Should we be provided the KC names of a puppy's parents before taking the puppy home?

[Redheadedwoman]

This really. We've been in contact with a breeder and we're planning to go and visit and view the puppy next week. We've been told that the puppy will be KC registered and that both the parent's are registered and have been fully health checked. They're not close to us so I can't go and look at the paperwork easily so I've asked for the KC names of the parents before we go so that I can check this against the KC health records but the breeder will not provide the KC names of the parents to me beforehand. This is ringing alarm bells as I feel they're trying to hide something but wanted to check if that is indeed normal practice.

Ours did. Nothing to hide then 😉 You can’t do anything with them.

I would walk away if not. We did for the same reason with another breeder. Turns out they were dealers.

If they don't have anything to hide then yes you should be give KC names of both parents prior to seeing pup. This would ring alarm bells to me.

Huge alarm bells.

No reputable breeder would not disclose the KC names of the dam and sire

As all PP advises, alarm bells ringing. No reason they shouldn't or couldn't provide names. Walk away.

Thanks all for the quick replies. I thought it sounded suspicious but she was very adamant that she wouldn't and even said it was KC advice not to give this information out and that not all tests are held by the KC now.

@Newpeep exactly this - I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be able to do with the names....apart from look them up and find something I shouldn't!

Can't you look at the pedigree certificates when you go to look at the puppy?

Massive red flags

There was someone on here ages ago who claimed to have a KC registered cockapoo. Upon questioning it turned out they were on the activity register (for agility etc) and not the breed rescue (for pedigrees)

Literally any dog can go on the activity register, even mine, and he's a mutt and I've no idea who bred him.

Nothing. I’d happily give you the names of my last dog who was a rescue and registered on the activity register for agility, and new pup who is KC breed register. Our breeder actively encouraged us to look it up to see the breed line and health tests which are held with the KC then showed us the papers when we arrived. She would have emailed them to us but I’d rather see them in person. Everything tied up.

@ChangedmynameagainforChristmas I'm not so much worried about the pedigree in detail but more that I'd like to be able to validate that they have all the right health checks in place before committing to a viewing that's a 4-hour round trip only to get there and find out something isn't right/have to sit in their living room checking and not doing it properly.

Are they worried you’re a backstreet breeder and want the names to pass off to sell puppies? It wouldn’t particularly bother me as long as it was all
in order
when I visited

Walk away. Reputable breeders would want you to see the parents and any achievements they have in field etc.

I wouldn’t even bother viewing without this information.

I would want both names to check health testing, lineage and parents show results, how many previous litters and preferably any information on siblings and how they have done…plus have a bit of a dig online and see if anything dodgy comes up. It’s amazing what you can find with a name!

Have you asked to see the parents when you go to see the puppy OP

I think there's a risk to giving out KC registered names to anyone who asks. Also putting them in the puppy advert. Other disreputable breeders could easily use the names themselves to promote their litters especially if champions in background etc. If they don't give them at your puppy visit however and show you the pedigrees etc I would be very suspicious.

And when you go to visit the puppy surely Mum will be there?

I’d listen to those alarm bells

Use this link to view results www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/health-test-results-finder/

You can't KC register a cockerpoo! Their parents should be registered as a poodle and Cocker spaniel but can't register mixed breeds!

The breeder of my most recent puppy wanted me to be able to check health testing and DNA results, so I would find it odd that you haven't been given these naked and details. You have an appointment to view and hopefully buy, so you aren't exactly a puppy farm.

I have no idea on these breeders obviously (although if you want to PM me their details am happy to have a quick look and see if anything rings alarm bells immediately, assuming you know their kennel name and area).

One specific point - they are not lying when they say the KC does not record all test results. Some health tests are not recorded by the KC and even where they do record results for a particular condition, they may not record results from all laboratories. Obviously this should not stop the breeders being able to show you official certificates.

I do think some breeders are a bit cagey with info for non-nefarious reasons, but perhaps if you don’t have sufficient information to do general checks around their ethics, it may be an idea not to proceed given the length of the journey if you’re not comfortable.

Really? Because I see full official names every day in my breed specific fb group. Either show results or people saying x is having a litter. Or I could just look Crufts results up, etc?

@Stressybetty I think that's a fair point. But surely once you get so far along with talking to someone over a period of time and are arranging a viewing it's not unreasonable to be asked for this information and her response was very defensive. I think it's that as much as anything that raised the red flag for me.

What breed? Because if it’s near Oxford and one of about 3 specific breeds run like the wind.

Thanks @CoffeeBoy but it's near Norwich