Numpty question about finding puppies

[Bookishandblondish]

So I’m about to move house and will be in a position to have a puppy as house has enclosed garden etc.
I’m really thinking in the next 12/18 to 30 months rather than this year but was wondering about finding said puppy.
Do I just contact breeders on the KC list stating that I’m looking for the futures, give details of my circumstances/ dog owning history?

And breed wise - looking at flat coated retriever/ setters.

I would contact rescue centers that deal with the dog breed that you are after.
Leave your details with them

When you look at those breeds, consider if you want a puppy from working parents or not. Most but not all gundog breeds either have or are developing a split between the show/pet line and the working line. Working dogs tend to be much more driven and energetic and hence harder work (a lot of fun, but very full-on). Genetic drives are not to be ignored, so if you haven't considered what the breeds were developed for, give it some thought - setters are (or were) bred to range very wide, for example. Large munsterlanders look similar to setters, but are different again. I'm not trying to put you off at all, but I own two high-drive gundogs and they are not for the fainthearted.

Also consider health issues. For example, flatcoats are lovely dogs but the breed has a big issue with cancer. Also check out what health tests are advised for a breed to reduce the odds of unhealthy puppies. I'd also look for low level of inbreeding.

As for breeders, it's a pity that you've just missed Crufts as that's a great chance to meet breeds and breeders and get some ideas. Discover Dogs is on in October and that should give you some ideas. Also maybe join a few breed Facebook pages to get a feel for the issues that crop up and maybe connect with a few breeders that way.

I would think twice about a flat coat.
Cancer is a massive, massive issue in that breed.
Half have cancer by 8 and the types of cancers they are prone to tends to strike them young.

I’d decide on your breed then spend hours researching reputable breeders maybe . It’s what we did for our first dog and worked really well. Rescue really not an option for us and don’t get why it’s trotted out every time. It was our first dog so no way would they have let us have one. We wanted a puppy to raise our way too.

We looked at the breed clubs and researched reputable breeders for hours from names mentioned there, cross checking, looking for reviews etc. The place we picked felt right the minute we arrived, amazing clean facilities in a beautiful setting, incredibly happy gentle dogs. Owner answered any questions and we got loads of info( parent history and characteristics, dog info etc) and video/ pic updates.We met both the parents and were allowed to visit at any time for weeks in the run up to collection which we did.

She’s just gorgeous and knowing she had such a lovely start has really been great for us.

Thanks for the responses

I specifically do not want a rescue as I would like to see the mother and the set up and to train a dog from scratch. I’ve considered quite a lot and discounted many breeds - for example, I love and grew up with wolfhounds and look after a border collie on a regular basis but don’t think either breed is quite right.

Depends if you want a working dog if not. I’d go to trials or shows depending on which and meet dogs and breeders see who you like, speak to the owners and see if they can put you in contact with their breeder or if they are having a litter.

I do have wolfhounds! I started by contacting the breed club. They put me in touch with breeders planning litters.
Do check what specialist health tests potential parents should have for each breed.

Get on Horseandhound forum, there’s a breeder of flat coats in the All About Dogs section who can advise on particular lines. I wouldn’t touch the breed due to the cancer issue, even though it’s pretty much the perfect breed for me.

Thank you - and at some point, I may consider wolfhounds again - just not now.

@Bookishandblondish sorry I wasn’t trying to convert you to wolfhounds!! I just meant that the breed club is a good place to start when searching for a pedigree pup.

Contact the breed clubs of the breeds you are interested in. They may have a list of breeders or names of those who are expecting puppies. These people will have to abide by the breed club code of ethics and will be committed to breeding in the correct way.

Sadly, Kennel Club registration (of dogs) is just a minimum standard/pedigree database. Lots of unethical and poor breeders KC register their dogs. Health testing is not required ot KC register a dog.

Going to dog shows can be a good way to meet breeders/dogs. The National Dog Show is at Stafford in May and is a good opportunity, or look for a championship show closer to you.

Thank you again.

@Wolfiefan - I didn’t think you were trying to convert me - it would be very easy to persuade me as ours were gorgeous dogs. Just being slightly sensible as I know it wouldn’t be a good fit at the moment.

Sensible is good! Wishing you the best in your search.