We went to view an 11 week old lab retr. puppy and were told mum was in different part of the country - should alarm bells automatically ring - all other info appeared above board - pedigree registration etc.

I would definitiely be suspiscious and ask WHY. It would not be the normal thing at all. Also check that you can get to SEE the certificates proving health testing of good results for eyes and hips and preferably elbows too.

I would want more details, such has why, was this a stud fee pup for example, inother words was Dad there and the person sellign it was not the breeder but owns the stud.

Was the bitch on loan to teh breeder for the litter?  This might be for example because the breeder had one they bred back to continue the line, as maybe her own couldn't have pups, or some such reason.

I wouod question it, and if all is above board they shoudl be happy to explain.

I would also contact the breed club and check the breeder out with them.

i would never purchase a pup or advise anyone to do so with out viewing atleast the mother. When it is time for my pups to be viewed by the new owners they spend a little time with mum out the back so mum is comfortable and then view the pups it also shows them what the mothers temprement is and how she responds to new people and if the new owners want to the are also welcome to view the father at his home.

Hi thomasbloom,

I agree totally with Brainless :)  While it is much less usual for the dam not to be with her pups when being viewed, there are a few perfectly legitimate reasons why the dam isn't.    If you have sourced  a reputable breeder who has the support of the Breed Club then said breeder will be easily able to fully explain why the dam is not with them and should certainly be happy to provide the necessary KC loan papers, references and contact details of the owner of the dam plus all health checks etc to set your mind at ease.

Some breeders for eg may have a bitch on loan - whereby they borrow the bitch from it's fulltime owner in order to have a litter and, naturally, the proper owner of the bitch may not want to be parted from her for too long.  Equally, some bitches out on breeding terms may be with an arrangement where the breeder has half the litter and previously registered owner the other half.  I know of several breeding lines where it is common for stud dog owners to take a puppy in lieu of a stud fee too and they may decide to sell that puppy on - so like I said earlier, there can be numerous easily explainable reasons but doing your homework with the breed club is essential.   If there are any doubts I'd be far more likely to think it was a puppy farmer or middleman dealer that had the pup(s) in which case I'd say run a mile.

Regards, Teri :)

Thank you all for your prompt and knowledgeable replies - as I am new to all this I must say have found you 'doggie' people to be extremely friendly and keen to pass on your expertise.  Will take on board your comments :-)