I have just been on the phone with a lovely gentleman up in Yorkshire who has some beautiful fox red puppies. They are only a week old at present. The breeder provides labs to police forces nationwide, the defence animal centre and international customs etc so has a great reputation and does health tests on the parents that exceed the kennel clubs suggested tests. It says- Extensive BVA Health Tests on both parents, both low hip scores, both 0/0 elbows, both eye tested Unaffected by TRD,GPRA,CPRA,HC. I really wanted a chocolate one but he had sold them all before they were born. They have great pedigrees with lots of ftch in their pedigrees. I think they are called willowtree. I am excited
That's very exciting! Although I have a chocolate I always thought that it didn't matter what sex or colour if the pup was right for me. Of course, if the litter is in demand (mine was too), you really have to give an indication of what you want. So don't worry too much if you don't get a chocolate; a little pup is waiting for you and you will adore each other! Are you happy with the breeder?
Are you going to Yorkshire to see the litter? I'd drive a long way to see all that puppy squirminess.
Yes he was really lovely on the phone. I definitely want a boy and also only a fox red or chocolate as he cant look too similar to Murphy. His puppies are highly in demand and he's ringing me back tomorrow once he's worked through everything as he has many deposits already for the pups and he isn't sure if all the fox reds may be take for already. If they are then I am going to wait for his next chocolate litter. The only thing is that they are a good 3.5-4 hours drive away from us.
I think we will go up before. They are only a week old at the mo though so we'd go up when they were older. I don't think we will get to pick exactly which one we want it I may be wrong. I don't mind really anyway. It told him that I will be doing agility and basic gundoggery like I did with Murphy
That's wonderful, Frankie. Keep your business head on too though - check out those hips scores, check out what he says about the dogs is true. I'm sure it'll all check out, but check all the same. And check those FTCh are not nutters.... Wishing you much happiness.
Nope, sorry..... Ask how the pups have been raised - kitchen with family, or kennels.... I have to say, the only (well, mainly then) thing about the working gundogs I meet is that they are often a bit reactive to other dogs. Not in the sense of they will react if they see another dog, but they will react if another dog "gets in their space". Which is kinda fair enough, but would land me in BIG trouble in London petland.....
Murphy had a good working pedigree and he was perfect in lots of ways. That's what makes me want to get a working one again. I was reading their site and they sell part trained dogs etc as well and so I do wonder if the pups will have been brought up in kennels. How does that effect the pups later on?
I personally would not take a pup that had spent its first 8 weeks in a kennel. I want a pup that has been around kids, teenagers, teenage friends, clattering in and out, raised voices (laughing and not so) of family life, clashing pans, and so on - from the get go. I think to do otherwise risks having a dog that is not quite comfortable (eg at the minimum looks unhappy or is withdrawn and at the maximum reacts) in that environment rather than thriving on it. It's only a risk though (one that might be higher in a sensitive dog with a pedigree stuffed full of FTChs though). And I declare my preference for the more robust show line character, of course (I don't want to start a show vs working debate, this is not the place, only fairly stating my own preference to put my comments in context).
I think that's a good point Julie - show line labs are often more robust and less reactive; sometimes more suited to the high volume of family life. Frankie, I'm sure you'll make the right decision, but don't let your heart rule your head completely! Having many FTCH in a pedigree doesn't always make for the easiest dog... Good luck, I'm sure they are gorgeous.
Chepi was a 5 hour drive away. I went to meet the breeders and the parents before the litter was born, well actually even before they knew she was definatly pregnant. And then drove up when she was 4 weeks and then again to collect her. One side of her pedigree is almost all red and the other side has a sprinkling of red (FTCHs). She loves other dogs and I think has a lovely nature. She was brought up inside the house until 3 weeks then in kennels. She was very easy going from the start and really easy to house train. It helped a lot to meet her parents and other dogs at the breeders; I was there hours! It was also good to meet the breeders from my point of view and also from their point of view; I couldn't have a pup unless they met me and thought I'd be ok (I liked that too). However, I did a lot of research before I got to that stage and by then I had no doubts and enjoyed the whole experience. I shall probably be researching your breeder now because I find it fascinating - couldn't find the previous name you put up. Also, JulieT, not wanting to dismiss what you say but just had to say that my choice turned out fine, to put the other side.
It's not the other side - I wasn't arguing sides, really. And let's not. It's just about tendencies, things to be aware of when choosing a pup.
It's such a difficult decision! As I said I am basing my thoughts at the moment on what Murphy was like. Reading about the breeder in more detail has made me unsure a bit due to the sheer numbers of dogs they have for sale. I feel the puppy's wouldn't necessarily be socialised the same as murphys litter which were in a busy house. I have just emailed a breeder (wickmoor Labradors) in Bristol which is much closer who have a litter due to be born in August and have the same sire as Murphy x
hmmm....it's right that should give you pause for thought if the numbers are high enough to suggest "farmer". You get can that with all types, not just those aimed at people looking for "pets"....
For me, I went for a pup which had stronger field lines on his dads side, and show lines on his mums side, his dad was sleek and slim, his mum more chunky - had health checks etc....but for me the winning thing with this breeder above the dozens of others was that they owned mum and dad, they were their pets. They were raising the puppies in the house, with their two dogs, two children, a cat, visiting friends and all the chaos a house brings - only when they were about 6 weeks did they get moved into a utility room, gated with a baby gate and still in full view of the kitchen and lounge! Early socialisation for me is the most important- the breeder loved them as if they were her grandchildren! and as a result we are very lucky to have an extremely calm, confident little guy who slotted into our family life from day one.
Thanks everyone. I'm not going to make any rash decisions and everything you are all saying is so helpful. We heard about both murphys breeder and Maisie's breeder through trustworthy friends and word of mouth which made things a little easier. Looking blindly into the sale of Labrador puppies is hard as there are sooooo many for sale where do you even start?!
It is difficult I agree we lost our black lab two years ago aged 5. We had him from the dogs trust. I extensively searched for the right breeder. I found one in Wales, she is a truly lovely caring lady who has 3 labs. She lives on a small holding. I booked a holiday, called her and said could I pop round. I just wanted to check what she had described on the Internet was true. It was she rears gorgeous little pups that are bought up in the household, amoungest other animals, visitors etc. this was vital for me living in the city. It was a long journey finding Mabel, she's 8 months next week and okay it turns out despite all my careful checks she ends up with ED but I've no regrets. I've learnt it's a risk you take buying a Labrador. I wish you the best of luck you'll know when you see the right one. Xx
Hi I have a bitch from a Yorkshire working link with many FTCH in her line. She is sleek and quick, but not at all reactive. She is very chilled out. A quick google of that breeder generally gives great reviews, there is some forum chats too. It's a tough decision either way. Best of luck with your new bundle of fun
