How to find the one!

[CooperS]

Hi guys,

Looking for advice. I've never had a dog (been a cat person). Wife had one when she was a child who of course she was incredibly close to.

After buying our first home (3 bed detached with a walled garden) we're really ready for a dog

Looking at the breeds we've witttled it down to Wire Haired Dachshund or griffon vendeen (albeit a lady round the corner has the most gorgeous labradoodle). We like the sound of their temperament and nature.

Anyway how on earth do you find a good/ top / ethical breeder? Forums are full of people either skirting round the edges or being fairly open about running a puppy farm. But it's a mine field.

I just want a health puppy that has a good /known line.

I know it'll get asked but I work at home a few days a week and when not parents are happy to look after them. Fallback is doggy day care.

So where to start?

[Turn7]

Griffon - Grande or Petit ?
Big difference in soze, like the sound of their own voice and can be a bit of a scent hound - apart from from that, great breed.Parents had 3 Petit and also Bassetts for years.....

I would say ideally , try and wait until October and visit Discover Dogs...

http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/

Every breed on show with actual owners rather than breeders to chat to.....


Otherwise, its Google time and go visit some breeders of dogs you fancy - issue being you will want the first puppy you see.....


Ask me how I know......

[CooperS]

Thanks for that, honestly not sure, from meeting a pair in passing I think a petit would be our first choice.

I didn't appreciate that there was the show like that.

We're not in a rush but of course this isn't an overnight process.

One of the reasons we discounted a fox terrier (love the look which I know isn't why you should ever get a life long pet) was they apparently are talkative and like to be heard... lol... Isn't a problem other than I don't want to be that neighbor who has a shouty dog.

[Turn7]

Ah, now, Fox Terriers is me all over....

We went for Smooth as I preferred the look. Great size and character, but I do think you need to buy from the "right" kennel....they "can" be quite tightly wound, and also not 100 houseproud if not trained well.

Upside ? Millie, the white bh, was the most adorable and sweetest natured dog I have ever ever met....
Milo, the boy, was a bit of a handfull and wasnt a lover of other dogs, but that got better over the years.

Can be a tad excitable/noisy, but dont need huge walks - just regular mental exercise.

Happy to answer any more Qs......

[makaveli144]

Spend time on forums, facebook groups etc, in between all the daft adverts you will get a feel for the general community and who is respected etc.

Also a quality breeder will be happy to talk to you, show you round, meet the sire and dam and extended family if possible... without trying to force a dog on you. This will also give you a brilliant opportunity to see living conditions, passion and knowledge and gut feel for the breeder.

I have known people scout out breeders for years before making a choice, and an ethical breeder wont pressure you or view you as a time waster as they will want the dogs to go to the right homes.

[CooperS]

makaveli144 said:

Spend time on forums, facebook groups etc, in between all the daft adverts you will get a feel for the general community and who is respected etc.

Also a quality breeder will be happy to talk to you, show you round, meet the sire and dam and extended family if possible... without trying to force a dog on you. This will also give you a brilliant opportunity to see living conditions, passion and knowledge and gut feel for the breeder.

I have known people scout out breeders for years before making a choice, and an ethical breeder wont pressure you or view you as a time waster as they will want the dogs to go to the right homes.

I've begun to go into owner Facebook groups. All seem incredibly friendly. A colleague who is opposite to me in the office competes her dog in agility. She's been a good source of information but she is keen to get me involved in her club...

[Jasandjules]

See if there is a breed club. Go to a couple of champ shows and talk to owners.

[Lotobear]

Just to chip in, consider a Welsh Terrier.

We have a male one and a female Lakeland. The Welsh is the sweetest natured dog I've ever come across. The Lakeland on the other hand is cute but deadly!

PS: here is the Welsh