THE IRISH TERRIER ASSOCIATION PUPPY HELPLINE

So, you have decided that an Irish Terrier is the Breed for you, after doing plenty of research on the Breed and speaking to owners and Breeders about them, before you purchase a puppy or rescue an adult.

It is a good idea to see as many adult Irish Terriers as possible, and ask the owners for all the information, so as you can get a “warts and all” overview.

Find out about Breed Clubs (information available from the Kennel Club plus Breed Club web sites) and their events and shows, where you will be able to meet a number of Irish Terriers in one place.

Contact the Irish Terrier Association or other Irish Terrier Breed Clubs puppy help lines to locate a responsible Breeder.

It is worthwhile visiting several Breed specialty kennels before you make a decision as to who to purchase your puppy from. Please do not choose the nearest Breeder to you, hopefully you will have your puppy for a long time and it will deserve the time and patience in selecting the right Breeder from wherever in the country.

If you see puppies in conditions where you feel sorry for them – please do not buy them, however please report your findings to the local authority environmental department and a Breed Club Secretary. In taking them away from the environment you will be perpetuating the actions of the Breeder.

By contacting a recommended responsible Breeder, you would have the expectation that they will conform to the following, unless advised otherwise by the Breeder why not: -

1. Register all Breeding stock and all puppies at the Kennel Club.
2. Hand over the puppy’s Kennel Club Registration certificate at the time of sale (or when available). Also, any micro chipping or tattoo certification.
3. Fully explain any Endorsements on the Registration Form that pertain to the Sale.
4. In the Puppy Sales Wallet, you should be provided with written Advice for your puppy on: Feeding and worming programmes, immunization measures taken (and/or to be taken), Socialization, exercise, future training, grooming requirements and equipment, leads, brushes, combs and feeding bowls etc.
5. Provide you with reasonable post-sales telephone advice.
6. Provide in the Puppy Sales Wallet a Contract of Sale to be signed by both the Buyer and the Seller.
7. You should also receive a Pedigree Certificate signed by the Breeder.

If the Breeder is a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, then they are advised to follow these guidelines by the Kennel Club.

• When you arrive on the premises, you should feel that you are welcome and that the Breeder is willing to spend time with you; is happy to discuss any aspects of the puppies and adult dogs and their various activities i.e. Showing the Bred, Obedience Competitions etc. The Breeder should also let you know about their experience with the Breed and length of time they have been breeding.
• Most will question you on your reasons for taking on a new Irish Terrier, and will require to know the make up and ages of the family it will live with, your life style, your work routines (it would help if you take with you photographs of where you live and any previous animals you have kept). If possible, it is advisable to bring your children with you and make sure that they will be able to accept the new member of the family.
• You should have an appointment to visit and stick to the time set and feel comfortable with all aspects of your visit. Times are essential when Breeders have to see other potential puppy owners, who may have travelled long distances.
• Irish Terriers are a very hardy Breed and do not necessarily have to be bred indoors. Suitable whelping areas and outside kennels are also appropriate for this Breed.
• The puppies, dam, and any other animals at the premises should be clean, appear happy, contented and well cared for.
• Their living conditions should be kept tidy, smell clean and be kept free from rubbish and excrement.
• The animals should have plenty of light and fresh air with outdoor kennels providing warmth and protection from the weather, with plenty of room for play and development.
• You should expect to be able to see the dam of the litter (but not always with the puppies), but not always the sire. Sires from other Breeders are often used, but you should be able to see a photograph of them.
• Depending on distance, you should be able to visit the puppies several times before arranging the exact date your one will be ready to leave for its new home.