Be gentle! We're on the lookout for a pup and I have been making enquiries from breeders of the breed we want. I now know of a couple of litters due December/January. I know the pups from these litters will be health checked and that their parents have all the relevant, up to date health checks. This is the route we have gone with our previous two dogs - different breed - and we have paid a price which reflects excellent breeding.
This time around, my instinct is to go the same route and to wait until one of these pups, or another if these aren't right, come along. However - there's always a 'but' - the pup will be a birthday present for our 13 yr old DC. Said child is very responsible and has long wanted an animal to call their own. We've previously discussed getting another dog, of a smaller breed so are happy that now is the right time and it is a considered decision. However, the birthday is about here and it's a long time to ask said child to wait (in their eyes) potentially until next Feb/March - they'd reluctantly wait a while I think but I have a DH who thinks its not fair to make them wait that long and that, perhaps, I'm being a bit precious by going the full, breeder pedigree.
So I reluctantly looked on the online advertising sites. There are pups which, to my eyes, are clearly puppy farm - shed, wood shaving bedding etc. Then there is another ad for pups photographed indoors. Spoke to owner. Mum and Dad are both KC registered however neither have the relevant health checks and clearly the pups don't either. It's Mum's second litter but I don't know what age she is. The pups live out in a shed but can be viewed with their Mum. These pups are around 1/2 the cost of what the other litters would be.
If it was me, just me, I'd wait however I'm up against it a bit .... which doesn't mean I'm going to go with the household majority opinion but I want to make sure I'm not being silly by standing by my beliefs. Lots of people must buy pups without the relevant checks. Not sure that I could say this is a puppy farm, I don't think so but do think the pups are bred for profit rather than continuing bloodlines. I'm also committing our family to double the spend by waiting. I think I know what many of you will say but am interested in all opinions.
Thank you.