with this scheme. Some of the accolades is a bit of a joke, (the 'bred 5 litters' one for a start, they could have bred those five litters in one year ) and it really isn't any sort of mark of quality sadly, as it could be. Just about anyone can become a KC accredited breeder, even if they have never bred a litter before.

Hope this helps, let me know if you want any other info?

Okay, that's very interesting indeed, Midori. I am particularly keen to avoid puppy farmers. It makes me sad beyond belief . Also, even breeders who aren't technically puppy farmers may still be overbreeding their dams. Again, that can't be good for poor mum.

Is it perhaps better to look for a breeder via the breed national clubs? I know there are two for vizslas.

Yes, the breed club is always the best place to look. They will know which breeders are reputable and which are not, although it might mean a longer wait.

KC registered is the minimum standard if you like, then on top of that obviously check health tests results (on KC website if you know the Sire and Dam's name but also ask to see copies at the breeders) and the conditions the pupies are reared in etc.

I know good breeders who have chosen not to become accredited for the reasons Midori states so no, I wouldn't let that put me off.

As I'm always saying on here, KC reg or KC accredited does not guarantee a good breeder or a healthy pup.

Research the health issues and check out the parents' results - e.g. hip scores are meaningless unless you know what the average is for that breed.

Spend plenty of time talking to breeders - they will also want to vet you thoroughly (if they don't, then run a mile) - and get a feel for the kind of person they are and how they treat and raise their dogs.

If you still can't decide, go and meet the puppies and be guided by the dam's temperament, as this can have a siginificant effect on that of the pup.

Thanks Midori I am so glad I found this board - have been on MN a year or so and didn't know until 3 days ago that it existed! You have been very helpful.

Have emailed Vizsla Society asking for advice.

Out of interest, what type of dog do you breed?

You're welcome, it is actually nice to find that people that are interested in where their puppy comes from and not just after the first pup they see/find.

I breed Golden Retrievers.

Arf. I for one spent more time researching my puppies' sires than my dc's

Thanks also to you Bella

I am going to see a breeder next weekend. Her dam is in whelp with pups due beginning of Feb. She told me that it is only her second litter, having produced her first last year. She also warned me that she got a bit snippy with someone who came to see the pups last year but felt that it was probably because the people concerned kind of rushed at her rather than talking calmly and quietly.

Anyway, she thought it would be good for me to see her whilst she is still in whelp so that I can see her character as an individual as well as after the birth.

Am feeling very positive now and not quite so overwhelmed. I am trawling through other threads on here to make sure I have a list of relevant questions and things to look out for. And most importantly I know I won't be pressured into saying yes to the first person who offers us a pup. My gut feeling is that it can take a while to find the right pup for your family and if it takes us a year of searching then so be it

A final question......and this may sound stupid......but how do the dams deal emotionally with their litter leaving them? Is it normal for them to be apprehensive of strangers coming into the house when they have given birth - incase one of them takes her pups?

Most breeders won't allow you to visit the pups before 3-4 weeks as this is the period when infection is the biggest danger, and also to avoid unnecessary stress for the bitch. By the time the pups are ready to go they will have been weaned and will be living life as a litter really, pretty much without the bitch.

Sounds like you are taking a well thought out approach - hope you find a pup soon

Tulpe have you thought of the rehoming centres?

Hundreds of dogs/cats young and not so young have been dumped in the last few months!

I personally would be very worried about a bitch that got 'snippy' with someone who wanted to see their pups. Bitches can be wary, especially if it is their first litter, and Vislas are quite a sensitive breed (not like good old Goldens who treat everyone and anyone like their long lost best friend) but I would really want to know what the breeder meant by 'snippy'. If you can meet her prior to giving birth, that may be a good indicator of what her temprement is usually like.

And yes, Bella is right, most breeders do not allow visitors prior to puppies being 3-4 weeks old.

I usually make sure my pups go on different days, as I believe in allowing a bitch un-restricted access to her puppies and although Mums milk will be mostly or all dried up by then, puppies do have a 'comfort suck'. Mum is also well involved in play and socialising. I find this way best for Mum, but all breeders will be different.