is it possible and has anyone done it-bought a pup from ireland and brought it back to the uk.  with any breed is it classed as an import and do you need kc permission and whats the protocol once youve found your breeder and seen pups you like? is it classed as an import in kc eyes or is it allowed?

Pet Travel Scheme Helpline:

Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time)

Look here for Eire....

  http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/index.jsp?file=animal_products/importation/reg_of_importers_animals.xml

For Northern Ireland...
TRAVELLING WITHIN THE UK, Pets resident anywhere in the British Isles can travel freely within the British Isles and will not be subject to quarantine or to the Pet Travel Scheme rules although if you have PETS documents you are advised to take them with you. Pets can be carried on any route within the British Isles subject to the transport company's agreement and conditions of carriage.

A dog can only be registered with the Kennel Club if it is resident in the UK (an ATC dog is recorded not registered). However, if a dog is living in a country where the Pet Travel Scheme is operational and would like to come to the UK to take part in KC events, an Authority To Compete (ATC) number is required.

The Irish Kennel Club ...http://www.ikc.ie/
The British Kennel Club...http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/

HTH :)

If the pup is born in southern ireland it and registered with the irish KC then yes when it is registered in the UK it will be classed as an import, however if it is born in N Ireland it can be registered with both IKC and KC and not be classes as an import.