Hi

Now I'm not actually looking at getting a dog for another 18 months or so (I need to finish uni first) but we want to plan ahead
Is it worth even contacting a breeder so early on?

Thanks

Yes, good breeders will often have started waiting lists long before the litter is even conceived.

Use the time to get an idea of the breed type you admire, visit some shows and buy a catalogue, you will quite quickly find that certain breeders or certain stud dogs stock appeals most.

Then contact those breeders for inclusion on their waiting list.

If you contact the breed club they'll be able to point out breed club days as well, great place to see many a Saint on show for you to admire. Always a good point is to get a catalogue like Brainless has mentioned and if the norm take photos of the dogs you like in the ring and mark them on the catalogue too and then have a good look at them when you get home.
Speak to people, breeders, owners, committee members, all will have something to say about the breed.

Get books on the breed too, also if they have a breed yearbook that is always worth buying. Join up with the breed clubs too..

There are also many all breed champ shows this summer dotted about the country, we can point you in the right direction on here if you'd like. The Bath show will be on this sunday for your breed if that is of any help?

Thank you both so much!

Bath is a bit far from me. I'm in Essex if either of you know of any shows round these parts?
Of course I don't mind travelling if theres nothing on for a few months

Thank you again

Is Winsdor too far?? There is a large show on at the beg of July..And one in Peterborough about a week later.

ETA: I have checked 3 of the Saint club sites and there nearest show would be in Bucks, depending on where in Essex you are.

hmmmmm geography not my strong point :D I'm pretty sure Peterborough is about an hour and half away from me so thats doable!
We'll definitely go have a nosey round there, hopefully go along to one of the breed club shows too depending on when they are on

I'm guessing most are at weekends?

Sent you a PM with details on Ch show websites and also the breed club websites to mooch through.