Dog breeds/how to find legitimate breeders.

[Pensivedore]

Now that I am going to be a full time SAHM we have told the kids we will look into getting a puppy around Christmas time (I know...we are nuts- 4 kids, one on the way and a puppy )

We had a dog before that came from a "puppy farm". I really don't want to go into details as I will get emotional but we want to avoid this happening again.

Does anyone know how to find legitimate dealers?

We want a dog that will be good with the kids- and we also have a cat.

 

[amjon]

Contact the kennel club of your country. They usually maintain a list of breeders that show/ do health testing and should be reputable. Also, make you sure research what health problems your breed have and ask to see testing if there is any for that breed. If you know what breed you are thinking of I may be able to help you with which tests to ask for.

 

[RachA]

^^WSS

 

[duckduckgoose]

Maybe consider adopting? You can go through a rescue group where the pups have fosters and can tell you about temperament. Also, mixed breeds sometimes have less health issues. Ive seen some terrible health and behavioral isssues coming from breeders. Im not knocking all breeders but oh my goodness there are so many amazing animals that need homes! Adopt don't shop is what I suggest

 

[wilbz]

see if there are any kennel club dog shows on and have a noesy round, speak to some of the breeders, the problem with kennel club is any one can buy to kc registered dogs breed them and register the puppies, yes they will be pedigree, but no guarentee on health or condition

 

[IDI]

I agree with wilbz

It's how we found our cocker spaniel.. it was actually by chance we found her! We were admiring a lovely dog called eevee and the breeder saw how good I was with her (i was 10) and mentioned that he had 1 puppy left from a litter because the previous buyers pulled out at last minute! Since then we kept in contact with the breeders.. even now since our doggy passed we still visit to see all the new puppies!

I'd say do your homework on breeds/breeders... we picked cocker spaniel because I was so scared of dogs till I met one of them.. they are very clingy.. soft to cuddle.. small enough to transport.. good temperament.. very loyal little dogs and fun to have! She brought alot of fun into the house and still wanted to run around and play to the very end x bless her

Good luck on finding the perfect doggy x

 

[Blah11]

We went to a kennel club dog show to find our breeder We did have to go on a waiting list as obviously they don't have puppies 24/7 all year round available!

 

[midori1999]

The breed club of your chosen breed will know who is accepting names on a waiting list for puppies or who is expecting a litter. You are much more likely to find a reputable breeder this way.

If you are in the UK, 90% of Kennel Club registrations are from puppy farmers. The KC is a registration body, not a sign of quality.

Please be prepared to go on a waiting list, it is extremely unlikely that you will find a puppy for Christmas because a) you are very likely to wait much longer than that and b) reputable breeders will avoid breedign around Christmas time as much as possible.

Make sure the breeder questions you a lot and may even want to do a home check. A good breeder will show or work their dogs and will have done all the relevent health tests (NOT a 'vet check', although puppies may have this in addition to parental health testing) for the breed and be able to show you the results.

Do lots and lots of research and take your time, be prepared to walk away if something seems wrong.

Of course, alternatively you could find a dog or puppy via a good rescue. Contrary to popular belief there are loads of puppies in rescue and most have a known history and are there through no fault of their own. Lots of smalle rrescues are prepared to consider families with children.

 

[BeccaxBump]

I wouldn't reccommend adopting older dogs, you don't know their background or anything, I've had experience with a dog from an adoption centre and he went for my fiancé's Grandad's face because we weren't filled in enough about his background. Just my opinion.

You find breeds that are legitimate are part of the kennel club .

Also, just from experience with the breed myself, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are amazing with kids. Mine is also amazing with our cat, apart from wanting to sniff her butt . My sister-in-law also has two Staffs, and she has a 2 year old son . Amazing dogs.

Hope you find your dream dog, they are amazing company and build lovely friendships.
xoxox