I believe I know the answer to this before I send the message, however, as I'm sure most of you know more about this area than me I would value your opinion.

I went to view an 8 week old puppy on the weekend and she was fabulous.  I don't just mean from the cute big brown eyes view, she was very loving, calm and seemed a good temperament.  Just what I've been looking for.  A couple of concerns though.

Firstly she was in a kind of outhouse with two other puppies.  Same breed and I was told her sisters.  There was another area with some older puppies ( the same breed) and another pen with some other older dogs of a different breed which the owners were "looking after".  The area was covered with shredded paper which had poops over the floor, one large bed and no toys (not the sort of environment I would expect, maybe I expect too much).  The mother was nowhere to be seen and when I asked to see her they were reluctant saying the mother had been separated from the puppies and they couldn't meet now.  When it had stopped raining they let two adult bitches out into the yard, one I was told the mother and the other the grand mother but they were separated from the puppies.  The "mother" had large nips, as a recent feeding mother would have but I can't understand why she couldn't see the pup.

Also the puppy had mucky eyes, a brown discharge, and a smell which I recognised as some sort of ear problem (from my previous baby after her last trip to the kennels which resulted in drops from the vet). 

This all sounds bad but she was gorge.  She also seemed very needy and I've read the puppy books which told me that puppies who are separated from their mothers can seek more human contact and sometimes suffer from separation anxiety.  I've read all the books, as my last special girl was almost three when she chose me as her mummy so I haven't been through puppy hood yet.

I would love your opinion and needless to say I didn't have the pup.  I, for once allowed my head to rule my heart as I was worried about future health implications and as I wasn't impressed with the breeder don't really want to support such ways of breeding.  Maybe I expect too much?  Have I made the right decision???

Thank you

Mad about pooches bird.

You're right.  You know the answer! :(  Have a read of this http://www.dog-play.com/breedercomparison.htm
If you ring the breed club of your chosen breed, the secretary will be able to put you in touch will a reputable breeder.:)

Yes i think you made the right decision.

Yes, you made the right decision - but it's hard to walk away isn't it? I wouldn't expect any 8 week old puppy to be calm - you could well find that she was either very anxious or lacking in socialisation skills. When you see a properly reared, properly socialised litter, you will know the difference immediately.

Yes, definitely the right decision. I wouldn't expect an 8-week old pup to be 'calm' - I'd expect it to be full of life and curiosity, wanting to climb all over you, chewing your hair and nose ... I'd also expect mum to have free access to her pups.