Always ask to see the mother: Good breeders will be proud to show you their dogs, especially the mum. She should be friendly, healthy, and not aggressive. Ask for the sire’s details but don’t be surprised if he isn’t there on site as well – rather than mate their pets over and over to produce puppies, responsible breeders will often travel miles to find the best sire. The owners should have thoroughly health-tested both parents beforehand, hip-scoring if appropriate, and won’t want the puppies to leave before they’re 8 weeks old.
Watch the litter together: Don’t go for the bossiest pup or feel sorry for the weakling – watch them and see which one responds best to you. The pup’s eyes and nose should be clear and clean; check the ears are clean too; they should move around well, and be free from diarrhoea. Check that they’ve been wormed, and had their first vaccinations.
Some useful websites
RSPCA: www.rspca.org.uk
Dogs Trust: www.dogstrust.org.uk
The Blue Cross: www.bluecross.org.uk
Dogpages Rescue Sites: www.dogpages.org.uk
Retired Greyhound Trust: www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
Battersea Dogs and Cats home: www.battersea.org.uk
Many Tears Animal Rescue: www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue
The Kennel Club: www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Lucy Dillon, Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts
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