I made some enquires looking to import a pup from Finland but the breeder said she does not export to the UK due to our passport scheme which would (she said) mean the pup couldn't come to the UK till it was about 9 months of age.  I've never looked at importing before so not to sure what is involved and is it different for a puppy compared to an adult dog?

Any replies appreciated.

No.  Both adult or puppy have to go through exactly the same Pet Passport procedures which take around 8 months.

We have alot of show dogs come into our Quarantine Centre.
The owners find it better than waiting the 9 months.
They can then at least get to bond with them.
We even had one leave on a wednesday and won his first cc on the saturday.
It is down to prefrence and the breeders wishes.

Reading DW the other day is the ruling going to change from 2012?

The earliest you can rabies vaccinate for Pets Passport is 12 weeks, then you can blood test 3-4 weeks later, then it is 6 months after the blood test (if the result is good) before the dog come in so that means a minimum age of 10 months before the puppy can arrive in the UK without quarantine. It can be difficult finding a breeder willing and able to keep a pup for that long. I went through it last year and our breeder was happy to keep the dog (for 5 euros a day) but although he was socialised etc, obviously it's not like getting a young puppy and he's needed some extra work.

Thanks everyone for your replies.  Looks like it's going to be a long haul which ever way I do it.
Either importing a dog or sperm. :-)

I imported a RR pup last summer from Finland. He couldn't come over til he was 10 1/2 months. However, the breeder did a super job and found a lovely family willing to raise him. They did an excellent job and I am very lucky to have a gorgeous and well balanced boy :)

This is what put me off importing a bitch, coming into a pack at 10 or 11mths old, hope you get something sorted Joan.

I have spoken to a friend who lives in France and she is able to collect and keep any dog I may want to bring to the UK from Europe. :-)  I had one of her pups here for an extended time before she went to join her mum in France and she has settled without any problems with the other dogs there.