Tell me about where best to buy a puppy

[FluffyDogMother]

Ddog passed away a little while ago and we're now considering getting another dog (cocker spaniel). We had got Ddog from pets4homes and stayed in touch with the breeder so had a good experience. However, this time around, considering the huge sums of money involved, and the reports of scams, I'm very wary.

Any advice? Where else would others recommend?

I would do some research on KC breeders of Cockers, but don’t expect to get a pup for at least 6 months - a year.

Spaniels are insanely popular at the moment, good breeders may not have bred during Covid and may well have waiting lists for their litters.

Give it 6 months, let this lockdown puppy madness calm down. Once people start going back to more “normal” routines, the idea of having a puppy will wane.

I agree with pp that you may be better waiting a while. The lockdown madness will end soon and hopefully the shitty breeders will go back to their normal jobs.

My first dog I went via the kennel club

2nd dog I found the breeder on champdogs.

Of the 2, champdogs was a better experience, better breeder and so far a better dog.

I loved dog number 1 but he had a lot of issues.

We have a 9 month old and 14 week old - both Golden Retrievers - both bought through Pets4Homes from different breeders. I think the key for me was they didn’t ask for deposits. I was also able to see both sets of parents. I’ve since had them both thoroughly vet checked and both all good. Our previous GR was through a KC registered breeder and although he lived to 13 had health problems all his life. It’s a lottery sometimes I think and we definitely only went this route because of lockdown. My 2 boys are wonderful and bring us so much joy everyday.

Expect to go on a wait list. I’m amazed by the supposed reputable breeders that people find that have puppies ready ....

This might help: