The puppy search is still on and today I found a local ad for Border Collies, the long haired type which are the ones we are looking for. They are on a farm and the (working) parents can be seen. However, the puppies are 7 weeks old but have not been wormed or vaccinated. Do you think we should check them out or steer clear?

We are thinking that maybe we should start looking for a different breed as all Border Collies seem to be bred on farms around here and are going quite cheap but often are not vet checked etc.

Am about to give up to be honest as we've been looking for weeks now and still having no joy

Would appreciate your thoughts.

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"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

I think they are supposed to have been wormed by now but we brought Poppy from a family who had an "ooops" pregnancy so we got her vet checked and vaccinated at I think it was 9 weeks.

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Not being vaccinated wouldn't worry me, but not being wormed is terrible. I would definately walk away.

Where are you? Is there any reason why you have to get one locally and is there any reason why you are giving up after a few weeks?

I don't know how you're going finding a puppy, but I spend a long time searching out a pup, it has taken me more than a year on one occasion. The problem with wanting a puppy 'now' and just looking at adverts for a litter with ready to go puppies is that you are increasing the likelihood of a finding a poorly bred litter.

IMO buying a puppy cannot be hurried. It is an animal that you want to live as part of a family for ten or more years and as such, so taking your time to find a well bred, health puppy with a good temperament is paramount and should not be rushed. Of course, you may strike lucky, but the odds are against you.

Good luck in your search.

We're not giving up really, just feeling a bit stressed about it I suppose as we started off looking to rehome a dog but found it wasn't as easy as we thought it would be, with having young children in the home. We saw over 300 dogs and weren't matched with any that were suitable. We would prefer to rehome a dog rather than buy a puppy but so far, we haven't been able to.

As for puppies, we are prepared to wait and don't just want anything just because it is ready now and yes, we would be prepared to travel. It has to be the right one because as you rightly say, any dog we bring into our home will be a part of the family for many many years. I guess I'm just fed up with coming across irresponsible breeders.

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"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

I've just noticed your in Wales, so can see your problem however, in spite of the number of puppy farmers there are good breeders in Wales too .

In your position, I would be looking at breed clubs and places where good dogs will be found. Good breeders can usually be found on champdogs, I would also look at something like agilitynet.com - puppies may be advertised there as well as stud dogs, so you can contact them about current and proposed litters. Sometimes it's just a case of thinking around it rather than just answering adverts. Hope you find your friend soon.

I know it's far to travel but you won't get better!!!


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They have puppies available and with the added benefit of you knowing you've not lined the pocket of some BYB'er!!!!

Thank you, will take a look at that now

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"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

Sorry, I posted before I saw your reply.

Not all rescues are against homing with children, particularly breed rescues. Obviously there is Many Tears in Wales, and they often get puppies in.

UK Dog Rescue Pages - Belgian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain, Bichon Frisé, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Border Terrier breed rescues

you will find border collie rescues here.

Great - JSR - was trying to find the details for them too.

Thanks, yes I've probably been looking in the wrong places to be honest. Will take my time and stop being so impatient. It will be worth it in the end

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"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

Hand on heart Wiccaweys are the most wonderful rescue! They really do care and nothing is more important to Sarah and Paul than matching dog to the right families. They are definately worth contacting because what they don't know about collies isn't worth knowing!!!