Bought a new pup from a breeder....

[doggydog24]

Hi,

I just bought a new Labrador pup from a breeder. The pup is 5 weeks old, I have to wait 3 more weeks to get the pup. I found out that the parents of the pup haven't gotten Hip or Elbow checks. They have been taken to the vet regularly, but they haven't gotten that test.

I am wondering if that is a huge problem? I paid half the amount for the pup. The pups are healthy, they will be taken to the Vet before I can have mine. And breeders also told me that I can take the pup to the vet within 5 days to see if there are any major problems. If it does, I can return it back.

Thanks

[deidra]

I by no means am an expert but just wanted to add my 2 cents.
Does your breeder show or work with her dogs? Like in field tests or anything? Did she do any kind of health clearances? In the long run your pup can get hip,joint problems but I think it is a thing in labs but if the parents weren't checked they have a higher rate of getting hip dysplasia or something else( Please correct em if I am wrong. I am trying to learn). It is a good thing she takes her dogs to the vet I guess though.

[doggydog24]

The dad doesn't seem to have any problems yet. He is about 3 years old and he was running like crazy to fetch tennis balls.

[deidra]

I think they can carry the gene meaning they dont have it but there offspring can. Does that make since? If she does not show her dogs or work with them like in the field she could be a BYB. Not saying she is but it is hard to tell these days.

[doggydog24]

Yes I understand that it can be a recessive gene. But what can I do now?

I already paid half the amount, Is it such a huge problem?

Thanks

[deidra]

I am trying to learn to,lol. I do not think it is a horrible thing. Other people will probably be of better knowledge.

[deidra]

P.S. both my pups are products of bad breeders but I still love them. Thye can be a pian in my rear end( which is not rare for a lab but you will love your pup no matter what). I just had an episode of my black lab running away for a couple of days but I will never trade him for anything in the world. He also has abad hip which in the winter needs extra care but it just makes him extra special. If you do not feel comfortable with the breeder then just walk away ( your choice).

[BigBrownDog]

When you buy a puppy from someone who breeds dogs without clearances (and likely they are not proven to be excellent examples of the breed -via conformation, field work, agility or obedience- earning their worthiness to be bred) you are supporting someone who is not responsibly breeding and who is - essentially - hurting the breed.

Also - by not clearing the breeding stock for the several genetic problems Labs can have (not just hip displaysia - there is elbow displaysia, eye problems, heart problems, exercise induced collapse) which may not be visible in young adults, you can wind up with a crippled dog who goes blind and collapses with any real exertion. The chances of all of these things happening to your puppy is not high - but certainly you would not want any one of them, right?

I would not buy that puppy. I would tell them you changed your mind and ask for a refund.

[doggydog24]

I had to sign a contract about how I will take care of the puppy and stuff. I hope I don't lose any money from this.

Thanks

[deidra]

I'm curious- Does she show her dogs or do anything with them?