Puppy information

 

Are you looking for puppy?

It is difficult for a beginner to evaluate the offers of “breeders” and to seperate the good from the bad.

Perhaps somebody gave you our site’s details or perhaps you found it by accident. Whatever this information is useful for everybody.

So don’t look further without reading the info below.
Of course you NEVER buy a puppy in a shop or from a dealer who sells several breeds!
They do not belong there.

 

You don’t buy a puppy from the first “breeder” who offers dogs. They all look cute these little pups but they grow quickly and will be part of your family for the next 12 to 15 years. Your best option is to do everything necessary to get a dog that is well socialised and bred from lineage with the least possible health problems.

 

What is a good breeder?

  • A good breeder is someone who is passionate about the breed you are interested in, and not someone who also breeds different other breeds
  • It is somebody who picks the male best suitable with his bitch for health, character and appearance
  • Somebody who looks after the puppies as if he were to keep them for the rest of their live.
  • Somebody who on the one hand provides you with all possible information and on the other hand asks critical questions about yourself and what you will do with the dog
  • Somebody who is worried that his puppy will end up with a good family.
  • Sombody who is there if at some point you have questions about the health and education of your dog

When you are looking for a breeder you must keep the following points in mind. Based on these you can ask the breeder all possible questions necessary to find out whether he breeds in a responsible manner:

  • The breeder allows you to visit to meet him and at least twice when the puppies are there;
  • When you visit the breeder the mother of the pups must always be present;
  • The mother must always have access to her puppies;
  • The puppies have to stay with the breeder for 7 to 8 weeks;
  • The puppies must grow up in direct contact with the family and the noise of a family,not isolated ( not in the garage, the laundry room or the garden shed!) Your dog will be living with your family in the house and that is what he needs to be familiar with.
  • Puppies need to grow up together and must not be seperated;
  • The breeder must be able to show the official papers of the parents (pedigree, HD examination, eye examination, DNA certificate);
  • All the puppies must be examined by a vet and get their first vaccination and deworming at the breeder’s. Every breeder receives a European Passport with the identification of the puppy and the listing of the first vaccinations.;
  • The breeder must be prepared to sign a sales agreement whereby the buyer receives the guarantee that the puppies will be identified with a microchip and a pedigree will be delivered recognised by the KMSH in Belgium;
  • A good breeder gives his bitch enough rest between litters especially when we are talking about big litters ( after a litter of more than 8 puppies a rest of at least 18 months should be held before a new mating)
  • A good breeder provides you with written instructions on how to feed and take care of your puppy.;
  • A good breeder likes to know how your puppy is doing and is prepared to help you further also after he has been paid.

In order to avoid a price war between the breeders and to create uniformity the committee has decided to recommend a reference price for 2024. For puppies of Belgian breeders residing in Belgium this lies between 1600€ and 1800€ per puppy all inclusive (deworming, vaccination at 6 weeks, chip, pedigree, food during the stay etc.)

Due to the new European legislation, puppies going abroad have to stay with the breeder for 15 weeks. As a result they need to get several vaccination among which rabies, there is also an extra cost because of this longer stay. It goes without saying that these extra cost can be recuperated from the buyer.
The committee strongly advises against offering or putting up for sale puppies on Facebook or other social media. The club has a good funtioning puppy information service for the club breeders. The Club breeders are free to use or not use this service. If you make puppies available via social medial you quickly get the lable of commercial breeder ( puppy mill) Moreover it is not in accordance with the club’s deontology relating to breeding. The club’s committee distanciates themselves explicitly of such practices.

Finally try to talk to several breeders before making a decision. Also talk to owners who have already bought a dog and ask for their experience with the breeder you are interested in. Don’t be shy to ask questions – most good breeders love to talk about their breed! There are no “stupid” questions, the only stupid question is the one you never asked.

Think twice if the breeder is in a hurry and tries to avoid your questions .....