Where is the best place to get a puppy?

Dr_serious2

We are thinking of getting a puppy (probably a labrador or golden retriever) in the west of Ireland.

Although we don't mind paying for it we are a bit nervous of online sites - I have heard horror stories of puppy farmers coming to meet people with twenty dogs in the back of a van. <snip> is another option I suppose but we were wondering is there any other ideas? Word of mouth is usually good but we haven't heard of any pups locally in a while.

Tilikum17

Dr_serious2 wrote: »

We are thinking of getting a puppy (probably a labrador or golden retriever) in the west of Ireland.

Although we don't mind paying for it we are a bit nervous of online sites - I have heard horror stories of puppy farmers coming to meet people with twenty dogs in the back of a van. <snip> is another option I suppose but we were wondering is there any other ideas? Word of mouth is usually good but we haven't heard of any pups locally in a while.

<snip>

Why would you need another idea.

DBB

Folks,
Please be aware that discussion of individual rescues isn't permitted in this forum.
At this early stage, I'll also take this opportunity to say that this is not a rescue forum, and people should not be pressured into choosing a rescue dog over buying an ethically sourced puppy.
Thanks,
DBB

em_cat

Dr_serious2 wrote: »

We are thinking of getting a puppy (probably a labrador or golden retriever) in the west of Ireland.

Although we don't mind paying for it we are a bit nervous of online sites - I have heard horror stories of puppy farmers coming to meet people with twenty dogs in the back of a van. <snip> is another option I suppose but we were wondering is there any other ideas? Word of mouth is usually good but we haven't heard of any pups locally in a while.

Maybe check with the IKC.

Cherry Blossom

em_cat wrote: »

Maybe check with the IKC.

The IKC do not keep lists of pups for sale, if they did there would be backyard breeders galore and puppy farms a plenty on those lists.

CircleofLife

You would do best to check with the respective breed clubs (which I have linked below). I would also do a good amount of research into the genetic diseases labs and retrievers can get, including things like degenerative myelopathy, as you will need to know what tests to ask the breeders about. If a breeder does not know what tests they should have done (and it's not just hip and elbow scores), run for the hills! I can also pm you the name of some pounds that get lab mix pups in from time to time if you are interested. Be advised that there may well be a good waiting time to get a pup from a good breeder.

http://labradorireland.com/
http://www.aigrc.com/

tk123

I contacted AIGRC as above and they gave me a list of 2 or 3 breeders who were near enough to me - one in Dublin and I think the others were Wicklow and Wexford although I was happy to travel for the right pup! I had a list of questions for the breeder.. and I also have a retriever from a really crappy breeder so I knew exactly what I was looking for in regards to where they were being kept, what sounds they might be socialised too etc - for example the room was open plan so they'd hear the washing machine etc etc
Take your time and also take a step back no matter where you go to - it's easy to be caught up and fall in love with a pup the second you see it!

jonnybravo

When we got our two labs we contacted the secretary of labrador Ireland club. They recommended a couple of breeders and we went to see them and made sure the pups had the right hip testing done etc. Have heard a few horror stories about labs and their hips!! Think our pups cost €500 - €600 each (about a year apart from different breeders in Dublin) so not cheap.

tk123

jonnybravo wrote: »

When we got our two labs we contacted the secretary of labrador Ireland club. They recommended a couple of breeders and we went to see them and made sure the pups had the right hip testing done etc. Have heard a few horror stories about labs and their hips!! Think our pups cost €500 - €600 each (about a year apart from different breeders in Dublin) so not cheap.

Pups won't have any hip testing done and I'm assuming you mean the parents... but just posting to clarify in case somebody reads it and thinks its the pups. I have heard of people being told the 8 week old pups have great hip scores :eek:

Spend in haste repent in leisure paying vet bills OP.

em_cat

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

The IKC do not keep lists of pups for sale, if they did there would be backyard breeders galore and puppy farms a plenty on those lists.

Sorry, I know, was by the title and the op post. However didn't they have a site called p*ppyz*n*.ie? :eek:

jonnybravo

tk123 wrote: »

Pups won't have any hip testing done and I'm assuming you mean the parents... but just posting to clarify in case somebody reads it and thinks its the pups. I have heard of people being told the 8 week old pups have great hip scores :eek:

Spend in haste repent in leisure paying vet bills OP.

Sorry yes correct - both parents hip scores. Pretty sure they had eye scores as well.

BarryD2

Dr_serious2 wrote: »

Word of mouth is usually good but we haven't heard of any pups locally in a while.

Keep asking. If you're looking for a specific breed and nothing else, then breeders etc. But if you're happy to home what will probably be a local mixed breed of some sort, local info is best. And could be a very fine dog.

Knine

Just remember Breeders are not like Tescos. It takes time and patience waiting on a quality puppy, waiting on bitches to come into heat etc. They don't have to advertise either or make Facebook pages. As the pups are in high demand. Some bitches only have small litters so try to remember this when contacting one, that you may have to wait or the Breeder may determine that another home is a better fit.