Hello. Newbie here. I think I've found a puppy (from Champ Dogs) but how do I verify the breeder to give myself total piece of mind before purchasing?
There is a council registered list of breeders also look on the kennel club website but lots of breeders are just pet owners.
Hi Rachel - Very exciting to have found a puppy I'm not sure what 'verification' process it is that you refer to? One of the reasons it is so hard to find a good breeder (particularly if you are new to dogs) is that there is no one registry you can go to, to find them. ChampDogs is a good starting place because basic/key health tests need to have been completed for litters to be listed there. But IMO that still leaves a lot to be desired: There are other health tests which are important to look for, and which not every dog listed on CDs has had. COI being below the breed average of 6.5% is another one to look for. Where the puppies will be raised - ideally indoors throughout puppyhood and not only indoors for the first few weeks when they don't make much mess(!) - but are also not within the socialisation period to benefit from being indoors! These issues really are the ones to look for. And then of course thinking about why you are getting the puppy - what you want to do with him or her; dog sports; conformation; gundog work etc - and trying to choose parents who will ensure you get the type of labrador you want - as a breed, there is huge variety within it. If you have more specific questions about what to look for, or whether X is enough on the breeder's website etc etc, then feel free to ask
