Getting a puppy from a UK breeder?

josip

What is involved in getting a puppy from mainland UK? From reading,

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/bringing_pets_to_ireland.html

It looks like the earliest it could be taken from the breeder would be 15 weeks (12 + 3)? Is that too late? Our last dog we took at 10 weeks.

Bicyclette

There are HUGE numbers of dogs of all ages and breeds being surrendered to rescues at the moment, and they really can't cope. Any chance you would consider taking in a rescue?

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119608895#Comment_119608895

Sorry, no. We need a very small dog and there's one breed in particular that we like and fits in with our lifestyle.

Knine

Did you check if they have the breed here? Most breeds are available in Ireland though there are often waiting lists. You won't generally find Reputable Breeders advertising on online sites.

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119611944#Comment_119611944

There is one breeder here that we are aware of but they don't breed very often and we're already on a waiting list there. We have seen 1 or 2 others occasionally adverstising, but they would appear to be one-off advertisements.

Faith

Did you contact the breed clubs to ask for breeder recommendations? Many reputable breeders won't really advertise publicly.

Knine

If you let me know the Breed of dog, I might be able to get more info for you as I am involved with the dog show scene.

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119612881#Comment_119612881

Yes, we've been in contact with the Breed club. At the moment, we're just assessing feasibility before we decide. ie, are we effectively restricted to Ireland or is getting a puppy from a (registered KC) UK breeder a viable option? Does anyone here have an opinion if 15 weeks is too late to take a pup? From my understanding it's outside the socialisation window which would be a big concern for us.

muddypaws

Yes 15 weeks is the very youngest that a pup can be imported from GB. All dogs need to be rabies vaccinated which can't be done before 12 weeks and then they can't travel for 21 days

The dog also needs to be wormed between 24 hours and 5 days before entering Ireland.

Do the breeders know where you live and that you can't take a pup until 15 weeks? Some breeders will keep pups that long but, from your point of view it's very important that they are good breeders and do lots of positive socialisation and confidence building as you won't be able to. I know a breeder here in Ireland that has exported pups to the continent and obviously the same rabies criteria applies and she puts a lot of work in during those extra weeks.

josip

Thanks Muddypaws, that answers all my questions. Yes, if we did get a puppy from the UK, we'd be asking if they can look after socialisation, etc until 15 weeks. Many of the UK breeders ask us to complete questionaires, provide videos of our house and garden and have their own websites showcasing their dogs. So I would trust those to carry out socialisation, etc once they were agreeable. Our preference will be to source in Ireland, but if a pup doesn't become available in the next 6 months, we may have to look abroad.

tk123

15 weeks for me would be too late.. Part of socialisation (for me at least!) is socialising in the area we live in and getting used to our environment.

What breed is it? I waited 18 months for our new boy.. I could have gone to a crappy breeder and gotten one sooner but wanted a pup from a reputable breeder. I’d just be cautious - lots of puppy farmers have amazing websites to draw people in. I’d want to go and visit the breeder and puppies rather than do everything remotely. Would the breed club here be able to recommend anyone in the U.K./a breed club to contact or even give them names of prospective breeders - if they’re well known reputable breeders they’ll be known to the clubs here. (My guys mum is from Wales)

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119615776#Comment_119615776

Thanks. I'd rather not disclose the breed here; it's sufficiently unique to identify us. We've already gotten one 5 years ago and in the intervening years we've seen only 2 others of the same breed while out and about a lot. At the time of getting our first one, there was also the possibility of getting one from Europe. But the delay to get the pup due to the rabies vacc, dissuaded us at the time. I thought back then, that there wasn't such a delay getting a pup from the UK. Is that something that changed due to Brexit?

muddypaws

Although a rabies vaccination has actually been a legal requirement since 2014 between Ireland and GB

Springwell

Yes, common enough with show dogs. I have a litter here currently that are all sold to UK homes so doing the reverse journey at 15 weeks. They're a rare breed, most people on the list waited 2-3 years for a pup and there was a waitlist behind the homes we selected.

A good breeder who socialises, possibly uses a program like Smart Pup or Puppy Culture and gets the pups out and about after vaccines is key. We've taken into account things the pups will encounter in their new homes and done introductions with chickens, horses etc. The new owners have also given pups names and they are being used when we work with each pup individually.