HELP! What do I ask a breeder about their pups?

[kid]

I have located some springer pups that may be suitable for my family but what do I ask the breeder?
They are KC registered but have given next to no details about the litter.
Do I jump straight in and ask if the parents have been tested for God knows what! Do I find out if the pups have been vet checked yet? What else do I need to know?

Anyone care to help me, I am very anxious about needing a healthy pup for obvious reasons.
These pups are only 9 days old

Well said Midori.

I've found another one!
But know even less about this litter. Just waiting for the seller to reply to my email before giving them a grilling lol

Kid - The Kennel Club has a list of local breed rescue organisations... here for English Springers, or you can go back and put in whatever breed you want. If you would be interested in a rescue dog you could call them and see what they are all about and then maybe get one from them after your holiday.

It is so easy to get sucked in to getting a puppy and just going with the first one you find, so do step back and keep checking things if you do go down the puppy route. As you know some great advice here from many of the ladies, especially the good breeders and rescue involved people.

I definitely won't be jumping in and getting any puppy. If I have any doubts, then I just won't get it.
My family have been through too much heart ache with losing our puppy, I couldn't bear anything like that happening again.

I am wondering if I am okay to assume that our next dog will live past his puppy days, I sure hope he does. I am trying not to be paranoid but its difficult.

Thanks for your help. I will have a look at that link. I am meant to be doing some work but keep getting distracted. Bit of a silly idea to have the laptop on right next to me with MN and FB open lol

No! It's good idea to have the laptop on

I've switched it off now (and turned the iPod on )

I did find some more pups a bit closer to home so emailed the seller/breeder. So far, they haven't replied to my email and its been over 24 hours! Me, impatient?!

Anyway, if they don't reply, I take it they are not genuine or just don't want the hassle of answering some questions.

Oh well, another night of searching the web. I should really consider doing some washing or ironing but this is so much more fun!

Well the owner of the 2nd litter didn't reply so thats a no go.

I have now found another litter
Both parents have been dna tested as clear of fudosidosis and pra which I am assuming is good.

They are located just 1 hour drive away which is another good point.

Bad points = liver and white (same as Moby and we said we wouldn't get the same colour)
Pups are ready for their new home mid july - I won't be ready for pup until mid/end August.

I could email or phone seller to see if they could keep the pup for me until I am available or I should keep looking for another litter. I know there will be another suitable litter as it didn't really take me too long to locate this one. I thought it would be important to get the pup between 7-8 weeks so we could get socialising.

Yes, it is good they are DNA'd. Are they also hip scored? You should ask for parents registered names so you can check health test results on the KC website, and also ask to see copies of the health results if you go and visit.

Why is it you can't have the pup until mid August? I have kept a pup util 12 weeks old before, as the family were well suited and very committed, but had a holiday booked when puppy was 10 weeks old, so rather than all the moving to and fro, we decided between us that it would be best if I kept the puppy until they got back from their holiday. I socialised her exactly as I would have done if I were keeping her myself, they continued what I had started, an dshe has turned out to be a very, very nice, well behaved and well adjusted family pet. On the other hand, I had a pup that the breeder had kept until 10-11 weeks for me and didn't socialise and although she is fine, she was quite nervous for a while and still isn't overly confident. The breeder may be happy to keep the pup if everything else suits you both, but it really is important the pup is properly socialised in that time.

We have a holiday booked and I don't want to get a pup for it to have to be sent elsewhere for 2 weeks while I am aware.

There is no mention of hip scores so I assume they aren't tested.
I think it's best to leave this as well because there are 2 bad points, 3 if you count not being hip scored.
There will be another litter, I just want to find it though. I think if the pup had to stay on another week or 2 i'd more than likely do it. But 5 weeks is a very long time for a puppy.

Thanks for your advice midori1999, it's good to have some guidance and reassurance as I am nervous of getting a poorly puppy.

Have you tried contacting the breed club to find out about litters or planned litters in your area? It really is the best route. A quick google will help you find the websites.

I travelled all the way to the Lake district for my Springer after researching for hours online.
He is fabulous. Really good natured and active. Bit stubborn though. Would be a great Gundog but has a useless owner
Good excuse for a Lake District holiday!

"My agility-going Sprollie owning pal knows (via her agility club) of some COCKERS who were ready to leave on 10th June"

mmm I think that is the club I go to as I also mentioned the cockers to kid on another thread. Am wondering if I know your friend now Vallhala.

I have looked at loads of sites in the hope I find something. There are 2 litters due in Cornwall, too far though. Also found some in Wales but again it's too far.

I will find my special little pup, eventually. Will look again tonight after DC have been sorted out.