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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

How to find a breeder...

7 replies

Elfina · 22/12/2013 22:13

We're not quite at the stage yet, but when we are, how do we go about finding a good breeder? In this google/internet age (which I know we must avoid) I have no idea where to start.

OP posts:
bellasuewow · 22/12/2013 23:00

What type of dog you looking for elf a working dog?

Elfina · 22/12/2013 23:10

No, what makes you think that? A border terrier or Jack Russell.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 22/12/2013 23:15

Kennel club have approved breeders scheme but not sure what it takes to be registered.
Ask vet?
Does anyone you know already own one of these breeds? DM has a border!

mrslaughan · 23/12/2013 16:55

Once you decide on the breed, find out as much as you can about them. Find out about what health screens they should have, then start "interviewing" breeders. Don't assume just because they do well at shows, that they are producing healthy family pets, with great temperaments.

In our breed (it's a very small community) there is a breeder who wins at lots of shows ( they're are often the only ones ther) , but they are not breeding for temperament or health, but are KC registered. So don't be persuaded by awards, ask lots of questions, and if there is anything dodgy, walk away......also they should want to ask you lots of questions.

Find out how many litters they have a year, how they are raised and I would be wanting to see the puppies before committing....eg see that the litters are actually raised in a family home, not a barn at the back of the family homeConfused

bellasuewow · 23/12/2013 23:39

I ask elf because the only people I know who go to breeders do so because they want a working dog. If you want a pet it is better to go to a rescue centre because it is much cheaper but they also have tested the dog for temperament and can match it to your home. Dog breeding unfortunately can be a really murky world of non pedigree dogs with ahem papers... And horrible puppy farms of course.

fanoftheinvisibleman · 24/12/2013 08:30

If you do want to do go rescue have a look at Border terrier welfare on facebook snd have a look a Bea.

I cuddled my BT and wanted to cry reading her story and thinking about what makes a 6 month old pup so scared Sad. She is only a pup still.

BT's are the fantastic dogs.

needastrongone · 24/12/2013 09:48

Champdogs is reputable, check their website, their breeders have to be KC registered and they show the full pedigree history for the bitch/sire and health scores. It will give you a good description of the breeds you are looking at, plus a list of breeders. There is also a detailed section about what to look for when buying a puppy.

A good breeder will interview you as much as you want to find out about them and will insist on vetting you in person before offering you a puppy. They will not offer you a puppy on payment of a deposit to secure via email/phone. They should only really be breeding to gain a puppy for themselves, there's really little reason why they would breed otherwise. And they should have the welfare of their breed as priority.

They should offer lifetime support and advice and be prepared to take the dog back at any time in the future, rather than it go to rescue. All appropriate checks should be done for the breed.

Make sure you see all the relevant paperwork. Most breeders will worm and generally now microchip too now (both of ours have anyway)

Don't buy from preloved etc.

Small things make a difference, our first breeder has our dog if we go away, so he has only ever known our house and theirs. Our latest breeder is going to show DH how to work the new puppy (a Cocker).

Generally, just do your research about the breed and the breeder.

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