My sister is wanting to get a Retreiver puppy next year and she is trying to decide whether she would be better buying a puppy from a breeder or getting a rescue puppy. She has young children (3 under 8) and is at home all day. She is more than happy to buy a puppy from a proper breeder,money is not an issue for her, but she would really like to take a rescue pup. She has no intention of showing the dog and would never be looking to breed from it.

If anyone an offer any advice or just an opinion we'd both be very greatful.

Thanks,

Fiona

A puppy that is in rescue is likely to have got there due to the owners not realising the work involved, or not training. this will mean a lot of remedial work with a bigger pup! Personally I would go for a baby pup from a breeder, and train it right from the word go.

In both instances I would want her to be sure she knows how much hard work, toime and commitment will be needed to bring either pup up. I have had pups and young children so it isn't impossible, but it is exhausting. I would certainly not consider a puppy if she has more than one pre schooler, as she will be worn out lol

Hi,
I think she would be better getting a puppy from a breeder. In rescue you are more likely to get older puppies who have had one home already and may need extra time and training. The retriever breeds are very different in character too so she would be well advised to go to Discover Dogs and see the differnt types and talk to breed experts there. She could get details of the breed clubs who would help to give her more idea of what the breed is like to live with, and perhaps visit a breeder at home with the children and dogs.
Before buying do check with the vet for any BVA scheme tests which should have been undertaken by the breeders for a particular breed.
Good luck with the search for the right puppy and the right retriever breed.
Polly & Foxpath Flatcoated Retrievers.

Thank you both for your advice - I am going to the DD show tomorrow with my husband and children so I'll be talking to the Retreiver people there on my sisters behalf, she's in Paris for the weekend so she isn't able to go.

I think in the end she will end up buying a puppy from a breeder, although having a father who worked for the RSPCA for 35yrs our first thought is always to get a rescue pup. It just seems such a shame when there are so many rescue dogs around.

Fiona

I hope you had a nice time at DD, as for your question I help with the goldie rescue and we do get some puppies in but not many usually males at about 9-15 mnths old{i would say 50% of them from homes with young children} It would be best to buy from a breeder the only thing I would say is that alot of breeders do not like selling to owners with very young children ie under 3 some under 5.I do not sell to new dog owners if they have very young children or planning on having a baby{as i know what it feels like to have dogs around a newborn baby}
You do seem like you have looked into this well so I hope you get what you are looking for.