Discussion
Seems an odd web-site to me, is it essentially a gumtree for dogs?
Looking at a couple of breeds and have a list of breeders. Whilst I am sat here working from home I thought I would look at the web-site.
Lo and behold I see the breed that I like no more than 10 miles away, although I did not put any search criteria in.
I know about buying from a reputable breeder, surroundings etc but i am scared of these puppy farms and in particular, the piece I saw on Watchdog I think it was, where essentially the leader of this puppy farm posed as a genuine breeder but picked up the pups from the farm and took them to a different house and stated she was the home owner to create this illusion.
When the RSPCA went to the puppy farm there were hundreds of these poor pups in cages, boxes and even buckets. I have never seen anything like it, very distressing.
So obviously I do not want to support anything like that.
Does anyone ahve any experience? I understand it is all around due diligence on the owner itself more than anything but I would be interested in views.
We have looked at rescue dogs for ages, but here in southampton and surrounding areas they cannot put thm on the websites quick enough! Dogs are re-homed very quickly down here.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Looking at a couple of breeds and have a list of breeders. Whilst I am sat here working from home I thought I would look at the web-site.
Lo and behold I see the breed that I like no more than 10 miles away, although I did not put any search criteria in.
I know about buying from a reputable breeder, surroundings etc but i am scared of these puppy farms and in particular, the piece I saw on Watchdog I think it was, where essentially the leader of this puppy farm posed as a genuine breeder but picked up the pups from the farm and took them to a different house and stated she was the home owner to create this illusion.
When the RSPCA went to the puppy farm there were hundreds of these poor pups in cages, boxes and even buckets. I have never seen anything like it, very distressing.
So obviously I do not want to support anything like that.
Does anyone ahve any experience? I understand it is all around due diligence on the owner itself more than anything but I would be interested in views.
We have looked at rescue dogs for ages, but here in southampton and surrounding areas they cannot put thm on the websites quick enough! Dogs are re-homed very quickly down here.
Thanks for any thoughts.
What breed are you looking for?
We lost our spaniel nearly 10mths ago & started casually looking around for a rescue dog of any breed, an 11mth old spaniel appeared & we duly applied for him but so strong was the interest, we thought we had no chance.
A month later & he was ours after a phone call out of the blue
Could be worth visiting and/or chatting to your local shelters & organistaions, registering with them & maybe even having home checks carried out so you are high up their list & ready to strike the moment you see a dog you like.
We lost our spaniel nearly 10mths ago & started casually looking around for a rescue dog of any breed, an 11mth old spaniel appeared & we duly applied for him but so strong was the interest, we thought we had no chance.
A month later & he was ours after a phone call out of the blue
Could be worth visiting and/or chatting to your local shelters & organistaions, registering with them & maybe even having home checks carried out so you are high up their list & ready to strike the moment you see a dog you like.
Both our two pups came via that, both are fine.
You just have to do your own due diligence on the breeder as you go really. On both occasions we were able to have a long telephone chat before heading over and had a list of questions for them to cover, they also had questions for us which I found to be reassuring. From there it was a case of visiting and again you get a feel for the place fairly quickly and the breeder, remember you can walk away at anytime while you are there, don't be afraid to if it doesn't feel right, any decent breeder will be happy for you to go away and have a coffee before committing etc just be vigilant and you'll be fine!
You just have to do your own due diligence on the breeder as you go really. On both occasions we were able to have a long telephone chat before heading over and had a list of questions for them to cover, they also had questions for us which I found to be reassuring. From there it was a case of visiting and again you get a feel for the place fairly quickly and the breeder, remember you can walk away at anytime while you are there, don't be afraid to if it doesn't feel right, any decent breeder will be happy for you to go away and have a coffee before committing etc just be vigilant and you'll be fine!
I've used it for years too buy dogs and sell my pups from.
Id much rather use it than gumtree etc. Your only allowed to advertise 3 litters in a year, unless you have a breeding license as i do. Lots of adverts are taken down by the website if it does not fit in with the terms and conditions etc.
Vet the people you buy from not the website imo.
Id much rather use it than gumtree etc. Your only allowed to advertise 3 litters in a year, unless you have a breeding license as i do. Lots of adverts are taken down by the website if it does not fit in with the terms and conditions etc.
Vet the people you buy from not the website imo.
Thank you all. Looking for show cocker spaniel. mini schnauzer really.
We are registered with a couple of the local centres but I am not joking, even the lady at the blue cross said they do not have time to call people and it is a case of checking the web site daily. I was very surprised but happy at the same time. Certainly all of the dogs are re-homed it seems.
I think we just need to be careful and walk away if it does not feel right. I would feel sorry for the pups though!
We are registered with a couple of the local centres but I am not joking, even the lady at the blue cross said they do not have time to call people and it is a case of checking the web site daily. I was very surprised but happy at the same time. Certainly all of the dogs are re-homed it seems.
I think we just need to be careful and walk away if it does not feel right. I would feel sorry for the pups though!
sir humphrey appleby said:
I would feel sorry for the pups though!
This is what the less reputable breeders count on! In such a situation whereby you suspect a puppy farm or whatever, then there are routes to reporting and never be afraid to do it, the best case is the breeder is checked and everything is fine. If it isn't then you can feel a little better knowing you may have stopped cruelty and any unnecessary suffering!We re-homed (bought?) our new addition Westie, Roxy, ultimately through P4H.
The advert was flagged on Westie Rescue UK.
She was a genuine re-home. Busy young family unable to devote sufficient time to a 2 yr 4 month old active female pooch.
She’s utterly gorgeous & has helped healed the wounds from losing our almost 13 yr old Westie in October.
Due diligence has to be applied though.
The advert was flagged on Westie Rescue UK.
She was a genuine re-home. Busy young family unable to devote sufficient time to a 2 yr 4 month old active female pooch.
She’s utterly gorgeous & has helped healed the wounds from losing our almost 13 yr old Westie in October.
Due diligence has to be applied though.
Can I recommend that anyone thinking of buying a pedigree puppy visits the Kennel Club website :
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
We found our Bryn our whippet via pets4home.
I was very wary about using such a site but you can read between the lines if you know what you are doing re the info a breeder writes on their page.
I really liked how the person wrote about their puppies. I liked that it was a family, they had a toddler who interacted with the pups and that was important as we have children, they had the Mum and Dad, several of the pups were staying local to her, etc etc,we had long chat on the phone, they had been vet checked, flea and wormed but she had decided against vaccinations as that could be an issue for some new owners re follow up vaccines (which was fine with me) she was actually quite curt with me initially until she learned I was a vet nurse then her whole attitude changed. I actually liked that!
Even with my knowledge etc it was still nerve wracking but we have a gorgeous healthy dog and we stayed in touch with the breeder for a fair time after.
I do agree if a novice the above advice by Viszla is spot on and what I often advise people.
I was very wary about using such a site but you can read between the lines if you know what you are doing re the info a breeder writes on their page.
I really liked how the person wrote about their puppies. I liked that it was a family, they had a toddler who interacted with the pups and that was important as we have children, they had the Mum and Dad, several of the pups were staying local to her, etc etc,we had long chat on the phone, they had been vet checked, flea and wormed but she had decided against vaccinations as that could be an issue for some new owners re follow up vaccines (which was fine with me) she was actually quite curt with me initially until she learned I was a vet nurse then her whole attitude changed. I actually liked that!
Even with my knowledge etc it was still nerve wracking but we have a gorgeous healthy dog and we stayed in touch with the breeder for a fair time after.
I do agree if a novice the above advice by Viszla is spot on and what I often advise people.
Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 6th February 11:02
We got our Black Lab puppy using that website. We spend a while looking and tried some breeders using the KC website (but wow that is a rubbish website).
Like OP we where scared of puppy farms but using a bit of common sense and it can work out. We visited the owners house many times up until the pups where 8 weeks old and ready to come home. We met both doggie parents and saw their temperament. Having young children it was paramount the dog had to be good with children. Our puppy owners had 3 children of their own so were used to be handled by kids from an early age. We made sure they where micro-chipped, wormed, de-flea'd etc. We even went back to the original vets to get the last injections.
Our pup is now 6 month old, loves other dogs & children, turning into a perfect family pet.
Like OP we where scared of puppy farms but using a bit of common sense and it can work out. We visited the owners house many times up until the pups where 8 weeks old and ready to come home. We met both doggie parents and saw their temperament. Having young children it was paramount the dog had to be good with children. Our puppy owners had 3 children of their own so were used to be handled by kids from an early age. We made sure they where micro-chipped, wormed, de-flea'd etc. We even went back to the original vets to get the last injections.
Our pup is now 6 month old, loves other dogs & children, turning into a perfect family pet.
From reading the comments on here, it does appear P4H is relatively respectable compared to the likes of Gumtree and Preloved.
Personally, I'm not overly happy about websites where you can advertise cats and dogs for sale. Opens up another marketing avenue for unscrupulous bidders and makes it easier for people wanting to buy a dog.
Personally, I'm not overly happy about websites where you can advertise cats and dogs for sale. Opens up another marketing avenue for unscrupulous bidders and makes it easier for people wanting to buy a dog.
camshafted said:
From reading the comments on here, it does appear P4H is relatively respectable compared to the likes of Gumtree and Preloved.
Personally, I'm not overly happy about websites where you can advertise cats and dogs for sale. Opens up another marketing avenue for unscrupulous bidders and makes it easier for people wanting to buy a dog.
Tbh before these sites, it was local papers and they were no better. Personally, I'm not overly happy about websites where you can advertise cats and dogs for sale. Opens up another marketing avenue for unscrupulous bidders and makes it easier for people wanting to buy a dog.
We got both of ours from P4H . Rosie is a Border cross jack russell and we met the mother and the father allegedly lived 4 doors down . Stories all seemed to balance Ok and although not a pure breed, we obviously wanted a dog that was brought into the world properly . As for Henry, he was advertised as a Border cross Jack too from another person. That he isnt . He is a Patterdale. The guy has a jack russell b
h that had just bred and used her as saying it was the mother. The wife never saw any more dogs in the house other than a male border , which made her think it was about right. We probably paid over the odds for him, but not that it matters now , but obviously we were lied about on that one. Ironically before we got Henry, we did discuss a patterdale, which we now have and a happy pair they make too.
So, still have your wits about you, there are a few dodgy ones out there.
h that had just bred and used her as saying it was the mother. The wife never saw any more dogs in the house other than a male border , which made her think it was about right. We probably paid over the odds for him, but not that it matters now , but obviously we were lied about on that one. Ironically before we got Henry, we did discuss a patterdale, which we now have and a happy pair they make too.So, still have your wits about you, there are a few dodgy ones out there.
Vizsla said:
Can I recommend that anyone thinking of buying a pedigree puppy visits the Kennel Club website :
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
Advertising on there does not mean quality pups. You can advertise on the KC site with no checks from the KC. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
Assured breeder is a simple visit from the KC but that dosent mean they are not puppy farmers or have no idea what they are doing with breeding.
thanks all, I did call the breeder and at first she did sound rather off-hand with me and let me do most of the talking and wanted to know our background etc. All seems above board so far, we have stated that we will visit on Sunday, so we will check it all out and take it from there.
I may well come back with my thoughts and probably more questions Sunday!
I may well come back with my thoughts and probably more questions Sunday!
Batleyred said:
Vizsla said:
Can I recommend that anyone thinking of buying a pedigree puppy visits the Kennel Club website :
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
Advertising on there does not mean quality pups. You can advertise on the KC site with no checks from the KC. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
and look at the 'Getting a Dog or Puppy' page.
The 'Assured Breeder' scheme ensures that breeders adhere to a strict code of practice, and are subject to regular inspections, which I'm told are very detailed and cover all aspects of how pups are bred, housed, fed, reared etc etc. Go for the ones with the 'green tick' on the website.
Clearly pups from such breeders are not going to be cheap, but you could avoid a lot of heartache (and expense) if you go down this route rather than taking a flyer on an unknown on the internet. Be prepared for a genuine quality breeder to ask you a lot of questions to assess your suitability as a potential owner, many have waiting lists for their litters, so they can afford to be choosy and only let their pups go to good, caring homes. Be very aware of any breeder who gives you a 'sales pitch', good breeders never do this, quite the opposite.
Batleyred said:
Assured breeder is a simple visit from the KC but that dosent mean they are not puppy farmers or have no idea what they are doing with breeding.
It may be a 'simple visit' (1-2 hours) but it covers a great many points e.g. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/343848/guid... - this guidance doc is 14 pages and the KC is a UKAS accredited certification body, so it couldn't be further from an 'on the nod' inspection which you imply. I'm not at all convinced that a puppy farmer would carry out the charade of being a legit breeder, or indeed would be able to fool experienced inspectors, in order to get certification - why would they when there are apparently lots of poorly-informed punters out there willing to deal with them.
I think you will also find that breeders for a given breed have usually bred that breed for many years, are very well acquainted with each other, and that a 'rogue' breeder suddenly appearing would soon be noticed.
You pays yer money, etc - for me it's a no-brainer to go to a KC Assured breeder, may not be 100.00% guaranteed but it's certainly in the very high 90's.
Vizsla said:
It may be a 'simple visit' (1-2 hours) but it covers a great many points e.g. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/343848/guid... - this guidance doc is 14 pages and the KC is a UKAS accredited certification body, so it couldn't be further from an 'on the nod' inspection which you imply.
I'm not at all convinced that a puppy farmer would carry out the charade of being a legit breeder, or indeed would be able to fool experienced inspectors, in order to get certification - why would they when there are apparently lots of poorly-informed punters out there willing to deal with them.
I think you will also find that breeders for a given breed have usually bred that breed for many years, are very well acquainted with each other, and that a 'rogue' breeder suddenly appearing would soon be notice.
You pays yer money, etc - for me it's a no-brainer to go to a KC Assured breeder, may not be 100.00% guaranteed but it's certainly in the very high 90's.
Hi, i agree on certain aspects, many puppy farmers will not, but believe me many do, I show dogs, my partner is a dog judge and i know many people involved. Many are good breeders but a good percentage are not. I'm not at all convinced that a puppy farmer would carry out the charade of being a legit breeder, or indeed would be able to fool experienced inspectors, in order to get certification - why would they when there are apparently lots of poorly-informed punters out there willing to deal with them.
I think you will also find that breeders for a given breed have usually bred that breed for many years, are very well acquainted with each other, and that a 'rogue' breeder suddenly appearing would soon be notice.
You pays yer money, etc - for me it's a no-brainer to go to a KC Assured breeder, may not be 100.00% guaranteed but it's certainly in the very high 90's.
It's hardly a charade for puppy farmers dogs are easily moveable from their premises on a visit. Like any business can show to being a proper business but behind the scenes are a shambles.
I also agree most will be good honest breeders, but many are not. This is from my own knowledge and experience. I have been to some of the so called top breeders around the UK and also abroad and i wouldn't buy anything from them.
Horses for courses really, do your research and if your happy it is on your own head if it goes wrong.
I am not trying to get into a debate just pointing my own experience's out to make people aware when buying dogs.
Absolutely, if just one person can be made aware of the pitfalls and subsequent heartaches when it goes wrong, then our discussion is worthwhile.
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