Puppy Information
In this section, I've covered several common questions regarding owning a new puppy. It's important to note that a wealth of more relevant and insightful information about this aspect is available through the LaRoyal email list, which you can join using the link below.
You'll also find relevant information in the 🗞️Dog Diary blog by filtering the search category 'Puppy' or by clicking here.
You'll also find relevant information in the 🗞️Dog Diary blog by filtering the search category 'Puppy' or by clicking here.
Is pet insurance worth it? Most breeders will offer you a free trial period of pet insurance. Like any insurance, it removes an element of worry should the unexpected ever happen. We suggest that you shop around for a suitable pet insurance once your free trial has ended. Be cautious of cheaper insurances as the initial excess to claim is normally higher or treatment is only covered for a fixed term, not for the life of the dog.
A handy tip is to start your insurance when you place your deposit at 6wks old, this way when you collect your puppy at 8wks you will have already served your 'grace period' so should you need to make a claim, you can straight away. Some breeders are selling puppies with endorsements what does this mean? The use of Kennel Club endorsements enables breeders to help protect their quality stock which has been carefully and responsibly bred. It is generally assumed that breeders endorse their stock to safeguard the dogs' future, the breed and themselves.
If a puppy is endorsed it may have one or both of the following; Progeny Not Eligible for Registration and/or Export Pedigree Not Allowed. Some breeders will be willing to remove an endorsement, when the dog has reached a particular age and has passed any required health checks. Endorsements will not have any impact on new owners unless they are looking to breed from their puppy or exhibit abroad. What’s the difference between rearing a show or pet puppy? This is where nature and nurture come in to affect. A breeder can only sell a 'potential' show puppy. Puppies are living, breathing animals and the future of how each one develops is relatively unknown. A reputable breeder will do their best to select the correct and compatible genes for their bloodlines - good producing combinations should result in a litter of good health and, hopefully, looks. But unless a puppy is suitability groomed for the show ring it can go still go wrong.
A show kennel will often provide the best advice for rearing a show puppy. This can be from feeding the right food, the correct supplements and ensuring you attend ring craft enabling you to learn how to handle a dog correctly and for the puppy to learn how to move at correct pace and have ring patience. Deciding to show a dog is not a decision to be taken lightly. It will require a lot of time and dedication and many have, and many more will, fall by the wayside. You will also need to consider the financial impact of exhibiting a dog; show entry fees, catalogues, fuel and show leads to name a few items all start to become costly. The rewards and success of exhibiting are indefinable to most dedicated enthusiasts, but one thing you must always remember: you always take the best dog home! |
Should I get my puppy micro chipped? Since 2016 it's been compulsory for breeders to sell their puppies already microchipped.
Pedigree dog theft is on the increase and with some breeds demanding a high purchase price this is an ideal opportunity for someone. Some breeders are now qualified to micro chip, and will even do your puppy on collection. We recommend that you never tie your dog outside of a shop and if unknown characters enquire about cost, never reveal! You can even put them off by making up a story about the dog being a rescue with a limiting life condition! Likewise, use some caution when walking your dog. Avoid walking the same route at the same time of day and also be cautious of walking passed unfamiliar vans. What's the difference between a show and pet puppy? In essence very little! The price is not normally different for a show or pet, dog or bitch. The same effort goes in to the rearing of each pup so why should it be?
To be able to show a suitable dog in the show ring, it must be as near to the breed standard as possible. One tiny flaw can impact its placing in the ring. This could be ear shape, eye pigment or even tail setting! A breeder will normally ask if you are enquiring for a pet or show dog, so they are able to suggest the most suitable dog for you. Show and Pet dogs are not defined by personality or health, but by having the right attributes for a show ring judge, which is normally of lower priority to the majority of most bulldog owners! |
Shall I get my puppy neutered? The discussion to neuter or not is debatable! Some believe it's an unnecessary operation. Others believe it reduces the chances of cancer and, of course, unplanned puppies! If you do choose to have your puppy neutered, wait until it's fully matured. The Kennel Club set maturity at 12 months old, but 18 months or older is ideal for a bull breed.
What's the difference between a dog or a bitch? What sex of dog you want comes down to personal preference. Below are a few differences between them:
DOG
BITCH
Why are bull breed puppies more expensive then some other breeds? In the past bull breeds have tended to be more costly due to the additional human intervention required from birth. However, nowadays non-genuine breeders have caught on to this fact and are producing poorly bred dogs at a high market price. The reputable breeders in the market are hoping to outride this negative interest while still producing high quality dogs at the same price as the poorly considered ones. For this reason, research really is the key when buying a new pup. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is and is probably some kind of scam. You might even be buying a cross breed using the Bulldog name such as "American Bulldog", "Olde English bulldogge" or "Regency Bulldogs".
If a bulldog puppy is outside of your financial scope then perhaps a slightly older dog maybe more suitable: Some breeders may have ex-brood bitches available at a reduced price. Alternatively Bulldog Rescue or Frenchie Welfare maybe looking for suitable homes. Please bear in mind the cost of dog ownership only starts with the purchase! The additional costs of pet furnishings and essentials (pet food, insurance, health checks and updates) are ongoing and forever increasing with inflation! |
A waiting list! Any reputable breeder will have a list of interested parties and it will take them some time to vet you and decide if you're successful. But don't get disheartened. This is the ideal time to start some serious researching. Contacting breed clubs and attending a local show is a big step in the right direction.
I'm sure all breeders vet potential owners in different ways, but all will be expecting to see a good stable home for their puppy to grow up, mature in to an adult dog and eventually grow old, with all the love and attention it needs. Popular breeders will receive many enquiries on a weekly basis, for this reason if a message is left on answer phone - don't expect a return call if unacquainted. Be willing to be persistent and be keen to show your genuine interest and breed research. Once you have located a litter, the breeder probably won't give their detailed address until required. This is due to the increasing number of litter thefts. Likewise they may ask you to bring identification, to ensure all visitors are genuine. Puppy viewings normally start from 6 weeks of age and collection for new homes from 8 weeks of age. If you decide to purchase a puppy, normally, a non-refundable deposit is left to secure your puppy and the balance is payable on collection. Some breeders may not be sure which puppy they are keeping for themselves (normally for the show ring) therefore you won't be able to have pick of litter. They may inform you that it may be 1 of 2 that you will be taking home. This is nothing to be concerned about, but if you feel uncomfortable make your feelings known. Remember - it is possible they'll pick the wrong one to keep when so young, so you might come off the better party! If you don't feel comfortable with the breeder, the litter or the general situation of the dogs, then don't buy a puppy, politely decline and leave. Lack of confidence and trust will only result in miscommunication and disagreements further down the line. When you find the right breeder and litter, they should be able to fulfil the following;
Many breeders will achieve all the above and much more, but please ensure you receive the essential basics. Interest from a breeder shouldn't just finish at point of sale, though it's unlikely they will ring you on a weekly basis! They should be available to offer you support and advice as your puppy grows. |
The perfect home!
Okay that might not exist, but they strive to put each puppy in the best home possible And they will probably expect you to prove that you are that suitable home! Showing you have researched the breed will go a long way in providing the right impression. A breeder will respect potential owners that show eagerness to learn but also listen. They will appreciate people that are conscious of how special the breed is and the continued upkeep and maintenance it will require. A realistic attitude and common sense is what is needed. A new puppy is adorable, but it needs to be reared with fair guidelines and rules. Spoilt puppies turn in to unmanageable dogs. Be prepared to justify why you want a puppy. Vetting can come in many forms and even the earlier stages you might be getting a telephone interview without even knowing it! And just because you have a viewing doesn't mean the breeder will allow you to have a puppy. It's just another stage of the vetting process! If after all that you manage to pass the breed initiation and you feel you're found a breeder you can rely on, then your on your way to finding the right puppy for you! Make sure once you've got your new puppy home that you provide regular updates. Breeders are interested to see the final outcome of what they've bred and unless you keep them informed they will never know! I've still got a question? Join the LaRoyal email list and reply to any email and we'll get back to you direct.
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