Hi I am a new member from Ireland.

I am sure that I am probably posting in the completely wrong place and hope no one minds too much

Am just wondering if any of you can help me, please, please.

We lost our dog of 15 years a few months ago and feel now at this stage that we would like to get a new dog to join our family.

We have a springer spaniel (aged 3) and 2 cats and were hoping to get either a labrador / retreiver or red setter.

This is an example of what most of the sellers they are saying about the dogs -
They come mircochipped, registered, fully vaccinated and have been wormed since they were 3weeks old.

I'm just wondering if any of you tell me what questions to ask the sellers?
I don't want to be ripped off either.

We would have loved a rescue dog but think a pup would be better so that our springer Oscar doesn't feel too left out as he likes to act as mum to the cats etc

Any tips would be great.

Also (sorry ) can you tell me if you think that these dogs are golden retreivers as I don't know what young puppies look like.



Thanks a mil.

Nightingale.

Welcome! Yes, thos look like Golden puppies. I have included an article i wrote for an area magazine on how to choose a reputable breeder, I hope it helps you.

A Reputable & responsible breeder…

> Is a member in good standing of at least one regional or national breed club.

> Is involved in showing/training for conformation, performance or breed specific events.

> Encourages/requires puppy buyers to stay in touch and is happy to help with any aspect of care and training during the dog’s lifetime.

>Will ask you questions about why you have chosen the breed and about your home, family and lifestyle.

>Tests all their breeding stock through OFA, PennHip & CERF for Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disease, heart defects, thyroid, patella and other genetic health problems (check with national breed club to find out what testing your breed requires) and DOES NOT breed those who do not clear.

>Will ONLY breed health cleared adult dogs and not young puppies and adolescents.

>Guarantees the health IN WRITING for at least 18 months.

> Does not speak badly about other breeders or their dogs.

> Does not try to SELL you a dog.

> Requires dogs be returned to them in the even the puppy buyer cannot keep them.

> REQUIRES that pets be spayed/neutered as well as selling them with Limited Registration (which does not allow them to be used for breeding)

> Asks for references, including a vet reference.

*** Be prepared to be on a waiting list for a puppy from a responsible breeder. A quality puppy is worth the wait!!

Thanks so much for the reply.

Just one more thing - what is the best age for puppies to leave Mum?

Appreciate your help.

A great breeder will insist on keeping the pups til they are 10-12 weeks old. A lot of back yard breeders will let the pups go at 6-8 weeks assuming that since they were weened, they dont need their mom. Which is NOT true at all. They still need moms guidance and the socialization they get from the other pups.

Im not sure how it is over sea's but a lot of states here in the U.S. have rules that a pup cant leave before 8 week sold, so the day they turn 8 weeks the pups are out the door to whoever buys them

Same in Australia, 8 weeks is the rule. We left ours with his mum till 9 weeks though all the rest of the litter left at 8 so I'm not sure it did any good. He's got the best personality though.

My parents got a border collie, and took it home at 6 weeks, which seems to verge on cruel, especially on the breeders part.

[wishbone]

Are you planning to get one of those puppy? 2 months age or so are the best time, please update us on you decisions.

Originally Posted by Nightingale

Hi I am a new member from Ireland.

I am sure that I am probably posting in the completely wrong place and hope no one minds too much

Am just wondering if any of you can help me, please, please.

We lost our dog of 15 years a few months ago and feel now at this stage that we would like to get a new dog to join our family.

We have a springer spaniel (aged 3) and 2 cats and were hoping to get either a labrador / retreiver or red setter.

This is an example of what most of the sellers they are saying about the dogs -
They come mircochipped, registered, fully vaccinated and have been wormed since they were 3weeks old.

I'm just wondering if any of you tell me what questions to ask the sellers?
I don't want to be ripped off either.

We would have loved a rescue dog but think a pup would be better so that our springer Oscar doesn't feel too left out as he likes to act as mum to the cats etc

Any tips would be great.

Also (sorry ) can you tell me if you think that these dogs are golden retreivers as I don't know what young puppies look like.



Thanks a mil.

Nightingale.

They look like it to me also. Please don't by from a puppy mill as you may not get a good quality pup and never are sure of the breed.

[lil mutt]

I think you should go to your local shelter first before you go buy from any breeder...