After deciding to stick with the breed I already have and finding a breeder with pups ready to go soon, I have since discovered that the mother of the pups tragically died and the pups have been hand reared. I am about to call the breeder to progress my interest but am unsure of whether or not the mother's death should have any bearing on what I ask. The mother gave birth to 7 large pups but beyond this I don't yet have details. Can anyone suggest what I should ask (outwith the normal questions)? Many thanks.

Hi

As the pups have been hand reared, they should have had vaccinations earlier than normal to make up for what they lost out on not being able to feed from mum..

To give you an idea, mine had their first vaccination at 6 weeks, then 8 and again at 11, I also ask my vet to do the health checks and provide me with a 'clean bill of health' certificate which I give to the new owners. I have had no health problems with my hand reared pups yet and have had 7.

may be worth while giving you vet a ring for some advice.

Donna

Any idea how the mum died.

The breeder must have worked very hard if all the puppies survived.
I am sure any reputable breeder will not mind you asking how she died

We lost our bitch during a C section and hand reared the pups, they all turned out fine after alot of trauma, total hand rearing on artificial milk can cause cataracts apparantly so all ours were checked by eye specialist before leaving us, although there were spots of cloudiness they were all clear by 6 months old. We explained the death of the mum to people and also had a letter from our vet confirming the details. Good luck

<<<We explained the death of the mum to people and also had a letter from our vet confirming the details.>>>

That's one thing I'd ask to see if at all possible.

A hand reared pup would not necessarily concern me but sometimes people will get the bitch off the premises (until pups are sold) if there are any temperament problems. It's so easy to say 'the mom died' :(
Not sure of your chosen breed but is there any way you can see the sire? (by app't, if convenient).

be sure that the bitch died and its not a litter bought in to sell on, are they kc registered ?- has the breeder a known good reputation?

One possible problem is that without a "Mother" dog around a puppy could grow up relating more to humans than to other dogs so socialising around other dogs (preferably adults) at as early age as possible would be desirable

Regards, John

Have you spoken to any other breeders of your chosen breed??? They usually know or have heard of each other and another breeder may beable to advise whether or not they are reputable...

WHen I was looking at buying Shih Tzu/ CkC I looked for 6 months and spoke to dozens and dozens of breeders all over the country and soon got a feel for who was and was not a reputable breeder... in the end if i just made an enquiry i could tell in the first 5 minutes if the breeder was someone i would trust...

I would definitely ask - sympathetically of course - what mum died of. Any good breeder will have no hesitations in telling you - when you go and see the puppies ask again what she died of - if you get the same story its good news - but i dont know many people who tell the same lie twice....

Listen to all us suspicious lot!!! I hate being like this but the some of breeders I have been to visit would just make you cry !!