Numpty question re breeders help

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I have at last found a littler that i'm interested in and the breeder is KC accredited, now I'm given to understand they commit to produce no more than one litter per bitch per year but....


as an accredited breeder can I know that the various health tests will have been done.

Any ideas you lovely knowledgeable folks
 
As a health scheme coordinator to the KC for a breed club the ABS is a load of BS! Anyone can join for £15. There is no inspection of premises. The KC do not even contact the breed clubs for a referral 1st. The health tests are not compulsory.

There are 2 ABS members in my breed, both have had several dogs siezed by the RSPCA in the past 18 months, more dumped into rescue, they have multiple breeds. All they had to do to join was fill in a form and tick the boxes for the applicable breeds and voila they are now ABS breeders for 5 or 6 breeds. They are still on the ABS listing despite objections from the breed clubs and rescue with all relevant proof of neglect.

Health tests - ask (demand if they make excuses) to see the health certifications. These more than likely will have been done by the AHT. At the same time the dogs should have been DNA profiled. Both sire and dam should have the relevant certs.
http://www.aht.org.uk/genetics_tests.html
 
Oh dear you're not inspiring me.

What you have described is very bad as people like me who are not knowledgeable about the bests places to get a puppy will look to the KC as a kind of marker for safety and a responsible place to buy from.

I know I don't want a puppy farmed dog but how on earth can you be sure of buying from someone reputable.
 
Some breed clubs are good places to find out about reputable breeders. However some are run with an iron fist by presidents and committee members who may be as corrupt as each other, protecting their genetic disease ridden lines. I can think of a couple now that were part of the PDE programme and even that has failed to loosen the grasp of the ones who are decimating a breed through poor breeding practices.

I would suggest talking to as many people as you can find with the breed you want. Ask them about previous litters. And ask to speak to people who have had puppies from their previous litters, not just a couple but several. They may only refer you to their mates if they have something to hide but it is a step forward. Go to the breed club website (if they have one, most do now) and read all the health information you can. Often the USA equivalent will have far more comprehensive stuff on their site.
 
Ditto harkback re the ABS scheme. As an example, in my breed there is a requirement that breeding stock is hip scored but here is no maximum score limit. In other words an accredited breeder can breed from a bitch with a very high score and not be contravening their AB status. Check what health tests are needed for the breed you are interested in, and then ask to see certificates showing scores etc. A lot of breed clubs do have a code of practice for their breeders to sign, that is a good start as they are usually quite strict. A good breeder will be happy to show you all their dogs, and tell you about puppies they have bred. Many will have letters and photos of previous pups from their new owners and will be delighted to show you them.
 
Out of curiosity what breed are you interested in? There may be forum members who are involved in that same breed that could personally advise you.
 
I have a british bulldog and was thinking about a pug but I've always loved the bullbreeds and have been mulling for ages over which breed to go for and i've decided to follow my heart and go for another bully but this time a Bullmastiff.

So if anyone knows any reputable breeders in the home counties preferably I'd be grateful.
 
I do have a friend who has one, she shows him, and a friend of hers has got a puppy now from the same breeder. They are fabulous, good with all dogs, and people. I did know a breeder years ago in Cheshire but his were nothing close to the wonderful temperament of the ones I know now. I will ask her about the breeder but it is likely to be in the North West.
 
harkback said:
I do have a friend who has one, she shows him, and a friend of hers has got a puppy now from the same breeder. They are fabulous, good with all dogs, and people. I did know a breeder years ago in Cheshire but his were nothing close to the wonderful temperament of the ones I know now. I will ask her about the breeder but it is likely to be in the North West.
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Thats very kind thankyou as its always good to get a recommendation particularly around temperament. Whereabouts in the North West ?
 
IMO always always, network with the people who are enthusiastic on your breed, spend time chatting with them. Every breed has a website and forums etc, thats what I have always done and it hasn't let me down yet in finding GOOD breeders.
 
Kitsune said:
IMO always always, network with the people who are enthusiastic on your breed, spend time chatting with them. Every breed has a website and forums etc, thats what I have always done and it hasn't let me down yet in finding GOOD breeders.
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Thats what i'd like to do but the Southern Bullmastiff webbie doesn't seem to be ' live' and I don't know anyone who has one. I know a Dogue de Bordeaux breeder who keeps trying to put me off them but i'm sure thats cos he wants me to buy a pup from him.
 
How about rescue sites - they are usually good for networking and also if you put a post on here and ask for help I'm sure this likely lot can help :D
 
here you go they even have a website so I don't need to pm you!
Can vouch for these guys and the lovely temprement of their dogs. Chris is lovely and if you ring I'm sure she will be able to help with a reputable breeder in your area if somerset is too far for you.
http://www.rodenca.co.uk/
 
Thank you for the link. I'm gonna e-mail her as the breed characteristics part says she doesn't think BM's are suitable to let off the lead as they aren't really dog friendly and also to buy a dog of the opposite sex if you already have a dog.

Neither of these things i've read before. I've seen my bulldog kick off, thats scary and he's small, something this large kicking off would be terrifying so want to clarify as if there is the slightest chance my existing dog will come to harm i'll think again.
 
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I don't think it says to never let them off lead! Just that they are unlikely to do socialising in a big off lead pack while you're not paying attention!
The opposite sex thing is good sense where possible with any breeds to be honest especially if you are keeping entire. Would you not be happy with a bitch?
 
Hi,

I have e-mailed to ask for a few clarifications and yes I would be happy with a girl. My boy is not entire so am not worried on that front but he has a typical bully attitude and have asked her advise as to how she thinks the match would be.

I'm not sure if she has pups at the moment so we'll see but she may say she doesn't think the match suitable in which case i'll have to think of another breed.

It did worry me about the off the lead thing cos there's no way I could hold something that strong if it went for something so I have to be realistic. Its nice to have someone who knows the breed for advice than just reading about them because you can get conflicting advice.
 
Good luck, I'm sure she will be more than helpful with your research. In my experience of her dogs they have been great with other dogs, I guess the thing is with something that size if they start and they mean it then most other dogs are not going to stand a chance! Personally I'm far more wary of my dogs around the DDB's that go to our ringcraft than I am of her Mastiffs, perhaps thats just because she always seems to have total control of them!
It's always good to be able to chat to a good responsible breeder about your chosen breed though, firstly to check that they are a 100% good match for you and secondly so you can get recommendations for where to obtain a pup. Hope it works out...keep us posted.
 
I think the ABS is better than nothing at all and you do have the reassurance that if anything is wrong the KC will boot them out pronto, also if you buy a puppy from an AB you have the feedback form for the KC to fill in and send off. You can put your opinion and if there is anything that raises concern the KC will visit them.

The most important thing is to meet various breeders (Shows are a good start) network, network and network. Anyone can have a clever website or write wonderful emails and even talk the talk but it doesn't always mean they are honest or good breeders, I know many websites that sound as if the breeder is fantastic yet I wouldn't trust them with a goldfish. Try to visit breeders before pups arrive so you can see where they live, how they live and how they interact within the home. Also go with gut feelings on breeders ask the questions and don't feel silly. If you are not sure walk away!! Also it is very important to find what health checks are required and how often they need to be done, some might be once in a lifetime test like BAER for hearing others might be 6 - 12 monthly. If the breeder isn't forthcoming with recent heath certificates ask to see them, check they are the correct result for the breed and that they are in date. I am proud to show my health certs and if a breeder has honestly tested correctly and are up to date they should be to.

And if in doubt there are always forums like these to ask the questions you are not sure of or ask if anyone knows of the breeder.
 
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