More than 260 quality breeders have already signed up to the relaunched Puppyindex breeders’ register, the Pet Care Trust announced last week.

Puppyindex is a list of approved dog breeders from across the country which is distributed to pet shops, boarding kennels and dog groomers who are members of the Trust. Customers looking for a puppy can approach the Trust member and with the aid of the Puppyindex manual, a fully illustrated colour brochure featuring the popular breeds of dog, choose a breed of puppy suitable to their lifestyle. The Trust member can then put the customer in touch with an approved breeder.

"We’ve had a fantastic response so far," said Meriel France, the Trust’s Education and Training Manager and herself a Dandie Dinmont breeder. "A lot of breeders who were on the old Puppyindex have contacted me personally to say how many puppy enquiries it has generated."

"I must say that I find the index to be most valuable," wrote one respondent, who breeds Miniature Poodles and Lhasa Apsos . "I receive quality enquiries from it."

The Trust will be officially relaunching Puppyindex at Crufts 2005, where it will be running a stand for the first time in several years. The Trust will be at Stand 12, Hall 4 in the NEC at Crufts.

Breeders who wish to apply to be listed on Puppyindex should contact Education and Training Manager Meriel France on 08700 624 400, or e-mail meriel.france@petcare.org.uk There is a £12 administration fee per breeder.