just found this forum, which was of great interest to me as Iam thinking of getting a new pup.Ihave looked at the option of rescue, but ther don t seem to be much choice of small dogs, mostly unfortunately staffy types. What concerns me is all the horror stories about puppy farms.I wondered why on Preloved that so many phone numbers were the same. what i would like to know is should I choose a cocker spaniel or a cockapoo ?Anybody got any advice.

Is there anything wrong with a staffy type breed, many rescues have youngsters including pups up for adoption?

My preference would be a cocker, but then that's a given, since I've had a little experience with them. Whatever your choice, it's important, as you've discovered, to support someone who is breeding ethically, doing the health tests, and breeding from good breeding stock, ie good temperament and conformation etc.

And, btw, welcome to the forum

Nothing wrong with a staffie They make fantastic family pets - great with kids, love everyone they meet, they're really happy, friendly, easy going little dogs

But, like every breed, they won't be to everyones tastes, so would you consider one of non-puppy rescue dogs? Plenty to choose from there! OR - keep looking - there are lots of litters that come into rescues that aren't staffie or staffie types.

Preloved, gumtree, epupz etc are the worst places to find a dog - as you've found out, they're favoured by puppy farmers. Do HEAPS of research and decide on the breed you want - then contact the kennel club who will be able to point you in the direction of a breeder who produces healthy, sound puppies.

__________________

''Dogs are like chocolates, you can never have just one!''

I'm with sleeping lion on this, I'd go for the cocker, I've worked my dogs alongside cockers for years and they've always been excellent.
Let me add my welcome to the forum.

Don't rule out staffis as most do make lovely pets, it's such a shame they have a bad rep.

What sort of breed were you looking for? If it's particular type then there are breed specific rescues as well that may have smaller types of dogs.

If you put your location & breeds you are interested in then people may be able to recommend resuces centres should you choose to get a rescue dog

The reason the numbers on preloved are very similar is that they are not the person numbers when you sign up with such places as preloved the number is so there is a middle man and you pay more for the phone call.

Im a staffy lover here and would love to rescue one soon, nowt wrong with staffys they are amazing dogs but as said its not everyones choice of breed.

Good luck in your search hope you find the perfect doggie x

__________________
DEED NOT BREED BSL SPAWNED OUT OF IGNORANCE AND FEAR.

Owned by
Dogs:
Stanlie SBT
hooch SBT
Tara Colliex

Cats
Tango

Rabbits
Lily
Rose
Oscar