- Location
- SW London UK
Lovely cute puppies well raised in a home. Neither Hubby or I warmed to to puppies mum. So not for us this time. Will keep looking.
Mr Stanley Blue
- Thread starter JES72
- Start date
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
I think you'll know when you find the right one. Either that, or he/she will choose you. I do understand that the 'gap' time is hard though, and hope it's not too long before you meet your next Best Dog in the World. Maybe in time for some Christmas fun/chaos?
All the best in your search.
All the best in your search.
Amen to this
- Location
- SW London UK
The mum was very much a slender working dog type, she came from a farm breeder. I think we definitely want a bit of a mix of show and working.
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- Location
- SW London UK
I'm still searching and the more I search the more worried i'm getting about picking the 'right' pup. Sometimes it feels that there are lots of puppies that are well bread and then suddenly I'm not sure.
Was just looking at your post above where you talk about a mix of show and working. There was a recent post on the SA Labrador Retriever fb page where the page owner says thereās no such thing as two different breeds. All labs should be able to work, otherwise theyāre not well bred. It made me think of Snowie. He looks like a nice show dog: block head and sturdy. But he would never have been able to work cos he got too hot, he was too clumsy, and he never had the make-up to go long distances even when younger and full of energy. I compare him to other labs who are slight of build and can go forever. His parents were chosen to breed cos they had āthe lookā thatās desired and they passed the standard health tests. But I guess there is more to it that I wasnāt aware of when looking for a pup all those years ago.
Beanwood
Administrator
Benson and Bramble are a mix of working and show - both have worked in the field picking up. Bramble has competed in a working test, plus has been awarded her KC working test on dummies and later her KC working test on game.
Caspers grand-dad was a a well- known working show labrador who not only competed in the show ring, but at working trials as well, I think he was one of the last to do that.
Wylanbriar has some lovely stud dogs and nice breeders.
My favourite stud dogs were Ray - Rivers dad - ( Bramble is mum..) Ray had the most super temperament and a perfect blend of working and show. Casper was closely related to Ray.
Morph, Rocks and Dare would be my choice if I was looking for another labrador. Lovely natured boys. I nearly had Rocks when he was a puppy, but Diane pipped me to the post!
www.wylanbriar.com
Caspers grand-dad was a a well- known working show labrador who not only competed in the show ring, but at working trials as well, I think he was one of the last to do that.
Wylanbriar has some lovely stud dogs and nice breeders.
My favourite stud dogs were Ray - Rivers dad - ( Bramble is mum..) Ray had the most super temperament and a perfect blend of working and show. Casper was closely related to Ray.
Morph, Rocks and Dare would be my choice if I was looking for another labrador. Lovely natured boys. I nearly had Rocks when he was a puppy, but Diane pipped me to the post!
Litters Available | Wylanbriar Labradors
www.wylanbriar.com
- Location
- SW London UK
Thanks,
They do look lovely, lovely broad heads and I like the idea of a mix of working/show. I've asked to join their facebook page. It looks like their may be some litters in the new year which would probably suit us better. The house still feels far too empty without a dog around.
They do look lovely, lovely broad heads and I like the idea of a mix of working/show. I've asked to join their facebook page. It looks like their may be some litters in the new year which would probably suit us better. The house still feels far too empty without a dog around.
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
Clicked on the link..... Oh Morph has stolen my heart in one photoBenson and Bramble are a mix of working and show - both have worked in the field picking up. Bramble has competed in a working test, plus has been awarded her KC working test on dummies and later her KC working test on game.
Caspers grand-dad was a a well- known working show labrador who not only competed in the show ring, but at working trials as well, I think he was one of the last to do that.
Wylanbriar has some lovely stud dogs and nice breeders.
My favourite stud dogs were Ray - Rivers dad - ( Bramble is mum..) Ray had the most super temperament and a perfect blend of working and show. Casper was closely related to Ray.
Morph, Rocks and Dare would be my choice if I was looking for another labrador. Lovely natured boys. I nearly had Rocks when he was a puppy, but Diane pipped me to the post!
Litters Available | Wylanbriar Labradors
Good job I'm not in the UK
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
I also had a look, but a certain someone was saying 'I fink you'll find there's no-one as bootiful as Me, and do you realise it's time for my toast?Clicked on the link..... Oh Morph has stolen my heart in one photo
Good job I'm not in the UK
(She was right, on both counts!)
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
She knows exactly how to tug at the heart strings!Her sweet face @Candy
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
Oh gosh do I feel you on this! Prior to meeting the SeƱor in Spain, I did a very intense tour of UK breeders. @Beanwood was so knowledgeable and helpful in pointing me in the right direction and explaining all the genetics (though admittedly I didnāt come close to understanding more than 2% of what she carries around in her big brain
).I ended up finding a wonderful breeder - thereās really someone out there for every one - but ultimately not taking the puppy Iād reserved. To make a long story short, I overthought myself into Crazy Town. I say that kind of jokingly here, but I probably shouldnāt because I really was in a bad place.
Itās just such a big decision and a person can get mired in all the different decisions when deciding on a breeder and then the specific puppy.
Many people essentially told me a version of : āChill out, youāll find the right dog when the time is rightā, which despite me knowing this sentiment was coming from a place of caring, made me (at the time) want to punch them in their well-meaning faces (and sincere apologies to my doggie-centric friends at the time because I really was a mess).
So at the risk of you wanting to virtually punch ME in the face
, please be kind to yourself, breathe, andā¦know that you WILL find your right dog.In hindsight what Iāve realized is that you do your best to make the best decision, but ultimately it almost doesnāt matter. I ended up rather randomly with CarbĆ³n (met him he day after deciding that I wasnāt ready for ANY dog and just to not look anymore), but had I gotten the reserved UK puppy from the breeder, he would have also been wonderful, albeit a completely different experience.
The main thing was that Iām better with a dog, I needed a dog, and I got a dog. Iām guessing you are the same.
Pee ess: CarbĆ³n of course would not agree that the other puppy would have been half as magnificent as he is and finds me quite silly to even entertain the thought.
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
When I was looking for Ted I thought I'd got the perfect dog for the job (Pets as Therapy).
I couldn't have been more wrong. He's as unsuitable as it's possible to be.
But it just so happens that he's perfect for me in every way. No PAT but he's been and is MY therapy dog through the move and coming to terms with my physical limitations.
Your new pup will be just right - even if challenging in some way (aren't they all?)
See @Jelinga!
I couldn't have been more wrong. He's as unsuitable as it's possible to be.
But it just so happens that he's perfect for me in every way. No PAT but he's been and is MY therapy dog through the move and coming to terms with my physical limitations.
Your new pup will be just right - even if challenging in some way (aren't they all?)
See @Jelinga!
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
When we got Hunter I envisaged treks in the Lake District and long walks and jogging and agility. However at such a young age at 17 weeks his ED started. Initially we were in shock but here we are 7 years later where we have fun short walks and a chocolate idiot who loves people. I would not swap him for the world and we love him so much it hurts.
You will know when it feels right and it will happen. Probably when you aren't really looking x
You will know when it feels right and it will happen. Probably when you aren't really looking x
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
I'm so glad that other people have been saying things along the lines of what I've been thinking.
I've actually never really chosen a dog ever, and Joy is my 6th. Every time the dog I've taken home has been the only one left, or the one that was returned, or, for whatever reason was the one that no-one else was interested in. When I rang to ask about the litter of pups that Joy came from I was told 'We've spaced the viewing out and you're going to be the last ones, so you probably won't have a choice. Are you sure about coming all this way for a dog that you might not want?' My reply was that I didn't see how I could possibly look at a little Black Labrador girl and think 'No, I don't want her.' She was the last remaining and smallest surviving one of her litter and from the first moment I held her she was my dog and I knew her name was Joy.
It took a little (but only a very, very little) time for her to totally wiggle her way as deeply into my heart as her predecessors had been, but that's happened with every new dog, so I wasn't too worried. I think what I'm trying to say is 'Just go for it!' My belief is that you could spend months and years trying to find 'The right dog ', but in the end you'll fall in love with the dog you've chosen, simply because he/she is YOUR dog, and that dog is always the best dog in the world.
Sending love and best wishes for your search, but (said gently) perhaps don't over think it? xxx
I've actually never really chosen a dog ever, and Joy is my 6th. Every time the dog I've taken home has been the only one left, or the one that was returned, or, for whatever reason was the one that no-one else was interested in. When I rang to ask about the litter of pups that Joy came from I was told 'We've spaced the viewing out and you're going to be the last ones, so you probably won't have a choice. Are you sure about coming all this way for a dog that you might not want?' My reply was that I didn't see how I could possibly look at a little Black Labrador girl and think 'No, I don't want her.' She was the last remaining and smallest surviving one of her litter and from the first moment I held her she was my dog and I knew her name was Joy.
It took a little (but only a very, very little) time for her to totally wiggle her way as deeply into my heart as her predecessors had been, but that's happened with every new dog, so I wasn't too worried. I think what I'm trying to say is 'Just go for it!' My belief is that you could spend months and years trying to find 'The right dog ', but in the end you'll fall in love with the dog you've chosen, simply because he/she is YOUR dog, and that dog is always the best dog in the world.
Sending love and best wishes for your search, but (said gently) perhaps don't over think it? xxx
I agree.
I didnāt know much about choosing a dog when we got Stanley - we didnāt do research and weāre very naive. Stanley was just bred from a family pet.
Would I do that again? Absolutely not. Iād research and make sure it was all done properly.
Have I regretted it for one second? No! I am 100% confident that Stanley is the best dog in the whole world (or we think so anyway).
As an aside - we got first pick of the litter. There was 7 pups and one just seemed more bonkers than the rest and clambered over the rest of them to get to us. I was convinced it was because he liked us to much so we picked that one. Nope.. turns out thatās just Stanley through and through
I didnāt know much about choosing a dog when we got Stanley - we didnāt do research and weāre very naive. Stanley was just bred from a family pet.
Would I do that again? Absolutely not. Iād research and make sure it was all done properly.
Have I regretted it for one second? No! I am 100% confident that Stanley is the best dog in the whole world (or we think so anyway).
As an aside - we got first pick of the litter. There was 7 pups and one just seemed more bonkers than the rest and clambered over the rest of them to get to us. I was convinced it was because he liked us to much so we picked that one. Nope.. turns out thatās just Stanley through and through
I agree with what has been said already. Also, I feel you can really spiral going down the research route. You can research as much as you want but itās not always a guarantee that things wonāt happen... unfortunately
.
I truly understand itās not easy, after losing Axel at only 6 years old, my cancer worry is there, 100%, but Iām so glad I took the leap and got a new puppy. I think you just need to trust yourself more, and trust that if you found a reputable breeder that has health tests done and the parents have wonderful temperaments, then youāll end up with a wonderful puppy with a good chance of a healthy long life with you. No matter what there is no guarantee, but what is guaranteed is youāll make lasting memories with your new pup and form a new bond that youāll cherish
.I truly understand itās not easy, after losing Axel at only 6 years old, my cancer worry is there, 100%, but Iām so glad I took the leap and got a new puppy. I think you just need to trust yourself more, and trust that if you found a reputable breeder that has health tests done and the parents have wonderful temperaments, then youāll end up with a wonderful puppy with a good chance of a healthy long life with you. No matter what there is no guarantee, but what is guaranteed is youāll make lasting memories with your new pup and form a new bond that youāll cherish
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
We did no research when we got Sky. When we rang the number on the advert all the puppies had gone but a few months later we got a call to say one had been returned (through no fault of her own) and so Sky became ours. With Red I went on the Kennel Club site and found a litter about an hours drive away. We had a choice of 2 girls - both lovely. Red just seemed a bit livelier. As most of you know we had problems that first 6 months as Sky didnāt like a puppy coming to live with her (that changed). Apart from using the KC site and checking hip scores, I did no research, was probably/possibly naive but actually I have absolutely no regrets and if Iād waited it would have got more and more difficult. @JES72 I hope you can find your puppy quickly and enjoy having a dog again
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Food for thought from @Atemas .
I wasn't even looking for a puppy, but when my friends lovely black Lab Tia ( who has just died) had puppies had a litter I decided to have one. I didn't even know about health scoring tests etc, just fell for the one who looked the most like her Mum. So far so good health wise for Cass at 8 and a half although she gets a little stiff sometimes
Conversely, my new dog walking friend researched litters and bought a puppy from a health tested etc bitch - and sweet Ralph started limping at 6 months and elbow surgery at 18 months. At 5 he has had further operations, is on a huge amount of painkillers and restricted exercise.
I wasn't even looking for a puppy, but when my friends lovely black Lab Tia ( who has just died) had puppies had a litter I decided to have one. I didn't even know about health scoring tests etc, just fell for the one who looked the most like her Mum. So far so good health wise for Cass at 8 and a half although she gets a little stiff sometimes
Conversely, my new dog walking friend researched litters and bought a puppy from a health tested etc bitch - and sweet Ralph started limping at 6 months and elbow surgery at 18 months. At 5 he has had further operations, is on a huge amount of painkillers and restricted exercise.