gwb Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Hi Im new to this section. We are about to buy our first Gundog a Black lab Dog about 5 weeks old. We have been recomended a breeder and are planning to go and have a look. It is the last dog the bitch is being sold today[ the fact that it is the last of the litter is a bit concerning]. What are the questions We should be asking the breeder and what paperwork if any should be looked at. The parents are scored Mum 4/4 Dad 4/5. We can see the Mum and pictures of the Dad and grandparents. The breeder is a member of many gundog clubs also the parents have current eye test certificates. Sorry for the ramblings but I am a complete novice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 one always has to be the last but what you're looking for is a pup that looks healthy and alert. I like it if they've been reared by the family and its more an occasional breeding than a business. Look at the papers and you'll get an idea how keen they are on their dogs. If any alarm bells ring walk away no matter how cute it looks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 my lab Jack was the last in the litter , and the breeder let me have him cheaper as he was the last one . the same thoughts went through my mind , but that dog turned out to be the best dog i could of hoped for , sadly he's no longer with us boy do i miss him every day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malinois Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Hi, if your dog was culred up in a ball hiding from everything I would be worried! However, I have bred quite a few litter and if you could hear some of the reasons why people pick certain pups you would realise that being the last pup in the litter means nothing. Reasons for picking a pup 1) It looked at me 2) It licked me 3) My pup fell asleep on my lap before yours 5) It barked Etc, etc I know something for certain, anybody can take the pick of the litter and destroy it. But with time and effort you can make your pup into a dog better than the pick. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbo33 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 I had a fantastic springer years ago that was put to a quiet bitch. We had pick of the litter instead of the stud fee. My then wife chose (and wouldn't budge) the quiet one one his own in the corner. His tail was docked a little short, his hind legs where longer than his front ones so as they say he was built downhill. So he wasn't the most perfect specimen..........however he turned out to be one of the best dogs I ever had, loyal,amusing, great with the then kids and so biddable he made training a breeze. We are conditioned to seek perfection in a pup. I wouldn't worry as long as he is healthy and as said someone has to pick the last one. good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwb Posted September 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Thanks everyone for the replies. We are going to see the five week old pup on Sunday. We have googled the breeder and are a lot less concerned as he is well respected in the gundog community. We have asked a few more questions and he was pleased that we took the trouble to ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen shooter Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Hi I have a pup dad moonreed flush, great ftc with a bit of badger in him at the moment hes bloody crazy 12 weeks old never stops barking when hes out of the kennel he runs round like a mad thing , but i think he will make it hes bold and full of spirit, hes nearly all white tyipical Rytex and a bit nervy wish me luck. my other springer has an irish ftc x scotish bitch and hes magic you can never tell jen shooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted October 1, 2009 Report Share Posted October 1, 2009 Bear in mind that home reared litters may be treated differently in that the last puppy left may have been deliberately held back in case the owners were stuck with one. That one may be the pup that has been best socialised and played with more than the rest of the litter. I've done it myself and ultimately the buyer has benefitted from a well balanced puppy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper3 Posted October 1, 2009 Report Share Posted October 1, 2009 We had the last pick of the litter 1st i was asked without being told ..which one would i have if i had the full choice..... within seconds i picked the little black pup.. a big smile came over the breeders face..... that is the one that hasnt been picked the pups at this stage were 2 weeks old, the breeder who is a friend .. brought the pups up in a family environment my little fella (Kai) is 4 months old now ....... and is just so perfect for us... he just wants to work naturaly.... the breeder said..he wishes he had kept him now.... as he has the makings of a fantastic gundog Kai is a working cocker........... one of his brothers has became a pet..the other will be working...... kia starts his GDT in 6 weeks so being the last to be picked ..don't always mean they are the worst of the bunch....some buyers just go for pretty markings...I wanted a gundog....I feel I got what I wanted john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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