Best way to find a puppy?

Macc

I don't know if this is a silly question but how do you go about finding a puppy to buy? (in terms of ensuring it is from a reputable breeder, had the right health checks etc).

Have had dogs before but always had rescue so not sure of the best way of doing things. Lots of sites like the RSPCA site etc say "find a good breeder" but how do you actually do that? 

Is the "Find A Puppy" page of the Kennel Club website the best way? Looking for a Labrador or Golden Retriever if that makes any difference.

Savvy_Sue

Is there a reason not to go rescue again? One of my siblings had the most wonderful black lab from Dogs Trust, he was the kind of dog even people who didn't like dogs would warm to. 

MalMonroe

I'm with Savvy_Sue and would always have a rescue. So very many dogs and puppies needing homes, especially now as a lot of young dogs are being surrendered this year.

See this article - https://www.newstalk.com/news/400-dogs-surrendered-to-dogs-trust-since-christmas-1434767

Breeders are just bringing new dogs into the world because they want to make money, without actually having to work for it. I'd never buy a dog from a breeder personally.

There are far too many dogs already in need. What has made you want to turn to a breeder? 

Macc

Agree in general, had rescue's before and will again in the future. Did try and adopt a rescue dog this time around but my kids are young and everywhere said they don't home a dog with under 8's. 

 

TBagpuss

Adoption - does the rule against under 8s apply across the board or is it only f you want puppy> Is looking to adopt a young dog an option which would work for you? 
Word of mouth - do you know any experienced owners with Labs/Retrievers? 

breed-specific clubs and forums - obviously if they are not people you already know you  can't be sure how reliable their recommendations are but probably trust any warnings and make further enquiries following any recommendations .

More generally - a good breeder will be picky, they will want to be sure you can offer a good home and know what you're doing, so they should be asking you a lot of questions (and may also baulk at young children)  They may well have waiting lists as they will limit how often their dogs have litters, and may priorities people who they have sold dogs to in the past who they know are good owners.

Once you start talking to them, a good breeder should be happy for you to see the dogs at home and with at least the mother , and should be able and willing to answer questions about medical / health history, checks on the parents before breeding etc.  

A breed specific rescue might be willing to talk to you about what to look out for in terms of check etc (and might also be able to warn you off specific breeders) 

As you want a Lab/retriever, have you considered whether Guide Dogs for the Blind have any which didn't make the cut and need family homes? Friend fo of mine used to have a lovely Lab who was a guide dog who failed his finals, so he came to them with full history and background checks. I don' know where they stand on children  

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/finding-a-good-breeder/ gives some guidance 

sheramber

Rescues do get puppies in.

Not all rescues do not adopt to homes with children. It depends on the resources available to assess the dogs. Many are run by volunteers with limited time.

Not all dogs are suitable to rehome with children
e'g a stray with no background available.; very boisterous dog that had had no or little training.; a dog who has previously shown to be nervous around children.

A responsible rescue wants to find the best suitable home for the dog.

Dogs in kennels do  not always show how they will react in a home.  They may have no contact with children when in kennels so the rescue cannot take a risk. It is simpler to limit where they will rehome.

A rescue that uses foster homes will have much more information on the dog and the type of home that would be suitable.

MY friend fosters for rescue and currently is fostering a  6 month old puppy up for rehoming. 

Donlt give up on a rescue.

You could try breed rescue for labradors  or retrievers . A  Google search will give you contacts.

If you say where you are someone may be able to give you some suggestions.

krusty101

Champdogs for proper KC registered breeders. I got my standard poodle from there. 

https://www.champdogs.co.uk/?classic_site=1

tanmich

This all depends on the the breed of dog you are looking for. If it is a pedigree dog best bet is to go to shows where you can meet the breeders who can help and guide you and also offer mentorship especially if you are new to the breed. My recommendation is to choose a breeder who health checks the parents and will always take the puppy back if needed whatever their age if circumstances change. There are so many scams out there so beware of that. I have Afghan Hounds and all of their breeders are part of my family now and have been for the last 40+years. Good luck in your search.

tanmich

MalMonroe, your comment is so not true, most breeders take great care of their breeding programs and in the case of my chosen breed will only breed a litter because they want to continue their lines for the betterment of the breed. Breeding a litter costs a fortune in not only stud fees but also if the pregnancy goes wrong and a c section is necessary, I have to say I am no breeder but have taken in many rescue's and rehomed dogs, still have two boys here who had previous owners but their breeders cared enough to take them back and offer them to me where they will stay for the rest of their lives. Any dog that comes through my door is here for life and if anything happens to me I know the breeders will take them back and either keep them or find a suitable forever home for them. Thats the difference between back yard breeders and the ones who are in it for money only, ie doodle this and that. 

ladyholly

tanmich said:

MalMonroe, your comment is so not true, most breeders take great care of their breeding programs and in the case of my chosen breed will only breed a litter because they want to continue their lines for the betterment of the breed. Breeding a litter costs a fortune in not only stud fees but also if the pregnancy goes wrong and a c section is necessary, I have to say I am no breeder but have taken in many rescue's and rehomed dogs, still have two boys here who had previous owners but their breeders cared enough to take them back and offer them to me where they will stay for the rest of their lives. Any dog that comes through my door is here for life and if anything happens to me I know the breeders will take them back and either keep them or find a suitable forever home for them. Thats the difference between back yard breeders and the ones who are in it for money only, ie doodle this and that. 

Many breeders do take great care with their puppies but and it is a big but there are also many breeders who are simply in it to make money. We had one near where I live and the way her dogs were treated was dreadful. Everyone always knew if she had someone visiting the pups as she went from literally screaming at them to be all cooing at the "dear little souls". Yes there were complaints against her but as the dogs had their needs met  (food, water and shelter) nothing was ever done. I believe she hit them them at time but couldnt see clearly enough to be sure. Personally I would always go the rescue route but I do know rescues can be difficult with their requirements.

KxMx

MalMonroe

I'd never buy from a breeder either, but it's wrong to say they want the money without having to work for it. 

I volunteer within cat rescue and many litters of kittens later, I can safely say that a lot of work by us humans is involved in raising those kittens. 

I imagine with puppies it is even more work!