Advice on buying a DDB pup

[Pugnut]

Let me start by saying hi (im new to the forum) my names Nic. Im looking for some pointers and advice on what to look for in a DDB puppy, i know the basics (which you use for most dogs i think) bright eyes, confident, playful, but as this will be my first time with this breed im wanting to know how to stand the best chance of choosing the best pup. Moneys not an issue (within reason) im not going to show it but still want the best example of the breed really. The adverts im looking at are all KC reg with papers and it looks like ill be paying around £850-£1200 judging by most of the decent ads, also how important is hip scoring? any advice atall is greatly appreciated

 

[PunkRockStars]

Hey Pugnut...just a quick answer.. Hip score is very important! Also check heart disease with your kennel owner, if they are serious they will told you more

 

[AKBull]

Being able to see both of the parents is good as well. I'm never comfortable only seeing one of them.

 

[BugattiAlva]

I agree, you must seem the parents.

 

[bluebutterfly]

make sure parents are health tested and CLEARED. also get a registered puppy. Do not get a puppy from someone who does not seem knowledgeable about the breed. do not get a pup from someone who says health testing is not important for pets etc.walk away from someone who says you cant see mom because she is to protective of the puppies or she isnt there or whatever... YOU MUST see AT LEAST mom.. but you WANT to see BOTH mom and dad...at least ask for pics of dad and contact information of his owner and try to arrange a meeting with his owners and him..... find a breeder who is well known..perf someone who shows. go to shows and talk to breeders there... DO NOT CONSIDER someone who bred their two pets cuz they wanted a puppy from them or cuz everyone said they should or cuz they wanted the kids to experience it or whatever their excuses are... as to see pics of previous pups from the sire and dam.. and if this is a repete breeding ask to see pics of the adult pups... make sure they breed their girls NO MORE THEN ONCE A YEAR.. every second heat... AT THE MOST! ask when the last time this bitch was bred... how often they breed in general, how many litters they have had... do they keep in touch with their puppy families...

they should have a contract. a health guarantee that COVERS stuff, not just fancy wording saying they are not responcible for this and that and basicly is just a fancy note saying they can get out of everything if your dog gets sick... you want to SEE the contract before you go get pup or put down deposit. the guarantee should be for at LEAST a year or more...none of this 4 month 6 month 2 weeks etc... most diseases do not appear until a year..... read the WHOLE thing EVERY WORD! .. and hopefully they have an application for you to fill out......

and be sure to visit the breeders home on fairly short notice so you can see how the dogs are kept. obviously... no breeder is able to keep a completely spotless puppy area... puppies are VERY messy and when you get several together they are like a tornado... but, you can tell someone who takes care of their pups by using common sence. expecting the puppy pen to be spotless is unrealistic.. but obviously it should be cleaned several times a day... if they have all the puppies thrown together in a small pen and they are all covered in poop and pee up to their necks... run..

a good breeder will be able to assist you in choosing the "right" puppy from the litter... the right sex etc... choose on TEMPERAMENT not looks...


pretty much go with your gut...

 

[hthapar]

I am picking my puppy the week of Feb 17th and can understand your dilemma when coming to these gentle giants. But the one thing you want to be certain of is the breeder. You should feel comfortable asking him as many questions as you want. And he in return should not only just answer them but proactively provide guidance, information and be willing to provide support (if needed) for rest of the puppies life. That to me, is a sign of how concerned he or she is about the line and also sets a standard in your mind about their breeding program.
I had a bad experience with one of the breeders and had to back out after I had my heart set on a puppy. Like everyone mentioned, health is the #1 factor. Make sure the father and mother are healthy (if not from Champion bloodlines). It is the best to actually visit the breeder and look at the litter, the mother and also father if possible. That way you can also see how the breeder takes care of his/her dogs and how do the dogs bond with them.
In the end, I would just say to enjoy and cherish the experience.