Hi

How far in advance of wanting a puppy should you approach a breeder to go on their list?

We would like another puppy in about 2 years time.  Our current pair will be aged 5 & 4 by then so hopefully it will be a good time to introduce a pup to the household.

I had a chance meeting yesterday with the breeder I had been hoping to approach for our next pup.  I asked him about the possibility of going on his list in future and he said yes but as we were both in a hurry I didn't get to pursue the matter further than that.  Should I contact him sooner rather than later to get on a list or is it too soon considering that it will be 2 years before we are in a position to have a pup? 

It depends on what you want it for really, and what breed.  I have people waiting for a puppy from my bitch who've had their names down from the time she was 18 months old. She won't have a litter til she's three and I still haven't decided on a stud dog! 

I waited two years for my Grand Basset.  The breeder had puppies before that but I had to wait for the 'right one' :d

If I were you I'd explain that it'll be for two years time, but if you want one from a specific breeder or from a specific mating then get your name down now.  If it's for showing you don't want third or fourth pick do you ;)

Debs

Thank you Debs :) 

The breeder has just imported a dog that will hopefully be the sire of my future pup (I met the dog yesterday too...stunning!! ).  I would like to start showing with this next pup so I guess I should get my name down now, then :D Which leads me nicely to my next question...how do you prefer to be contacted?  I was going to write to the breeder and then hopefully speak to him at an upcoming show.  i do have a phone number for him but I know he is generally very busy and i don't wish to 'pester' him :) 

Oooh, I'm starting to get excited already :rolleyes: :D

I was on a waiting list for my dog for over 18months,it was 18months I was on the list when the Dam came into season so it was longer than 18months,but I wanted a puppy off this particular breeder so was prepared to wait,so I would speak to your breeder again and put your name on his puppy list

Forgot to say,my breeder I telephoned her,and she would give me a ring every couple of weeks with an update even before the bitch was pregnant,I think any breeder woth his weght will not mind a telephone call,I always think it is more personal

I don't think any breeder would mind a phone call - if they're busy at that time you could always offer to ring back when it's more convenient.  If the breeder is going to be at a show and you're there, then you could speak to them in person (either after judging or during a break).  If you do this make sure you have something with your name and number on to give them so they can contact you if they so wish.  Nothing worse than someone saying "could you ring me" and then rummaging about for a scrap of paper and pen :d

Debs

I don't think you can get on the list too early if you want a pup from a particular breeder or a particular mating. I've had people wait after my bitch missed although I told them I was more than happy to find them a nice puppy from someone else.

Speaking personally I like best to get an e-mail with a bit about the person's circumstances so that I can then tell them the best times to ring. And when they do ring I have a bit of information about them so that the discussion is tailored to that person. But I'm happy enough to be telephoned cold too - if I'm busy I just say I'll ring them back later. I won't make a firm agreement to let anyone have a puppy until I have met them - and by met them I mean in my own home so that I can have a proper long, relaxed talk with them and see how they react to a gaggle of large and usually muddy hounds. :)

Thanks everyone for your input :)

There is a local show in a few weeks time so I will perhaps try to speak to him then, after his dogs have been in the ring of course :)  I will go armed with a piece of paper with all my details on.

my puppy buyers had waited over a year (Lexi missed a year ago), and they only wanted the dog purely as a companion, for some reason they waned to wait for my litter.

I'd contact the breeder(s) you like as soon as you can. We have a 2/3 year waiting list as we don't breed very often.
The time delay is really useful as the prospective puppy buyer can (a) to get to know the breeder and their dogs and make really really sure that you want one of their dogs; (b) use the time to learn about the breed from as many different sources as possible; and (c) allow the breeder to get to know the buyer and their circumstances and let them make absolutely sure that they are happy for you to have one of their dogs.

Spoke to the breeder today and confirmed that I am on his list for a pup from his next litter in approx. 2 years time   Can't tell you all how excited I am :D

Thanks for your help, everyone :)

Go on, Pm me with who it is so I can get excited for you too and watch out for the Import!!! It IS a Newfie aint it??? :D :D :D

PM on it's way Dawn :)

Oh you have got EXTREMELY good taste and I am very very jealous!!! :D :D :D

As do you ;) :D :D