Buying adult dog from a breeder

[user1489844432]

I am looking to get a dog but don't want a puppy. I found a breeder who is selling of of the bitches. She's 4 years old and had three litters.

Is there anything to look out for, any questions to ask or I shouldn't even look at her? She's french bulldog with all DNA tests and apparently no breathing issues.

Is the breeder going to be spaying her for you?
How many bitches is she "selling off"?
Does she (the dog) have all the relevant health tests for the breed so you know she's healthy? (a health check by the vet doesn't count!)

Here's a link to help with the tests she should have had done:

www.petgeneticslab.co.uk/products/foresight-health-french-bulldog

They also struggle with hip and elbow dysplasia, so I'd be wanting evidence of good scores on that front too.

French bulldogs are very sweet dogs but they are prone to a LOT of health issues. You also need to be very careful in warm weather (eg. above around 18-20 degrees) as they struggle to regulate their breathing and overheat very quickly.

What sort of life has she had during her breeding years? They either started very young (reputable breeders I know don't mate before the first season after the second birthday) or she's had back to back litters, which can have health consequences.

And was she living as a family pet or in a kennels? The question I'm getting at here is whether she has been properly socialised as a puppy. Because if not, there could be serious behavioural issues. If she's one of a couple of bitches who live in the breeders house and were normal well-socialised family pets for their early years, then it might be OK.

If it's been largely kennels, then I'd be wary.

Is she house trained? Lots of breeder dogs are kept in kennels outside.

Poor dog. They’re just disposing of her now she’s not going to make them any more money. What cunts some people are. I could honestly stab people like this.

I hope she has the lovely life she deserves with you.

As far as I can see they selling three bitches aged 3 to 5. 5 year old had four litters and 3 year old only one. Apparently they downsizing hence reason for sale. The breeder is licensed by the council. I've been told she can live inside and outside but looks like I may need to ask more questions on that.

I am aware of issues with french bulldog and I would love a breed with fewer health issues but I struggle to find another breed to would tick all the boxes: good with small children, smallish size and don't require too much exercise but still be happy and content.

Is she good with children? I'd be surprised if a breeding bitch from a business has had much contact with children.
It's not guaranteed. Can you meet her, no strings attached?

That was the first question I asked and been told she is but based on the previous posts I just asked for clarification whether she is a family pet in a house with children or was kept in kennels. I can see her but it will be very difficult to judge based on a short visit whether she's genuinely good with children so I really want to make sure I am making informed decision here. I wouldnt like to take here and then give her back in few weeks time or sell her on hence all the questions.

Fucking hell. They churn out litter after litter. Make a load of money off her then sell her too.
They won’t be downsizing. They will just not be able to KC reg any more litters from her. So she’s no use to them.
They will just start again breeding from her babies.

On top of my health concerns listed above, I'd also want to know:

• whether she lives indoors or in kennels
• whether she is house-trained
• if she's used to going for walks on a lead etc.
• what socialisation she's had with cats, dogs, people, traffic and children. Also whether she's used to do doing things like travelling in a car etc.
• is she crate trained?
• if she's used to living with other dogs, will she cope in a "solo dog" household? what about things like separation anxiety?

The breeder may be telling you what you want to hear, much as people who sell on sites such as gumtree. I feel you would be better off getting a rescue dog that has been fostered so you can get an unbiased assessment of any issues that may come up and see the dog in a home environment with or without children. It is important to get this right, as a fosterer myself, it’s amazing how differently dogs respond to a home environment, all good dogs but with different needs. Good luck x

'Can live outside' suggests that the's where most of her life has been

@wetotter

'Can live outside' suggests that the's where most of her life has been

I was thinking this too.

OP if rescuing an ex breeding dog appeals, then I'd look at Many Tears who are a reputable rescue that take mainly ex breeding dogs and foster them first. In most cases, however, they only re-home those dogs to homes with an existing dog because they know their dogs won't really cope going from a puppy farm with lots of dogs and limited humans to a household where they're the only dog. I would suspect that this is likely to be the case with this Frenchie.

How much money is the breeder asking for?

I would love to get a rescue. My last one was but with 4year old at home I won't be able to get a rescue dog for few years yet.

They are asking for £1000 but regardless of the price it feels like I should walk away from this one.

This has disaster written all over it. That poor animal. Sounds like a puppy farm trying to shift ex breeding stock to make room for more puppy incubators.

I wouldn't. Dogs bond closely with people and selling them on like this just doesn't sit well with me.

I can think of situations where I would think it was okay (elderly bitch craving more attention than she's getting in a multi-dog household being given to someone she already knows and where she will be happy, for example, or a bitch who just doesn't get on with a other in the house again going to a known home).

This doesn't sound like it, though.

French bulldogs should not be bred at all , unless they start breeding out all the traits which make the dogs’ lives more difficult.
They are an incredibly unhealthy breed, and all of the ones I know are also quite aggressive with other dogs, not something that you want to be dealing with at all when you have a young child.
Get a dog that is healthy and good tempered, not a fashinable breed with umpteen health risks.

@user1489844432

They are asking for £1000 but regardless of the price it feels like I should walk away from this one.

You are doing them a favour taking a dog they can’t make money from off their hands, you shouldn’t be paying a shit load of money for it. As for “can” live inside I doubt it has They sound like puppy farming bastards

Amy recommendations then the for a breed or x-breed that would be similar in size and exercise requirements to Frenchie but with fewer health issues and good with small children?

A thousand pounds for a four year old ex breeding Frenchie!!!

Bastards are just trying to squeeze the last buck out of her. If they were really interested in the welfare they'd be rehoming for a fee on a par with a rescue charity, or rehoming via the likes of Many Tears (who certainly don't pay for the dogs they take in).

This has disaster written all over it. Don't be surprised if you find undisclosed medical or behaviour problems after purchase and a breeder who takes zero responsibility.

Having had 3 litters by the age of 4 is not great. Legally a breeder can KC register up to 4 litters from one bitch. It was reduced from 6 in 2012.
It is possible this dog had issues with her last litter and cannot have any more. This does not bode well for future vet costs. If you really want this dog I would get an independent vet to do a full health check, as well as trying to find out whether her temperament really is suitable for a family pet.

@user1489844432

They are asking for £1000 but regardless of the price it feels like I should walk away from this one.

HOW MUCH?!

Sorry, that's bonkers! I got a puppy with all the relevant breed health tests for almost half that amount.

No way would I pay a grand for a 4yo ex-breeding bitch. No way.

@user1489844432

Amy recommendations then the for a breed or x-breed that would be similar in size and exercise requirements to Frenchie but with fewer health issues and good with small children?

Lhasa Apso. Bichon frisé. Mini Schnauzer (though they bark a bit). Cairn terrier. Shih-tzu (though they are prone to breathing issues) Papillon. Maltese.

£1000 for an ex breeding French bulldog. These people are abhorrent, the dog owes them nothing they should be finding her a lovely hone and giving her away not selling her like a commodity.

@user1489844432

Amy recommendations then the for a breed or x-breed that would be similar in size and exercise requirements to Frenchie but with fewer health issues and good with small children?

Smaller friendlier (ie less obstinate and less excitable) terriers, such as border, Maltese, Havanese, Norfolk, Norwich, maybe a westie

Like all dogs, they'll still need a good amount of exercise, but they'd be ok on 2x 45mins a day (longer whenever you can) especially if DC play with them as well.