How does the "buying a puppy" bit work?

[Sara750S]

This thread has further information on finding a reputable breeder - http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=2019.0 

May I ask how this list is compiled?

[Jeanette]

This thread has further information on finding a reputable breeder - http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=2019.0 

May I ask how this list is compiled?

I would say its compiled from people who have a long standing history in cockers and is all true especially what to avoid - makes sense really 

[Nicola]

This thread has further information on finding a reputable breeder - http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=2019.0 

May I ask how this list is compiled?

I would say its compiled from people who have a long standing history in cockers and is all true especially what to avoid - makes sense really 

Exactly this.

[Sara750S]

I think I am getting a better overview of this and feel I have a "good gut feeling". When we bought our kitten years ago I remember saying to my daughter as we pulled up outside the house "if there is anything in there I am not happy about, I will say "thank you we will be in touch" and that is our cue to go".

There was nothing and our cat George came home with us 3 weeks later!

[Jeanette]

Gut feelings are good but health tests are fact so as long as you have the both of them then you can't go wrong.

Anyway good luck with finding your puppy    

[Sharon]

Yep, you do need to still be careful with lots of breeders on breeder listings websites, just check and make sure they health test and do all the other right things from the 'how to find a reputable breeder' thread. Plus, if im right even KC accredited breeders dont need to do all the testing to have that status either.
Good luck xx

They do from January 2011, when AB's register a litter from next month BOTH parents have to be Optigen/Antagene/KV.BVA eye tested/Glaucoma tested or they will not be allowed to register their litters.

Found this out direct from the Kennel Club just last week.

[Emma xx]

Yep, you do need to still be careful with lots of breeders on breeder listings websites, just check and make sure they health test and do all the other right things from the 'how to find a reputable breeder' thread. Plus, if im right even KC accredited breeders dont need to do all the testing to have that status either.
Good luck xx

They do from January 2011, when AB's register a litter from next month BOTH parents have to be Optigen/Antagene/KV.BVA eye tested/Glaucoma tested or they will not be allowed to register their litters.

Found this out direct from the Kennel Club just last week.

Ooh i didnt know that, thanks- that's fab xx

[KellyS]

Also make sure you check the results...the requirement is to test ONLY so effectively you still could get an AC breeder mating Affected to Affected for example. I'm sure this is unlikely but i'd check what the results are. We always explain all the results and show prospective owners all the certifcates & results etc...

Breeders do have different ways of going about it so best to ask how they like to work things...we never take deposits and always insist on a visit first then if all parties are happy they come back and collect there pup.

If something doesn't feel right, question it and/or Walk Away! However cute the pups are 

Good luck 

[Ninasmum]

Another suggestion ....... you can ask a breeder if you could just visit to meet them along with their dogs, preferably before they actually have any puppies     this gives you & the breeder time to discuss any questions & a good breeder will no doubt want to ask you about your plans for a puppy, along with questions about your family/home etc...   if you are not comfortable/happy with the set up then you can just walk away without any cute little puppies tugging at the heart strings. 

Regarding the health tests, i would be looking for Optigen PRA with results of either clear/carrier but not affected.  FN as not affected.  KC/BVA eye tests not affected.  I think another poster mentioned although the tests will now be coming obligatory for accredited breeders you still need to check the results.  Imo it is totally wrong to breed from an affected dog. 

[Emma xx]

Breeders do have different ways of going about it so best to ask how they like to work things...we never take deposits and always insist on a visit first then if all parties are happy they come back and collect there pup.

Alfie's breeder didnt take a diposit either as they felt it was sort of 'tying you down' so if you genuinely wanted to pull out you would be able to.


Definitely go and see the pups first though. My mum told me a story about when they were looking for Meg. The breeder sounded perfect on paper and by phone although when they went to the house they just knew. The house was filthy and smelled horrible and the lounge was packed with random people from around the street. The breeder went to get this puppy from a pen in the corner of the living room and started to tell them that they had thought the puppy was dead so they put it on the shed roof and then saw it moving so brought it back in a few hours later and it was now 'fit as a fiddle'. Needless to say my parents got out of there asap, even though they felt like grabbing the puppy and any other dogs living there . xx