French Bulldog purchase Ireland - advice sought

Long time lurker, not a regular poster - but need some advice and opinion.

I am in the process of buying a dog, more specifically a French Bulldog. I had to say goodbye to my best friend - a boxer mongrel, in April of this year after 11 brilliant years. I am now WFH and will not be back inside an office until the middle of next year, so this is the best chance I will get to raise a pup.

After researching breeds, temperaments and consulting what both of us would like for a dog (health issues and all) - we decided on a FB. This is taking into account we hope to start a family soon so would like a well tempered dog.

Considering myself socially responsible,I've read the best way to do this is through a body/association - so I contacted the IKC, and the response I got was "this year, we cannot give out the details of the FB association for legal reasons. Your best bet is to google the association and get the contact details that way, best of luck". - I've done this, and no luck. I did find some contact details of a secretary (on boards) but have sent 2/3 emails to no avail.

In light of this, I'm really looking for some guidance as to how to purchase a dog in a responsible manner. I've seen some posters here with some great info. I will say too, I am fully onboard with dog shelters and feel they serve a critical purpose to deal with the numbers of dogs produced in Ireland - unfortunately, I am yet to see a shelter with pups - but any info on this is also greatly appreciated.


Question: Has anyone else purchased a FB, and if so, can you please provide me with some info (particularly if the IKC cannot offer any help)?



Journey so far (for reference):

• Contacted my local vet, discussed with them and gotten a list of questions to ask the breeder, which I have been doing for the last few weeks. I was sent a 'puppy contract' which essentially details all the Q's to ask, and if preferred - can be signed by breeder and buyer.

• Joined some groups on Facebook and found a few pages which are named 'Irish Bulls' etc - (this is a fictional name BTW). Asked questions, got answers and it looks as though the majority of breeders have litters due just in time for Xmas, which is no surprise. Whats clear is some people are clearly passionate about the breed, and go as far to say that others shouldn't be trusted etc. as the industry is rife with scammers / puppy mills etc.
  
• Found a breeder in Ulster which has an available puppy, comes with IKC registered papers, vacc/microchipped/food etc. scheduled to meet at the breeders house (with Mother present) and potentially purchase puppy next week. I've also been given the details on the father

Thank you in advance!