Choosing the Right Retriever Breeder for Your Family

What to Look for in a Retriever Breeder

Choosing a retriever puppy is exciting, but choosing the right retriever breeder matters just as much.

For us, it should feel personal. You should be able to ask questions, get to know the dogs behind the litter and feel comfortable with the way the puppies are being raised.

Get to know the dogs

We think families should understand the dogs behind a litter, not just look at puppy photos.

Ask to see the mother, find out who owns her and make sure the dogs being discussed match the pedigrees and health records you are shown.

It is also worth asking what the parents are actually like to live with. Some Retrievers have a much higher working drive and energy level than others, and that may not suit every family.

For us, temperament is just as important as appearance.

Ask about health testing

A good breeder should be happy to explain the health testing carried out on the parents and show you the results.

You should feel comfortable asking about hips, elbows, eyes, DNA testing and anything else relevant to the dogs being bred.

Health testing should be part of the decision to breed, not simply something mentioned on a website.

Look at how the puppies are raised

The first few weeks matter.

We want our puppies to grow up around normal family life, everyday household sounds, gentle socialisation and plenty of individual attention.

For us, it is not about producing lots of puppies. It is about giving each litter the time and care it deserves.

It should work both ways

Choosing a breeder is not just about finding someone with puppies available.

We also want to get to know the families who enquire with us and make sure one of our puppies is likely to suit their home and lifestyle.

The relationship should not simply end when a puppy leaves.

Our approach at Westhouse

Westhouse Retrievers is a small family breeder in North Yorkshire.

Our dogs live as part of our family, and our aim is to remain small by choice, with around two carefully planned litters each year.

We want families to choose Westhouse because they like the way we live with our dogs, the care behind our breeding decisions and the support we give our puppy families.

For us, good breeding is about health, temperament, suitable homes and doing things properly.