Going to look at a puppy tomorrow- what should I look out for/questions to ask

iammarmite

To avoid being tricked by a puppy farmer? All I know to do is to ask where the puppies are being kept and ask if the parents can be seen.

Also, if some is Kennel Club registered- does this mean they are defiantly safe to buy from or should I be wary still.

I read on a website that a purchase should be subject to a vet checking out the puppy- would you think this reasonable?

krlyr

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/b/buyingadog/default.aspx#.UKlfUYYa_WE
http://www.apbc.org.uk/articles/good_breeder
and
http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/choosing-a-puppy
May be worth a read

http://www.thepuppyplan.com/ doesn't contain any "how to pick a breeder" questions but reading through the breeder/care taker's section should give you an idea of what to expect from a good breeder and a good basis for any questions.

Found these just on Google but from a quick look, lots of ideas
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=302
http://www.syntari.com/purchase.htm

I don't think being KC registered is a 100% foolproof way to know they're a good breeder unfortunately but it does give you a formal body/organisation to use/report bad practice to. Often I hear it's a good idea to attend dog shows where the breeders will be known - a bad reputation spreads fast.

Re. the vet check, to be honest I wouldn't hold much faith in it. A vet check will pick up anything immediately obvious but you could spot a gunky eye, a limp, etc. yourself - a vet may notice if the dog has a temperature or if something feels 'off' on palpating its tummy, for example, but it's not going to show whether the puppy will develop hip dysplasia, congenital eye defects, etc. - it's health tests you should show more interest in IMO.

Wellyboots6

A puppy farmer could wheel out some 'parents' for the occasion and so that isn't going to be a guarantee they are legit. A puppy farmer would put on some sort of show, rather than show you the actual goings on.

As well as all the useful links Krlyr suggested you read, I would also go with your gut. If you have any doubts whatsoever just walk away.

Fire_Fox

There is loads you should ask even before agreeing to see the puppies because it's too easy to be blinded by the cute factor. And loads a reputable breeder should be asking you. It's quite possible to be shown fake parents at a front address. Do the breeders own the property you are going to, or could it be a temporary let?

Are the breeders members of the breed club? This is a better guide than simply Kennel Club registered. How did you find the breeders? Few reputable ones will use the free ads. Are all the puppies microchipped and started their vaccinations? Do you know what health issues the breed is prone to, what checks were done on the parents before they were matched and bred from?

Katiehound

One of the questions that sorts out the sheep from the goats..or whatever is what will breeder do if you are unable to cope with the dog, at whatever stage of its life.
A good breeder will always say that they will take the dog back. If they say this then ask if they have in fact ever taken back a dog, and what was the outcome.

How much research have you already done on this breeder?

iammarmite

Thanks everyone- we were supposed to go today but had to pull out last minute as the car broke down!

We found them on the KC website- we just searched our region and the dog we wanted and they popped up.

Our major concern is that they are letting them go a week before Xmas- I have been told to avoid breeders like this as I understand lots of puppies must be returned as unwanted gifts etc.

The KC website says 5+ litters have been registered with them so i'm really not sure...

krlyr

Why not have a look for other breeders? You may find someone who gives you a better gut feeling

fannyadams

Why not go to a local breed rehoming centre instead?
they will be able to give you a home visit and help to get you a puppy with the right temprament etc.

Philippa36

fannyadams wrote: »

Why not go to a local breed rehoming centre instead?
they will be able to give you a home visit and help to get you a puppy with the right temprament etc.

We tried that and found a gorgeous 3 year old dachshund that was offered to us as the owners were emigrating and couldn't take her with them due to costs and not getting the rabies shots in time. I arranged to ring the couple but by the time we spoke she'd re-homed it with a neighbour. I carried on my search. She then got back to me saying it had fallen through and did I still want her. I agreed and we arranged again to discuss collection - she then texted and said they'd changed their minds and were taking her with them regardless of costs.

I appreciate that I would never want to rehome my gorgeous puppy and would do everything in my power to keep her with me. However I got so upset at being messed around and the only other dogs I was offered seemed to be ex breeding dogs and although I was sympathetic, they weren't the kind of dog we were looking for.

I would love to rehome many of the dogs I see advertised on Dogs Trust, Dogsblog, etc but I don't have the time or space. I knew what I was looking for and in the end a puppy was the best option.

Go with your gut instinct, that'll tell you if you've found a good one.

meritaten

Kennel club registration simply means the forms have been filled in and fees paid.
Use common sense - if you go to a place where there are outbuildings and they have to fetch 'your' puppy - then alarm bells should ring!
also, can you 'tour' the kennels - any reply which essentially is 'no' - thats a no-no for you too.
can you see the puppy with siblings and parents? No? hmmm why not?
these puppy farmers are quite wise to people buying puppies - and are usually plausible. most people want to 'take away' a puppy and will overlook these commonsense rules.

thorsoak

A good breeder will want to know as much about you and your family as you want to know about the prospective puppy!

A good breeder will often ask you to fill in a questionnaire about your family/your lifestyle/your home, etc etc -before inviting you to see a puppy.

Not all do that of course, but you should expect to see mum with puppies - not brought in from elsewhere. It's not a no-no if you don't meet dad - good breeders do not need to own the sire - they may have gone to the other end of the country to find the right sire for a particular litter.

There will be some litters who are "ready to go" at Christmas time - I know - we had a litter who were 8 weeks old on Christmas day! However, although they were all "picked" and "belonged" to their new owners, not one of the eight left before 7th January - it just would not have been fair to them to let them go then because of all the excitement there is in a new home over Christmas.

Hope this is of some help.