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Original poster

How much contact did you have with your breeder prior to collecting your puppy?

15 replies

KenAdams · 19/03/2021 13:14

We were introduced to the breeder by one of the big names in the breed club for that breed who is well known for producing excellent lines, so I have no reason to doubt that them. They are a hobby breeder though, so don't consistently breed all the time.

Both mum and dad are KC registered and have obviously had all the relevant health tests for the breed.

Pups are around 4/5 weeks old and so far all I've had are a couple of phone conversations (instigated by me) and a couple of pictures.

I don't know what the right amount of contact to have with a breeder is. I don't know if I'm being too pushy requesting a picture a week or if I've engaged with them too early? Some guidance on this would be greatly appreciated!

OP posts:
sunflowersandbuttercups · 19/03/2021 13:24

We spoke to our breeder almost every single day from the birth up until collection, and we still all speak regularly three years later. Before that it was about every week or so to give us updates on the pregnancy.

The breeder, ourselves and all the other owners have a group chat going where we can share stories, ask for advice and share photos. In normal times we arrange "family" meet ups as well.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 19/03/2021 13:26

It really depends on the breeder and how they do things.
Puppy 1: one visit, a few phone calls
Puppy 2: two visits, a few phone calls
Puppy 3: as above, plus a couple of FB messages with a few pix
Puppy 4: emails, I think one phone call, a weekly video, and one visit.

I think at the moment, when you can't visit, it's not unreasonable to expect more pix/ videos.

Happytentoes · 19/03/2021 13:42

We met breeder & dam a few months before mating and we were put on a list for the planned litter . We were told when she had successfully mated and got photos of the puppies weekly until 4 weeks at which time we met and selected our puppy.
Thereafter we got a few photos and confirmed dates for pick up. We had a couple of calls/ emails afterwards and had the opportunity to join a FB group with other owners - we chose not to.
She no longer breeds, which is a shame as I felt supported and he’s a fabulous dog.

Original poster
KenAdams · 19/03/2021 13:45

OK perfect, this sounds quite normal then. I was hoping for a bit more as we can't visit, but maybe it will ramp up as we get closer to the date.

We've been put down on the list for one for definite, but I can't really buy anything until I know for sure we're getting one and I'm still a bit uncertain that we'll get one. We've been waiting for so long I'm expecting to be disappointed.

OP posts:
HappyThursdays · 19/03/2021 18:44

why don't you know you're getting one at this stage? i would think by 4/5 weeks, they would have been allocated?

OohMrDarcy · 19/03/2021 20:22

I met the breeder and mum soon after pregnancy was confirmed. We messaged weekly before the birth, she rang me when labour started, and sent me video clips of the pups as and when she was able to when they were born. I visited weekly from birth and got first pick of the pups (very lucky!) my DC also for to visit around 3 times before collection.

On collection day, pup knew us well and came running over when he saw us - he completely knew we were going to be his people and had no issues settling at all from the moment we left. I realise we were extremely lucky with our experience, this would have been my ideal situation all along.

mellongoose · 19/03/2021 20:44

The litter my pup is coming from is 2 weeks old. Last week and the week before we got pics and I found myself really disappointed today when one didn't arrive!

Deposit is paid, I am Zooming next week then going to choose my pup in person on April 12th.

Hopefully there will be more contact as I find myself over obsessing.

I was much more relaxed with my last pup 9 years ago 🤣

Doje · 19/03/2021 21:29

We had barely any contact! I had a message to say when the pups were born, and I asked for a photo. A month later I asked when we could come visit and pick a pup and I got another couple of photos then. We were confident in the breeder because I know two dogs that came from the same breeder, but otherwise I'd have been very worried. Actually, I was still quite worried!

SummerSazz · 19/03/2021 22:01

We met the breeder when the puppies were 4/5 weeks pjs. Then had online webcam so we could see them al the time.had another two visits but weren't 'allocated' our puppy until alll the buyers had met them in person and the puppies 'chose' their owners. We got our first choice as she ran up to us and cuddled in.

No real contact between visits but now have a WhatsApp chat with the breeder and all the other littermate owners (there were 10 Shock)

missbridgerton · 19/03/2021 22:08

Our puppy came from a local family, not a breeder as such. The owner was thoroughly excited from day one about the puppies and set up a whatsapp and facebook group for all the new owners. She posted "pupdates" almost daily, and her DC were amazing at telling everyone about each individual puppy. It's been great, we've all met up a few times since (the pups are now 2) and everyone posts photos of the siblings (there were 9 originally but 2 have since been rehomed sadly).

Original poster
KenAdams · 19/03/2021 22:24

@HappyThursdays she said we have been allocated one but because we've waited for 2 years I'm terrified of getting my hopes up.

OP posts:
Doje · 19/03/2021 23:06

@KenAdams I was exactly the same!! If I didn't get my hopes up it couldn't fall through. We were about 2 weeks from him coming home when I asked about coming to pick one, and ask a price!

It worked out for us and I'm sure it will for you too. Good luck, and head on over to the puppy survival thread for tips!

mellongoose · 20/03/2021 06:41

[quote KenAdams]@HappyThursdays she said we have been allocated one but because we've waited for 2 years I'm terrified of getting my hopes up.[/quote]
I asked about this. I wanted to choose my pup as I'm keen not to have a potential alpha male. A local charity is choosing one as a therapy dog and I'm told I get the next choice after them 🤞

RaggieDolls · 20/03/2021 07:28

My pup is 4.5 weeks. The breeder has a secret Facebook site for the new owners. We get daily videos and pictures and have done since before they were born. The owner of Dad is also on there.

We've had a couple of zoom calls which will have to suffice as 'visits' in the current climate. It's a shame but can't be helped.

I've been really pleased with the communication we've had. I guess it depends on much the breeder likes technology. My breeder is a big presence on the breed groups etc so obviously uses Facebook a lot.

HappyThursdays · 20/03/2021 08:30

Fingers crossed for you @KenAdams !

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