Dog breeders - what to look out for

[tiredofthisshit21]

Going to see a large family run breeder next weekend, has been recommended to us by a friend. We're looking to get a Cavachon puppy. First time dog owners and a bit clueless. Thought I'd ask you experts on here what we should be looking out for? We've been thinking about this for months and it's not a snap decision. Fully aware of the commitment etc. But any advice would be appreciated.

I’d be wary of “large breeder” and cavachon for a start. Has puppy farm all over it.
You HAVE to see mum. Even if they have the most convincing/water tight excuse if you can’t see the bitch walk away.
If it’s a big set up with lots of bitches/litters all at once especially if more than one breed again, walk away, it’s a puppy farm.

Pressed send too soon. Cavs are riddled with gnarly health issues and I want to see what health tests had been done on the cav used for breeding

Hard evidence of halth tests. For cavalier crosses, cardiac tests (on parents) in particular. But not many breeders of cross breeds do health screening.

I would want to know if the parents have been health tested for the hereditary issues of both breeds.

I'd want to see Mum as a minimum, but preferably Dad as well.

I'd watch the litter and consider what suits you. Both mine picked us, but we knew we didn't want a trouble maker or one that would be walked all over.

I'd be asking about what they feed the pups, parents temperament, confidence. That kind of thing.

@tiredofthisshit21 and all of what @lastqueenofscotland has written.

Thank you.. I have been researching the breeder and I do have a few concerns as they have multiple breeds for sale. Maybe need to think again. Was only considering them as daughter's friend got her pup from them.

If they’ve got multiple breeds it’s an absolute no. It’s a puppy farm OP.

Yes, sounds like a puppy farm

Ok back to square one. Just don't know where to start looking for a breeder.

I think if you are looking for a cavachon you will really struggle to find reputable breeders. They do exist but are few and far between, why not a cav or a Bichon? Why the cross?

Run!
Multiple breeds is a massive red flag.
But a decent breeder of such crosses is as rare as hen’s teeth. As above. Why not Bichon or Cav? (I would be wary of Cav as a result of health issues.)

@lastqueenofscotland

I think if you are looking for a cavachon you will really struggle to find reputable breeders. They do exist but are few and far between, why not a cav or a Bichon? Why the cross?

I read that cross breeds are less likely to have health problems. But open to advice to be honest.

It’s a complete lottery with cross breeds. You could get a cavachon with all the health issues of cavs AND a bichon. It doesn’t necessarily breed them out.

Evidence of health testing, council license, definitely view mum with pups either by video or in person if possible. Don't be sucked into a quick purchase of a cute puppy. Keep your wits about you. Ask as many questions as you can and any decent breeder will answer you. Remember you can walk away. And for everythings sake don't make a sympathy/mercy purchase.

They can be. But equally they can have health issues from both parents. And people breeding crosses like this rarely do breed specific health tests.

@Wolfiefan

They can be. But equally they can have health issues from both parents. And people breeding crosses like this rarely do breed specific health tests.

Yes definitely this. You’re not going to avoid health issues breeding from untested parents.

Your best bet is do really extensive research, pick an breed, research breeders and pick one, accept that good breeders will have waiting lists, often over a year long, and go for it that way

Honestly if I was you, I'd look for a Bichon breeder. The kennel club website is the best port of call.

I had a Bichon growing up and he was the best family pet ever. Yes, grooming commitments but they are the happiest, funny little characters.

So our preference is for a small, chilled out, easy to train, non-shedding dog. Cockapoos are a bit too big. Really not fussed about breed as long as he/she ticks those boxes.

What about a toy/miniature poodle or a bichon? They would both fit your requirements nicely.
Avoid fashionable cross breeds they are rarely if ever bred ethically

I'd avoid cavs personally because I found they pull like heck on the lead, sniffing around constantly and are too obsessed with food. Only been around two of course (dufferent inners for each) so dunno if uts breed wide. But personally, I'd rather cut off my arm than have to walk one every day.

*owners

Step one is really to avoid fashionable cross breeds, sorry.

@Skeumorph

Step one is really to avoid fashionable cross breeds, sorry.

I'm interested to know why though? What's wrong with cross breeds?

Nothing is wrong with cross breeds but the breeders are rarely great and if you want an ethically and responsibly bred dog they are not a good place to look.

Crossbreed pups are not kc registered and buyers won't ask for, or expect, paperwork. It's an easy way for backyard breeders to make a lot of undeclared cash, as well as back to back breed their bitches.