[SoxyMama]

I've never owned a dog before (except when we were kids) we are most likely going to be moving into our own property which means eventually once we get fencing right we can buy a dog. I know that we could adopt through the RSPCA and the likes, but otherwise what is the best way to find a reputable breeder? I know there is a lot of talk on this forum about puppy farms etc, so for a novice like me, how do you make sure that you buy a dog that is breeded correctly and healthily? We are discussing either a miniature poodle, or a king charles cavalier as we want a small family dog. I am not a 'big' dog person so I have to be a fun (ie I don't like huge big dogs that lick you to death) but can cope with a smaller dog. But I actually don't know where to start our research.

Thanks for your help! Don't bite me - I'm asking to be educated!!

ETA we are typically cat people! So our entire dating and marriage life, we've had cats. But our cats were rescues from the RSPCA.

This post has been edited by Katakacpk: 15/12/2012, 08:09 AM

[FiveAus]

You could start here:

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/puppies.asp

or here:

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/dog-breeders.asp

Start by contacting some and having a chat....some you will like, some you might not, but they are just people with a hobby they are passionate about. They aren't businesses selling a product to the first person who hands over the money, most of them will interview you and decide whether your situation and home is a place where they would like one of their puppies to live.

Good luck with your search, I have 5 pedigree dogs from breeders and they are the best dogs in the world. And in a year or so I expect to be one of those breeders myself.

[Therese]

I have just moved this to the pets forum as there is so much helpful advice given there

[ubermum]

The Kennel Club in your state will have a list of registered breeders. You can then contact the breeders and find out how to go about getting a puppy, meet their breeding dogs, and find out what type of dog you truly would be suited to.

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/choose-a-pet

You can also look at that website to determine if there is other breeds that may be more suitable for you and your family. It also has links to breeders in each state of any dog you may choose.

This post has been edited by ubermum: 15/12/2012, 10:03 AM

[*Ker*]

Find a dog show in your area and go along, wandering and looking at dogs and speaking to breeders. You'll find the right one.

[Mousky]

ask to see the patents and kennels, if they refuse, bad sign. Also if they want to meet you somewhere else `more convenient` then bad sign too.

[FiveAus]

ask to see the patents and kennels, if they refuse, bad sign. Also if they want to meet you somewhere else `more convenient` then bad sign too.

You can't always see both the parents though....often the sire of the pups will be owned by someone else and won't live with the breeder. None of the dogs I have on my short list as potential husbands for my girl are local, and I don't intend to use my own dog, so people interested in buying a puppy from me would not be able to meet the father of the pups.
These days breeders use semen from interstate and overseas, even from dogs who've passed away. In those cases, it's definitely not possible to meet the sire.

A lot of them don't have "kennels", I certainly dont and friends of mine who are breeders don't.....our dogs are our family and pups would be raised in the house and the yard.

Keep in mind too, that breeders are private citizens, they aren't businesses and some of them might not like strangers coming to their house.....and it might very well be more convenient to meet elsewhere. It doesn't mean they are "dodgy", it could very well mean they're cautious and exercising their right to privacy.

[Mousky]

You can't always see both the parents though....often the sire of the pups will be owned by someone else and won't live with the breeder. None of the dogs I have on my short list as potential husbands for my girl are local, and I don't intend to use my own dog, so people interested in buying a puppy from me would not be able to meet the father of the pups.
These days breeders use semen from interstate and overseas, even from dogs who've passed away. In those cases, it's definitely not possible to meet the sire.

A lot of them don't have "kennels", I certainly dont and friends of mine who are breeders don't.....our dogs are our family and pups would be raised in the house and the yard.

Keep in mind too, that breeders are private citizens, they aren't businesses and some of them might not like strangers coming to their house.....and it might very well be more convenient to meet elsewhere. It doesn't mean they are "dodgy", it could very well mean they're cautious and exercising their right to privacy.

If a breeder doesnt want you on site, it is a worry, even if its a private residence. If they have nothing to hide, they will be open to you coming by. I have been with my mother to a golden retreiver breeder and she was the one who recommended this. I understand that it isnt always possible to see the sire, but the mother should at least be available. It isnt only to check condition of the mother, but to see temprement too.

If a genuine breeder who has nothing to hide, wants to meet elsewhere due to privacy reasons, then they will have to understand that it will look dodgy to a lot of people who have done their homework on puppy farming.

edit for stupid typo.

This post has been edited by Mousky: 15/12/2012, 07:32 PM

[FiveAus]

Not all breeders will have puppies available to see at first meeting, and there may be no good reason to go to their house. A lot of breeders will want to get a feel for the buyer before committing to selling them a puppy, and there's no reason that meeting can't be at another location. Plenty of breeders plan to meet potential buyers at dog shows or other events, just to have a chat and get to know the person.

This is often the preferred method because if the breeder decides that person is unsuitable to buy one of their puppies, then at least the person doesn't have their address when they're told no, sorry you can't buy a puppy.

I bought all of my pups without even meeting the breeder, in fact one breeder I haven't ever spoken to, it was all done by email. There is nothing dodgy about that. It's possible to build up a good rapport over email or the phone, and decisions can be made by both parties about the way to proceed.

[Scruffy Wuffy]

Yep,do as Ker suggested. Dog shows are always good for browsing at different breeds. Breeders should be very enthusiastic when you inquire about their breed and answer all your questions with pleasure. Dont be afraid to ask them anything that comes to mind. I'm always visiting shows here and always love talking to breeders about their dogs.