Who are you getting your puppy from? And whereabouts are you? I know someone who has Toller (I thought they were Tollards?) puppys at the moment. Depending on where you are I could find out who she sees. Also if you are going to be anywhere near the breeder I would suggest finding out who they use and go with them.

Otherwise drop in and ask if, although they don't know the breed, are they willing and able to look into it. Also go with your gut instinct about how they respond to you on the phone, do they feel like they want your business, what are the premises like, what do the dogs coming and going look like. I found a great vets first by phoning and asking questions, then going by my gut. My dogs LOVE the vets (and one of my dogs used to hate it before we moved - would practically be in convulsions going through the door). They DRAG me into the clinic and the office, and most of the dogs I've seen going in are dragging their owners in. The atmosphere is wonderful.

Wendy

Hi Wendy, we're in Berkshire - where abouts is your friend? I think we've settled on a vet, but we may well change our minds!! We phoned and asked the local gundog club if they could reccommend a vet in the area and we're off to see them next week. Hopefully they'll be what we're looking for and they are fairly local.

They are the other side of the village and not in the local phone book (wrong district) so I didn't call them when I was doing my phone around!!

Chris

Our friend is down near Christchurch - a little far for you I think. Best of luck finding a vet you're happy with - that was a great thought to phone the gundog group!

Wendy:)

Another tactic is to "mug" local dog walkers and ask them which vet they use. If there's a swell of opinion to one vet or another, then that is a good indication.

I changed vet after we got the Towel Hound. After I heard the second vet say "Gee. I've never seen a Cumberland Spaniel before" I knew the time had come . . . :)

We followed local recommendations and the new vets have been brilliant. They even have another clumber in the practice, which helps with minority breeds.

Do Cumberlands taste as good as the sausage??

most of which isn't really Cumberland sausage just a spicy sausage made somewhere else:(

Hi Chris

i echo what others have already said. Our local vet was great with our cats but was not an expert with rabbits so when we got a rabbit - we moved to a vet much further away - but who was able to deal with the rabbit. The most important thing is that you are happy with the vet and really distance is secondary.

Pam n co

I agree. As long as the vet is willing to travel that distance in an emergency!

I have spent ages building up a great relationship with a lady vet in my nearby surgery, she was fabulous with my elderly Terv, also my guinea-pigs; and now sadly after well over 2 years of total confidence she has left the practice and I can't follow her as she is now miles away.

I visited the practice with my GP the other day, saw another vet and just didn't feel confident; he didn't seem to get any rapport with my pet. At the end of the say that's what's important to me, and I shall have to move vets if i can't trust the new female vet - havn'et seen her yet.

Good luck in your search.

Think you need to feel comfortable and have confidence in your vet, that being the case I would prefer to have a vet that was as near as is posible in case you have to drive with a very sick dog to the surgery, sometimes a home visit is not best if there is a need to use the surgery equipment. Don't worry too much if they do not know your breed well, thats your job, you can inform the vet of any special problem the breed may have. Above all you must have confidence. If you like what you hear on the phone ask if you can visit. JH

Lindsay - we have a BRILLIANT practice in Corfe Mullen - I know it's a little trek for you - but not too far. Email me if you want info!

Wendy

HI, I agree with the sentiments of most of you, I sent several years working with rescued Rotties as well as having two of my own. Finding a vet who was confident in handling them was not always easy, a couple of the local vets insisted that I muzzle all the dogs before they would treat them even though I could vouch for the temperament of most of them especially my own. And I would always take control of the sharp end.

In the end I found a great vet who although admitting he had little direct experience of Rotties and the problems that are particular to the breed. went out of the way to find out more and was always interested in how the dogs were doing. He always made a point of spending a few moments greeting the dogs when they arrived and was never without a biscuit in his pocket. he was also always happy to follow my lead when it came to the use of a muzzle. His confidence flowed to the animals he treated and they were always pleased to see him.

One outstanding thing I remember was when Tina my bitch went to be spayed. I was really nervous she had had a bad start in life and would jump at shadows and wet at loud noises or raised voices when I first got her it had taken me 6 months to make any progress at all so the thought of her being handled by strangers in unfamiliar surroundings I thought may put her back a few steps, after discussing this with the vet they agreed to let me stay with her until she was out and wait with her on the floor of the recovery room while she came round, in all it made the experience less traumatic for us both.

In my humble opinion the difference between a good and a great vet is one that understands the animals and not just about the breed or type of animal in question.

Hang on to this vet lucycaz, he sounds absolutely fantastic.....this is like the vet we all hope to find!!!

You can't blame the vets. Find out from people locally who they think is a good vet. No vets know my breed but i travel 25 minutes to my vet because he's so good.

I hope you enjoy your toller, they same a lovely breed. Have fun.