For the first time in many many years we're looking for a puppy.

The last two times I had experience of pups it was done all wrong really, the first came from a farm (dairy not puppy of course!) and had little experience of the outside world. We brought him home had him given his jabs and kept him so isolated out of fear of desease I think it led to his being pretty scared of everything all his life later.

The last one I had, a terrier, also came from a farm and was an impulse buy as I wanted a rough coat but this very dominant smooth pup latched on to my wife straight away and we came away with him. A big mistake as it turned out, he was never really a good companion dog, always looking for a way to advance his position, never satisfied and he saw children as weak people to be dominated. I loved him to bits but he was allways hard work all his life I had to watch him like a hawk and I don't want to go there again.

Now this time, after a long break from dogs, we decided to have a Miniature Poodle and I have found a breeder quite local, they are all kept in the house and when we visited about nine, mostly bitches of all ages with a couple of dog pups 2mths and 5mths came through to meet us properly. They were lovely friendly relaxed and sociable dogs and all clean and apparently healthy.

There will probobly be a litter the colour we want in a few months and we are happy to wait anyway, but should I settle or look around, it just does'nt seem right to just look at one breeders dogs? We are'nt looking to breed ever, we only want a really nice family pet.

i always shop around, that way you can look at many litters, and have a better idea of what to look for, i think you should see a few more litters before you decide on a pup.

good luck
Gemma x

Do look around, even if the breeder isn't very local. The more breeders you see the better you will get at determining what is right for you. Even if you do decide to go with this breeder in the end, it's good to be able to compare so you know why you like her best. Also read up about the breed and find out all the health tests that should be done. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder lots of questions, and a good breeder should ask you lots of questions too since they only want the best homes for their pups. Pay attention to the temprement of the mum (and the dad if he's there, if not ask about what he's like).