Buying a puppy

[Chellejm]

I have contacted some local breeders that are listed on the Kennel Club website about litters available and had had quite a few replies. 
One breeder Emailed back with pictures of the puppies which were lovely - but looked familiar.

After checking I found where I had seen the pictures, the Free Ad pages 

Am I right in thinking if the breeder is advertising here then I should steer clear or do some reputable breeders of KC registered dogs advertise? 

Thanks in Advance x

[Cayley]

You're right to steer clear of the free ads. 

I personally think you get a much clearer idea of a breeder if you ring them and speak directly, with e-mail there is no audible emotion so you can't tell if they ummed and arred before they knew the answer to a question such as are the parents Optigen tested.

[Boof]

Not all litters advertised by the KC are reputable, so exercise caution.  Definitely steer clear of the ads, I'm not saying that dogs bought from them are nasty, just that it ISN'T a recommended way of buying a puppy.

Have you contacted your local breed club?

Good luck in your search. x

[Chellejm]

Thanks for your replies, my husbang agrees that we should give this breeder a 'wide berth', we might be being overly cautious but I'm not willing to risk it

We are are still in contact with 2 other breeders so fingers crossed we may be coming to the end of our search soon
 
Are there any questions that I can ask that will give away an 'unreputable breeder' or is it just going with my gut instincts?

[Teisen_bach]

I think 1 quite good way to tell is a good breeder will ask YOU loads of questions....they will want to know all about the kind of home your going to be-able to offer one of there pups 

Good luck 

[happydog]

Are there any questions that I can ask that will give away an 'unreputable breeder' or is it just going with my gut instincts?

Just in case you haven't read these threads.
Thought they might help.

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=2019.0

Jools Story
http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=12047.0

Good luck with your search. I agree about the Free Ads 

[Chellejm]

Thanks all
Off to read those threads, thank you 'Happydog'
Glad no one thinks we're being silly for not entertaining the advertised pups

One of the breeders is going to ring me tomorrow so no doubt I'm going to be asked lots of questions, fingers crossed they'll think we're suitable!

Very nervous

[Coco]

I've just had this same problem and the breeder is supposedly one of the best in the working world  . I've said no too. It's so difficult isn't it?! Good luck 

[Chellejm]

I've just had this same problem and the breeder is supposedly one of the best in the working world  . I've said no too. It's so difficult isn't it?! Good luck 

Thanks

I'm beginning to think all the breeders are less than reputable
I know from others experiences though that there's hope