[beauindie]

Hi everyone I am looking for some advice. In April we lost our 15 yr old GR Beau leaving 4 yr old Indie an only dog. We knew we would get another dog but have been grieving for Beau and only now feel that it is the right time. We have had all our other Goldens in the summer when the family has been home alot. This has been great as it has helped us settle the puppy in.

We don't want to wait until next summer to get a puppy as we feel this is too long for Indie as we don't want him to get too used to being an only dog.

I know all the reasons for NOT getting a dog at christmas, but we will all be home for two weeks for the holidays and we are a small family so it will not be too noisy or disruptive.

The thing that really bothers me is that I feel that any breeder selling puppies at this time would be unscrupulous and in it for all the wrong reasons.

What do people think I would reall appreciate your advice.
(Sorry this is so long!)

 

[arcane]

If I have puppies ready in this time frame I always make families wait until the festivities are over. Unfortunately the gals don't always co-operate and come into season to avoid this time of year....there are always breeders that will milk the x-mas puppy attraction...

Yeah for me NO WINTER litters!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LibertyME]

IMO, not every breeder with pups available in December/January is unscrupulous....
However, the ones that actively market their pups as 'Christmas presents'....are ones that I would frown upon...

 

[MyBentley]

I'm sorry for your loss of Beau, but is sounds like you're ready to love and add another dog to your family. Since you're experienced dog owners, you have a good idea of what's involved and should do fine with two weeks at home. If you're only considering a puppy at this time because of Indie, he would probably do fine until next summer - especially if he can have play time around other dogs.

As far as breeder availability of puppies around holiday time in the UK, I can't speak to that.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice in this case.

 

[Noey]

I thnk since you have had goldens and know you will be home the time might work out fine. IF this was your first puppy....I would say no. Just hunt for a good breeder, Perhaps this late you won't get one until early in the year. Just look and maybe you might find a fit...Good luck.

Hunt for a good breeder.

 

[jwemt81]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I agree that not all breeders who have litters available during the holiday season are necessarily unscrupulous. However, the ones that STRONGLY advertise the pups as being Christmas gifts would be ones that I would steer clear of. That just screams "I'm in it for the money and nothing else." If they are a resposible breeder and have all health clearances in check, then I would not heistate to get one of their puppies. We are getting our second golden just after Christmas. The litter is due to be born early next month, but our breeder doesn't want to send them to their new homes until after Christmas is over just because that time of year is usually so chaotic. In the case that one of her pups IS going to be an Xmas gift, she will put together a puppy package with pictures of the pup to give to them on Xmas day, but she does not want them going home until after the holidays are over. She is also not advertising it as a Christmas litter. Just check out the breeders closely and make sure you get proof of the parent's clearances and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Bogey's Mom]

IMO, not every breeder with pups available in December/January is unscrupulous....
However, the ones that actively market their pups as 'Christmas presents'....are ones that I would frown upon...

Ditto what she said. You can't control when the girls come into season. The litter I am looking at right now will be ready just after the holidays and I know the breeder did his best to avoid this, but you can't fight mother nature. Find a reputable breeder or two and ask around. If they don't have puppies they might know someone who will.

Like others have said, don't go looking for a "Christmas puppy" but don't be turned off by some who happen to be ready around then. If you have time off work and you are an experienced dog owner, I don't see why you would have problems with the puppy or getting approved by a reputable breeder.

Best of luck!

 

[buckeyegoldenmom]

I don't think you should rule out all breeders for Christmas time puppies...sometimes it just happens that the female comes in season....at that time!

The breeder I got both my boys from is reputable....Murphy is from a litter that happened closed to Christmas. Like you, it really was a quiet time for our family and yes we were home a lot more. We even turned down invitations during the first weeks Murphy was home with us!

The hardest part was the housebreaking (potty training) in January in Ohio!

Just be sure that you really scrutinize the breeder you choose. Ask lots of questions, see the clearances. Find out why she or he is breeding their golden.

 

[FranH]

My Holly was a mid December puppy We had plenty of time on our hands and it was perfect.

Since it's not your first golden and you have the time that is involved......go for it.

 

[esSJay]

My post would echo just about all of the above posters' comments! As buckeye said, be sure to ask LOTS of questions to the breeder and make sure you see that all of the proper clearances are in place, and I'm sure you will find the perfect little companion for Indie! Just one thing - you have to share LOTS of pictures with us when you do find one!

 

[beccacc31]

I don't think you should rule out all breeders for Christmas time puppies...sometimes it just happens that the female comes in season....at that time!

The breeder I got both my boys from is reputable....Murphy is from a litter that happened closed to Christmas. Like you, it really was a quiet time for our family and yes we were home a lot more. We even turned down invitations during the first weeks Murphy was home with us!

The hardest part was the housebreaking (potty training) in January in Ohio!

Just be sure that you really scrutinize the breeder you choose. Ask lots of questions, see the clearances. Find out why she or he is breeding their golden.

Will that January Ohio Potty Training be simular to my December/January Potty Training in Connecticut? UH OH!!!!

 

[beauindie]

Hey everyone thanks for the responses and great advice. I will definately be asking lots of questions!

 

[mist]

every breeder I've met that has had a Christmas time litter has kept them that little bit longer until the mayhem of Christmas is over.

 

[annef]

It is not always possible to predict when the girls come in to season and we are in the unfortunate position of having a litter around Christmas time. That said, the puppies that are booked are going to experienced homes and I will keep puppies until later for those families that have less experience or are likely to have a busy Christmas. We didn't have a choice when to breed with our girl as she is nearly 5 and this will be her first and only litter. The reason she is being bred is so that my husband can keep another working puppy. So ask all the right questions, chose a breeder that breeds for a reason and not just to churn out puppies for the pet market. There are many responsible breeers in Wales and I wouidl contact Welshgold to ask his advice. Enjoy your puppy Annef

 

[Bob-N-Tash]

Every situation deserves be be evaluated on it's own merit. At this point, it sounds like you are aware of the "Why nots" and the "Whys" of adding a puppy to your family during the holiday season.

I wish you luck in the search for your puppy.. starting with finding the right breeder.

 

[cubbysan]

Every situation deserves be be evaluated on it's own merit. At this point, it sounds like you are aware of the "Why nots" and the "Whys" of adding a puppy to your family during the holiday season.

I wish you luck in the search for your puppy.. starting with finding the right breeder.

Yes, I think it does depend on the family. At my house, yes, Christmas day is very busy, but starting December 26, we are the most boring family around.

We brought Brady home the 2nd week of January, and that was a pretty perfect time of the year to do so.