As the shooting season draws to a close it is time for us to reflect on what has gone well with our gundogs, but more importantly what has gone wrong and will need working on during the spring and summer months. For a few of us the search for a new shooting companion will start in earnest and the…
Buying advice
How to choose a puppy – a dog has his say
The human’s view So how do you finally choose a puppy from a universally adorable litter? Time was when the accepted wisdom was to look for the adventurous character. Lean into the whelping box and snap the fingers. The pup that was first up and over and investigating was the one for you. Eager,…
Why you should never buy a puppy on the internet
A recent press release from the Kennel Club (KC) on the perils of buying dogs on the internet was picked up by most of the newspapers. In case you didn’t see it, I will give a quick précis. According to the KC, almost half the puppies bought online without being seen first fell sick, typically with…
How to buy a part trained gundog
Jeremy Hunt says: Many people have had their fingers burnt buying a part trained gundog as it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous sellers to offer gundogs that have begun their training but then started to show a fault. It can be difficult to spot where a seemingly keen young labrador is…
How to prepare your home for a puppy
The arrival of a puppy isn’t all that much different than expecting a new baby, reveals Lez Graham
Should I buy a puppy with a swelling in the middle of its tummy?
Vet Neil advises this is probably an umbilical hernia, which is generally an inherited defect, but it can be operated on
What is a five generation pedigree certificate?
We have purchased a springer spaniel that is Kennel Club registered but the five generation pedigree certificate is confusing because it contains a lot of abbreviations. Can you help us make sense of it?
Buying a gundog puppy
Shooting UK helps you buy the right gundog with this guide to finding the best adverts, selecting a healthy litter and choosing the best puppy
Gundog breeds: Why buy a Weimaraner?
Weimaraner: These distinctive German dogs are often misunderstood but, in the right hands, the Weimaraner can be excellent gundogs.
How to buy a gundog puppy
Gundog puppy: A good gundog puppy doesn't come cheap but cutting corners could be costly.
Puppy health advice: Elbows and X-Rays
Puppy: Why is it so important for working labradors to have their elbow joints X-rayed at the same time as their hips are checked? And what is the best approach with a puppy?
How much does a good gundog cost?
Gundog: If you're buying a new pup or part-trained gundog the costs are almost too low.
Should I buy this puppy with a heart murmur?
I have been offered a golden retriever puppy from great stock quite cheaply, as it has a heart murmur.
What do hip scores mean for gundogs?
I have seen dogs advertised with 'hips 7, eyes 5'. What do these figures mean?
Can you find good homes for gun dog pups?
Find good homes for gun dog pups: I want to make sure I find good homes for gun dog pups from my lab.
Is my gundog puppy from good stock?
I have ordered a labrador puppy from one of our shoot's pickers-up. What health checks should I be aware of?
How do I choose a labrador puppy?
I am looking for a labrador puppy to buy, but so many seem to have 'snipey' heads that I am unsure where to start?
Can you give me some information about buying a gundog?
I am intending to buy a gundog puppy for rough-shooting. Can you advise me who to approach for the information about the relevance of hip and eye scores? I also don't understand technical terms, such as FTCh, FTW, GWT winner and D/DC?