What do you think will happen in 2021 ?
My dog is nearly 10 and so I’d like to get another before she’s too old.

St.Domingo:>> What do you think will happen in 2021 ?

Personal thoughts are that there will continue to be lots of crossbreeds or badly bred Puppies at astronomical prices out there so vigilance on your
behalf will be key.  Some good Breeders will continue with their programmes as the vast majority of the public will be vaccinated by late Spring meaning
more travel will be allowed etc.

Many potential New Owners have already placed their names on waiting lists so might be wise to contact Breeders now in the hope of being offered
a well bred puppy in 9 months to a year.

Good Luck >

I believe you'll find things will open up a lot, once Shows return.   I think that right now most breeders who are not just breeding for income, will remain biding their time re producing puppies.

MamaBas:  > I believe you'll find things will open up a lot, once Shows return.

Yip, I think we are all hoping things including Shows will open up sooner rather than later.  Even the local shows I enter are crying out for
funding to help with community projects. How long is a piece of string in relation to most things is the question?  Perhaps OP could do both?
Not sure I would agree that it's only income driven breeders who have planned Puppies/Breeding Programmes in place at the moment though.

Wasn't aware u did any showing hoggie ?

furriefriends:> Wasn't aware u did any showing hoggie

Yes I do at local level - not into travelling miles away and all the competitiveness - 2 of my cockers and 1 of my labs have been placed,  More fun than anything
& charity of course. The prize money is 50p for 3rd, £1 for 2nd & £2 for 1st. (and the rosettes of course)

Many Local Show Breeders are happy to speak with people such as the OP if they wish to discuss the possibility of a new Puppy.

Many start showing at local.level and then having  been bitten by the bug move on to other bigger shows.
Even the local.ones can be very competitive ,I ve seen it but all types should be fun
Same with any hobby.
Yes most peolel are very happy to chat about their breed at shows as long as they arnt about to go in the ring . That's a bit to stressful . I've met and learned about many breeds and breeders through shows
I think breed clubs are always a good place to start especially atm as there are no shows and the clubs usually know about breeders and possible litters

It’s entirely possible to just show for fun, even at higher levels. I’ve never been competitive myself - sure, it’s nice to be placed, but for me it’s about performing a “job” with my dog. If we get it right that’s a win even if the judge doesn’t like us.

River’s having some fear issues though so I don’t think I’ll bother showing him in future. We might do some novelty classes in charity shows, he’s pretty much a shoo-in if there’s a class for ears!

Those breeders who have already put off a litter will now  breed as many will have finite time to do so due to age for first or last litters.

With shows unlikely to start until second half of the year some will take the opportunity to breed now, and get bitches back in coat and  fit again in time for shows starting up, ditto those with working gundogs.

I suspect there will be a huge number of Covid pups going into rescue as people start returning to work, ir those who have list jibs/homes meaning they can't affird ir can't keep a dig any more.

I think puppy prices will fall back to normal pre civid levels, with just miderate increases due to inflation/rising breeding costs.

Yes, wrongly or rightly, I’ve mated my girl in the last couple weeks. Due to the age of my girl, I prefer to breed on the earlier side rather than later, plus it fits in with her work too (especially if there is going to be another lockdown as rumoured). I am quite worried how things are going to work out re vets, more than anything else, but will hopefully work something out. I feel rather lucky with a lot of names on my list - the shortest being on just over a year, if she has a litter on the bigger side then I will need to put some feelers out there but quite reluctant to putting anything on here as the amount of emails over the past 9 months have been crazy, and most being quite demanding of wanting a pup now.
I won’t be pricing anything extortionate but like you’ve said brainless just slightly more than pre covid. I am ummming and ahhing (and thoughts appreciated) on whether to price pups given to people who’ve been on my list at the normal price pre Covid and then any other people then post Covid price. The difference wouldn’t be massive but there would be a difference to discourage any unwanted buyers - as I said I haven’t fully decided, just a thought as I really don’t breed to make money and feel bad to increase prices but I’m worried about the now considered ‘low prices’ (which weren’t considered low last year!) will encourage the wrong buyers.

Madforlabs: > Yes, wrongly or rightly, I’ve mated my girl in the last couple weeks
Good for you girl and for all the acceptable reasons you gave.

> I am quite worried how things are going to work out re vets, more than anything else, but will hopefully work something out

Your Vet will be happy to help throughout pregnancy, whelping, microchipping, jabs and official checks.  They just have a different
way of working to support you.

> if she has a litter on the bigger side then I will need to put some feelers out there

I'm sure you will vett outside possible new owners just the same as those on your waiting list.  Virtual interviews work well and you can still say no right
up to the collection when you meet face to face...

> I am ummming and ahhing (and thoughts appreciated) on whether to price pups given to people who’ve been on my list at the normal price pre Covid and then any other people then post Covid price.

I'm sure there will be many post relating to this response but yes, I would advise you to have two different prices between waiting list contacts & new enquirers.
I increased the price dramaticlly to the 'newbies' so there was no room for profit in re-selling my Puppy and it certainly knocked out or showed up those with unscrupulius intentions.

CD is only and advice line not a compulsary way of working so making up your own mind is the most important thing.
Best of Luck!