Advice on getting the right puppy and The Kennel Club. please

blue_monkey_2

Ruffles wrote: »

Have you seen Lola here, says she's good with kids and other dogs.

http://www.sbtrescue.co.uk/dogsneedinghomes.htm

Please don't make me feel bad for not getting a rescue - I had this problem last time, my hubby has said he would not get an older rescue dog because he wanted a puppy to fit into the house our way. I saw a lovely one last time we started looking and she was 7 months and quite local, I think she would have be fine, but he said no it had to be a puppy. I felt guilty for ages afterwards thinking about that little dog. I called the rescues, some would not entertain us as we had kids and because they were not teenagers and others had no puppies.

Because the dog is coming into our home I have to respect his wishes too in this as it is a major commitment from all of us - it cannot be something that one wants and the other does not. My friend did that and her husband made her get rid of it after a few months. It's not fair on the dog to get one as a comprimise - it has to be something we both agree on. This is why I need to make sure I am doing the right thing by vetting the place we get her from.

chris_n_tj

Dont feel bad not wanting a rescue, it doesnt do for everyone. xxxxx

Chris n TJ xx

devildog

At 7 months of age she would still be clased as a puppy

blue_monkey_2

I just wanted to come back and update really.

I spoke to a lovely lady at the KC today and they checked the breeder I had been to see and yes, all their dogs were registered. I told her what happened with the first lady I asked and she said she had no idea why she had said the things she did but that when I go back to see the pups again tomorrow to explain what the lady said to them and just to ensure I have mum registration numbers and pups DOB (which I already have).

I asked about the health checks and she told me they were not a requirement when you register a puppy so I thought this was a bit odd - I thought they had to have them. Anyhow, I am going to see the breeder tomorrow and if they do not have the health checks done I am going to put the depsoit down to hold the dog, on the condition the health checks are done and that she gets the all clear.

I feel like I have had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders just by that one call.

Thanks for all of your help and advice everyone.

blue_monkey_2

devildog wrote: »

At 7 months of age she would still be clased as a puppy

You know that and I know that but my husband said no, getting a dog is not something I would do over his head. I was not fussed at what age I got a dog, but he was.

blue_monkey_2

Ruffles wrote: »

These are the health tests a responsible breeder should be carrying out on Staffordshire Bull Terriers:

Hereditory cataract - genetic test
L2HA - genetic test
PHPV - screening test
PPSC - screening test annual
Hip score

Have both parents had all the above tests?

Hi again Ruffles - can I ask whether pups need to have had these tests to or just parents?

What tests do I have to ask if the puppies have had?

I did ask the KC whether I could insist on the tests being done and she said no. I will double check tomorrow and want to be sure what I am asking for.

Thanks

ka7e

It's the parents that are tested.

Minimum recommendations are for -

KC/BVA/ISDS Eye test (which looks for cataracts and PHPV) BUT puppies can be checked at 6 weeks+ for the condition PHPV

DNA test HC-HSF4 (for Hereditary Cataracts)

DNA test L2-HGA (In the past few years a small number of Staffords have been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, its clinical name is L2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria or L-2-HGA. This condition manifests itself in varied ways with affected dogs displaying behavioural changes and dementia, anxiety attacks, having full blown seizures, as well as exercise intolerance and ataxia (unsteady gait), tremors and muscular stiffness. Dogs from totally different bloodlines have been found to be sufferers and the number of affected dogs diagnosed has risen.)

foreign_correspondent

the parents must be tested, before breeding... I think its a requiement of KC accreddited breeders that these are done. These would be more important to me than pedigree, which on its own means nothing. Lots of breeders are registering their dogs with another organisation, the 'dog lovers register' or something, which means absolutely nothing - I could register my mongrel with them tomorrow as far as I can tell!

devildog

I think it would be hightly unlikely that someone who 'just wanted her to have one litter' would of carried out(and paid for) the appropriate tests. But you never know...........

Generally, puppies are simply 'vet checked' before moving on to their new homes which really is a cursory check that there isn't anything outstandingly obvious wrong. Most breeders will also have had at least one vaccination done and if registered with Kennel Club the pup should come with 6 weeks insurance with Pet Plan.

blue_monkey_2

OK, huge thanks for clarifying everyone, I thought it was the pups that needed to be checked but it is the parents. Going to get all of this checked out tomorrow when I go back.

Thanks again for your time.