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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

New puppy - what to expect from the breeder

15 replies

SurreyisSunny · 19/03/2023 08:24

We went to meet our new puppy yesterday (currently 5 weeks old) so should collect him at Easter. He’s a miniature poodle and we travelled 3 hours to meet him (well we couldn’t chose the one we wanted as the breeder wants top pick of the litter and he’s taking them to the sires house today so we’ll then be told if we can have the boy we want)

I was a bit surprised by a couple things when I met the breeder. This is our first dog so I’m completely inexperienced

Firstly I asked to see paperwork. The only thing I was shown was the KC registration. I’d hoped to see health testing etc for the mum and dad. He directed me to the KC website. Is this standard?

Secondly he said he doesn’t do the first 8 week vaccine as this can lead to issues with is then talking to our own vet who may have different vaccines so have to start vaccinations again. Is this the case?

Thankyou

OP posts:

mycatsanutter · 19/03/2023 08:29

That's true with the vaccines yes . Not sure re the paperwork though

BiteyShark · 19/03/2023 08:34

You need to be explicit on what you expected from the 'paperwork' before you went.

A lot of people don't care about genetic testing or think that a vet check is all you need.

If you expected genetic tests from the parents ask if they have been done before you arrange a viewing and if you can see the certificates. I wanted certain ones from the parents so asked and saw the paperwork.

I see it as buyer beware so it's really down to you as the buyer to be clear as to what you want from the breeder.

For the vaccinations it does appear to be a hassle if your local vet does not do the same ones and I have seen threads on here about that so that one I understand.

But mine made sure the puppies had theirs, was wormed, 4 weeks free KC insurance and had a vet check. We also had a contract where if my vet found a clear diagnosis of a problem in the first two weeks I could return the puppy with a full refund.

IngGenius · 19/03/2023 08:34

The health tests will be on the KC website if dog is KC registered. It is nearly impossible to fake the results on the website but very easy to do so on pieces of paper so I would be happy with this.

However some tests may not be needed on the KC site so check that all advised as well as essential tests have been carried out.

Yep I prefer to vaccinate my own dogs at 8 weeks than the breeder for the reasons your breeder mentioned, Micro chipping should be done though by the breeder

thecapitalsunited · 19/03/2023 08:35

If the health testing has been logged with the KC you should be able to look up the parents on the KC site and see the results there.

No vaccines is normal because if your vets uses a different brand then you need to start the course again.

IngGenius · 19/03/2023 08:36

Link to check what health testing on the dogs parents

poodlefan · 19/03/2023 08:39

My miniature poodle came from one of the best regarded poodle breeders in the UK She showed me the results of both parents health screening tests and explained to me what it meant. She also talked through the pedigree details of both sire and dam, KC registration, show wins etc photos of the sire (he was not her dog which is very normal) and I was given the contact details of the sire's owner so I could contact them and meet him if I wanted too. I got him at just over 8 weeks he had had his first vaccination.
Like you she had already chosen from the litter a male puppy (who went onto to win lots of shows including excelling at Crufts) the two bitch puppies were also going to show homes and she only sold me mine because she thought that he would probably be slightly too tall for the show ring which he is. 11 years later I have. a healthy happy little dog.

Newyeardietstartstomorrow · 19/03/2023 08:51

When we had our KC assured breeder pup she was chosen for us based on our lifestyle. It was made clear that we wouldn't get to choose our pup as such. When we went to see the pups it was also made clear that it was a sort of interview to make sure we were suitable owners. We thought this was all fair enough. When we collected our pup we were given a folder containing pedigree details, hip score details etc etc. If there is anything you are unsure of its fine to ask the breeder lots of questions, they won't mind this and it demonstrates that you are taking the commitment seriously. Things like first vaccines are usually recommended, but I understand why the breeder wants to delay and let the pup develop a little first.

thecapitalsunited · 19/03/2023 09:19

Ah yes, it’s quite normal not to pick your own puppy. You meet them for a very short period of time but the breeder knows each puppy really well and will be able to pick the right one for your family. When I got my puppy I would never have picked him but he’s been the best dog I could have asked for. Personality wise we’re a matched pair.

RoxTen · 19/03/2023 09:23

We'd looked up health tests, breeding coefficients etc. on the kc site prior to even talking to breeders, so I wouldn't expect to see health test paperwork (and I'd have no idea what official paperwork actually looked like so actually think the online results are preferable).

Vaccines again isn't unusual, especially if you're not local to the breeder . We had the choice whether to have the vaccine schedule started or not once we'd checked that our vets could continue the same course.

Spanielsarepainless · 19/03/2023 17:56

My puppies were never given a first vaccine by their breeders, for the reason given by your breeder. And for the most recent, I asked for the boldest dog puppy, which I got.

Original poster

SurreyisSunny · 19/03/2023 21:07

Thankyou all. Very useful to know on vaccines. Will be calling vets tomorrow!

The breeder has sent me the full health screen of the mum now which is reassuring. The dad (or sire i think is the correct lingo) is a champion stud so will have to go to the KC for him. Relieved he obviously listened to my question.

And the breeder has also confirmed we can have the puppy we wanted. One showed a lot of interest in my DS so felt he was the right one for us.

I think I’m just panicking as this is such a life change for us i want to do everything right

OP posts:

Newpeep · 20/03/2023 07:39

Our pups breeder gave us the full names of mum and dad so we could look everything up before we went to view pups. It’s pretty comprehensive on the site. We’ve been shown fake certificates so the website is more reliable.

Sounds like an excellent breeder to me

Newpeep · 20/03/2023 07:40

Our pups dad is also a Ch and I was able to look up his show record and any comments from judges etc which is interesting.

Soxford1 · 20/03/2023 08:13

100% agree with the breeder regarding vaccines.

Cocosmos · 20/03/2023 09:21

Nothing whatsoever you have said about your breeder sets off any alarm bells at all. Many breeders don't have the first vaccinations done, particularly small breeds. It is also perfectly acceptable to not start vaccinations until 10-12 weeks. In the vaccine manufacturers data sheet it even states that if a first vaccine is given at 10 weeks or later, no further vaccines are required.

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