"Pot bellies are pretty normal i think, our pup had worms it wouldnt put me off as its very normal havin them with puppies"

I'm sorry but I don't agree with this statement. After eating, my puppies would have full looking tummies but they wouldn't look pot bellied. Pot bellies tend to be either a sign of wormy pups or of pups that aren't fed often enough and have to gorge themselves when they are fed. Neither of those are good!

I worm my puppies following the manufacturer's instructions, usually at about 3, 5 and 7 weeks. I've never seen worms from my pups - or from pups that I've bought in from a reputable breeder. The only time I've seen worms is from my little mutt that I had as a rescue.

To the original poster - good for you for walking away if things didn't feel right. I never let people handle my pups until they are at least 4 weeks old - it's not fair on their mum to have strangers about. But after that, the more the merrier.

If you let us know what breed you are looking for, perhaps we will be able to advise you. I would strongly recommend contacting the breed clubs to find out about any health issues that may affect your chosen breed and to see if there are any health tests that should be carried out on breeding stock. They should also be able to put you in touch with someone reputable.

Edited to add: Bobbysgirl, your post has appeared since I started typing my post I would contact the breed clubs rather than just look on websites for your chosen breeds. Also, not all reputable breeders vaccinate their pups before they leave - I have never vaccinated pups unless they are staying with me past 8 weeks. I prefer the new owners to take their new pup to their own vet for an independent check and have the jab there. Not all vets use the same vaccines and if the breeder uses a different brand from the new owner's vet, they may have to start the regime again - not good!

You definitely need to see the pups' mother, but not necessarily the father. Most good breeders have to go elsewhere to find the best possible mate for their bitches (usually but not always the case - over 20 years I have used my own dog twice on my bitches )

ok bobbysmum i have PMed you