Wanted : English Springer Spaniel Pup

Originally Posted by Welsh_Wizard

Alright guys..

I'm after a mutt. Specifically an English Springer Spaniel. If any of you ORG'er's know of any local breeders, or friends that are looking offload a pup, let me know.

- Preferably a dog although a lady mutt is ok I guess..
- I will want to have a look at the conditions its been born in (ie: with mum)
- A decent pedigree is an added bonus..

Looking to pay a good price so want a bit of quality in return if you know my meaning..

Merci Boocoop.

Wiz

Ok.....

Check out the breed club website for reputable breeders.

Go and visit some (distance shouldn't be an issue to find the right breeder)

Ask to see both the parents hip scores and eye tests... hip scores should be a low number and the eyes should be clear and tested on a yearly basis.

Ask to see the parents both preferably but diffinitly the mother. If she already has pups make sure you see her interacting with the pups. If there are no puppies available ask to go on a waiting list... if they are a good breeder they should not have puppies overly ready for sale... if they have more dogs than seems necesary look at their living conditions... state of the cages etc... please please please avoid puppy farmers!!! saying that not all puppy farmers let their dogs live in horrid conditions... look for a variety of breeds being held there, if you do a google search on what is a puppy farmer then you will get an idea.

Ask them what age the pups get re-homed, if its anything less than 8 weeks walk away and save your money!

Look also at rescue. There are plenty of young dogs needing good homes through no fault of their own. Also any good breeder will take bak a pup, no matter what age, if things do not work out with you. A bad breeder will not take back a dog.... and will not refund you anything if they do take it back.... ask your breeder what would happen if the worst happens and you can no longer care for the dog.

A breeder like the dog is also for "life" they will be your first point of call should you have any questions about your dog, provide support should something happen and some even offer kenneling if you are to go away on holiday and can't take the pup.

Sorry for the long post... as i help out with the malamute rescue we see so many come "through our door" that it breaks my heart... and all dogs are under a year in rescue at the moment... one is even 9 weeks old!!!! Its where people don't do their research, pick bad breeders who don't care (like our Mia's breeder... and she should be a lesson to anyone not to go to a puppy farmer!!)... i know a springer is a long way froma malamute but their should be no compromise on picking a good breeder!! Don't just get one from a paper... thats just as bad and many "accidental" matings are advertised there with no health checks done on the parents and not even KC registered!

Don't get sucked into paying less because the pup isn't KC registered... it only puts more money in the PF's pockets. Also whilst waiting for your pup, look into obedience classes for the puppy and find a good class... Lupo is 18 months and still regularly goes to obedience... not so much for training but for socialisation which is a big issue with dogs now... so many problems arrise from dogs who are not socialised. Also look at training clubs that offer gun dog classes... find out what extra things other than being a pet your dog can do... with our boy we do agility, weight pull, sledding/mushing/dry land sledding, we will be showing our next pup, obedience, scent training, backpacking (where he wears a back pack weighing 30% of his bodyweight)... there is so much you can do with any dog... find out what you can do with it

again sorry for the ramble... just want you to make the right decision for your puppy and your future together... if you need any more advice pm me

Just had another thought... ask the parents age... mum should be older than 2 and dad should be older than 18 months... anything younger... walk away!! also if they mention anything about accidental matings... walk away... a good question to ask is... "why are you breeding this litter, and why are you breeding these 2 dogs in particular?" shows you are interested in your dogs future

Also unlike most things... money doesn't buy quality some PF's are more expensive than actual breeders... i see Shell has posted a link to a forum... before you make a decision on a breeder maybe worth an ask on their to see what people think of them too or even if they have heard of them!