Post Listing

Buyer's Checklist for Gun Dogs

Whether you're buying, selling, or studding a dog, take the right steps to protect yourself and the animals involved.

  • Always meet the dog in person at the breeder's home or kennel — never agree to buy without seeing them first.
  • Ask to see the puppies with their Dam (mother), and the Sire (father) if available.
  • Verify all paperwork:
    • Royal Kennel Club (KC) registration number
    • Date of birth
    • Health screening results
  • Prepare questions to ask the breeder:
    • Did you breed the dog(s) yourself?
    • Can I see where they were bred and raised?
    • How old is the Dam, and how many litters has she had?
    • Was the birth natural or via C-section?
    • Are there any known health issues?
    • Can I see documentation for both Dam and Sire?
    • Will the puppy be vaccinated and wormed before purchase?
  • If something feels off, walk away. Don't ignore red flags.
  • Ask for advice from a trusted third party if you're unsure.
  • Take your time. This is a big decision — don't rush it.
  • Puppies should appear happy, healthy, clean, and curious.
  • You should be allowed to see and handle all puppies in the litter, not just the one you're considering.
  • Never buy a puppy younger than 8 weeks old.
  • Avoid any puppies that show signs of illness — e.g. runny eyes, weakness, or diarrhoea.
  • Is the whelping pen clean?
  • Do the dogs have access to fresh water, clean food, and adequate space?
  • The living conditions can say a lot about the breeder's standards.
  • Ensure you receive the KC registration form and all relevant documents at the time of payment.
  • Write up a simple contract to protect both buyer and seller — especially important in case circumstances change.
  • Never agree to buy a puppy in a car park or public place. Always go to the breeder's premises.
  • Check the microchip. By law a puppy must be microchipped before it is sold, with the breeder recorded as the first keeper on the microchip database. Ask for the chip number and the database paperwork when you collect.
  • Check the licence. Anyone breeding or selling dogs as a business needs a licence from their local council. On GunDogsDirect, adverts with the Verified Breeder badge show the licence number and the council that issued it, so you can check it with that council.
  • Don't pay before you've seen the dog. Never pay a deposit for a puppy you haven't seen with its mother, and be wary of anyone who wants money first or offers to deliver the dog to you.
  • GunDogsDirect doesn't handle the payment for a dog or hold deposits. Any sale is agreed directly between you and the seller.