How to approach breeders - puppy search

[mintbiscuit]

Am embarking on the journey to find suitable (and reputable!) breeders. We’ve finally settled on a Labrador.

Whilst I grew up with labs and newfies acquiring new additions to our family was always via the breeder circle my parents were part of. I’m now living in a different part of the country and my parents are long gone for advice.

I don’t know anyone with a lab where we live, however have begun researching breeders via champ dogs and the kennel club. My plan is to get in touch with them to express our interest in future litters- is this ok? Or do breeders prefer that you only get in touch when they have litters? I’m not sure what the etiquette is here! We’d definitely like to go along to local trials/events to meet breeders, but nothing is happening at the moment.

Also, we’re happy to have parents who are show or working dogs (know exactly what we are getting into for both). We want a family pet above all else but would enjoying working them too. Would breeders of working dogs be willing to place a puppy with us on this basis?

Respectable breeders will be far more interested in prospective homes that don't want a puppy next week.... Meanwhile where on earth are you that there aren't local labradors???

Respectable breeders will be far more interested in prospective homes that don't want a puppy next week.... Meanwhile where on earth are you that there aren't local labradors???

Sorry, should have been clearer. I meant that all previous contacts that my parents would have had are not local. I’ve relocated to Scotland so plenty of breeders local, just trying figure out best way to approach breeders.

Good to know breeders main concerns about a long term home. We are absolutely in it for the long haul.

I'd say your approach is spot on. Good luck in your search

I am in the same position - I have messaged a few breeders on champ dogs, being clear I realise there will be a wait and asking about waiting lists. Messaged around 10 so far and had 3 or 4 responses. I also joined a Facebook group for lovers of the breed I am interested in and got some advice and recommendations there. So was advised to message secretary of the the local regional club for the breed (not done this yet). Good luck.

It’s awkward with labs. I would say contact the breed club. But I don’t know if there is one for working labs. Do also check that health tests are done on the parents. Hips? Check what else should be done.
Too many people just breeding for cash now and no care for welfare. Unfortunately KC or Champdogs aren’t guarantees of anything.

In all honesty right now I’d keep an eye on young dogs being rehomed from people who got them in lockdown and now haven’t got the time, you can still keep an eye out for a specific breed but there’s going to be tonnes of very young dogs in this situation

This is my plan for when we start (I’m leaving it for a while) I’ve got the details of the breed council, and will be asking for recommendations from them, as well as contacting breeders on champdogs to ask if they are planning any litters in the future and would they consider me for a waiting list

Don't wait for them to have a litter at the moment, the puppies will probably all be spoken for anyway if it's a proper breeder.

You need to contact them now and ask to be put on a waiting list.

We are looking for a cocker spaniel in the next year and I’ve used champ dogs and the KC site to contact breeders. I contacted quite a few 10+ and only got 2/3 responses which all said they weren’t having litters. In the end the only way I’ve got on a waitlist is via a friend that bought a working lab from a gundog breeder who happens to breed spaniels too. We’re currently on a waitlist for a potential litter late spring.

I must admit it was quite disheartening to get so little response. We’re not in a rush, have a good home to offer and experience with dogs. If the above waitlist falls through I’d hope they could pass me on to other breeders they know, or we’d just have to wait until they do have a litter.

One thing I did find was that emails got little response. At least one response was just calling someone up and being lucky that they answered.

Good luck with your search OP, I hope you find what you’re looking for

Thanks for all your advice. Exactly what I was after. We’re in no rush so happy to wait for the right dog (and breeder). I’ll start contacting local breeders.

We’ll also explore the rescue route, although we have cats which I’ve been told can often be a barrier to adoption.

We've been thinking about a second pup for our home, but with two young kids, rehoming a rescue is unlikely so we're looking at puppies as well. For the breed I'm considering there are several facebook groups, and I've found them an excellent source of info and advice. There are also several branches of a breed club, who each have a puppy co-ordinator, they work with breeders who sign up to their codes of conduct to find responsible homes for puppies. Would be worth checking out whether there is something like that in the labrador world.