Bit of a long shot - Any mn'rs with a border terrier near Bristol?

[harryhausen]

Hello, I'm the person who narrowly avoided getting a puppy from a puppy farm last week thanks to MN's at The doghouse.

I've think I've narrowed my search for a pup to a Norfolk terrier or a Border Terrier. I'm speaking to a breeder of Norfolks but she's not too chatty, however the BT lady is very nice and informative however she won't consider me for a waiting list for a pup until I've spent some time with a BT to check if the dog effects my asthma. Fair play to her. A very responsible attitude.

Where do I start? I don't have any friends with a BT. Would a more local breeder be happy for me to ring up and ask to spend time with their dogs? Is that a really weird request?

Sounds like a totally reasonable request to me. I Can't help, but good luck My parents have a border terrier but they are miles from Bristol!
I hope some MN magic can work for you but do be careful arranging to meet people you don't know in RL.

You could ask at a local dog groomers and see if they know any BT owners or stick a card in a local pet shop / newsagents .

You could try looking for local dogs shows and making contact with BT people that way. I've found that most people are more than willing to talk about their breeds and let you meet their dogs.

Bath championship show (22nd-25th of May, terriers are competing on the 22nd) would be a good option. There should be a fair number of BT people there and you might find someone local who is willing to help.

This is a good list of small and large shows up and down the country, you might find something else local to you on that.

Another option is to find a local ringcraft (showing lessons) group, I had a quick look and there's this one in Bristol. They may have people attending with BTs who would be happy for you to meet them.

I will pm you

Thanks everyone. Good suggestions. Thanks for finding those lists Hcachumbabow.

Littlewren, I'd welcome a pm with any help/info. Many thanks