Are yearly checkup's for the puppies parents ok, or OFA clearence needed?

**get_zwole** · 01-27-2012, 02:33 PM

Hi guys, As some of you know im new to the site, finding a breeder in my area is becoming pretty dificult that goes through all the clearences that most want to see before picking up a puppy. Found one in Kansas, the breeder said she can give me all the checkups and information on the vet checking the hips eyes etc. I have found a couple that get the OFA certified on the hips but they are out of litters for 4 to 6 months now maybe longer. Im sure I could find some further away but 200 or so miles is about my limit since I would like to see the pups before deciding on who to go with. So in your opinion is it an absolute must to have the hips of the parents checked by the OFA? Thanks for any tips or information in advance.

**Belles mom** · 01-27-2012, 02:59 PM

Where are you located?

In my opinion, yes, OFA clearances are a must. Your typical vet can not pass judgment on how good or bad the hips, elbows etc. are

**Dani** · 01-27-2012, 03:04 PM

Yes. OFA's and some idea of what they are doing with the dogs (and not just breeding two available dogs) is a MUST.

**get_zwole** · 01-27-2012, 03:05 PM

Thats kinda what i was thinking. I am in Oklahoma City. I found 2 that had their hips certified but that werent that far but they had deposits put on them before I could go visit and see the breeder and pups. There are several in the area expecting soon but none that i have found have done the actual OFA clearences. My budget is also not extreme 600 being about the most ill be able to spend.

**get_zwole** · 01-27-2012, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Dani

Yes. OFA's and some idea of what they are doing with the dogs (and not just breeding two available dogs) is a MUST.

Im only wanting one, they just happened to have 2 of them. Yeah I found a couple in Kansas that is not a unreasonable drive, their mom's grandfather from what i was told was featured in a photo of field and stream magazine, but they aren't showing the dogs or hunting them all the time by any means from what i understand. I am mainly looking for a family pet that will accompany me in the field hunting as well. He will get plenty of exercise and training as well. Obedience classes, as well as retrieving birds etc.

**Samson** · 01-27-2012, 03:48 PM

Please bear in mind that buying a puppy for a reduced amount is false economy.

A year down the line when you find that your pup needs expensive surgery for leg surgery or similar and the uncaring breeder isn't interested in helping can cost thousands of dollars.

Pay for a good breeder - bound to be more than $600 and you will be more likely to get a healthy pup particularly if the parents have been shown with success !

**Samson** · 01-27-2012, 03:50 PM

Or better still get a rescue if that's all that you can afford ! You will be saving a little soul and may get a great companion as well ! A gamble that may pay off more than getting a $600 dollar pup !

**Dani** · 01-27-2012, 04:25 PM

Doesn't matter that you only want a pet. You should be getting a dog from someone who spends the time and energy bettering the breed. Making the best match pedigree wise for their bitch, and ensuring that they are producing SOUND, HEALTHY dogs, for them first, and you second. Even if you never plan to show, you should have the peace of mind that the breeder did everything they could to help produce a puppy that *could* compete competively and matches the breed standard, but will be nothing more than a loved pet. There's a big deal. Insisting on seeing the litters and parents should be less of a deal than feeling comfortable with a breeder that does everything right and knows what they are talking about.

**Sophiesmama** · 01-27-2012, 05:15 PM

Did you try to message "steveandginger"? They live in Norman and may know a breeder. I will email Ginger for you and ask her. Also, sometimes breeders will let you split payment. Ours did. We gave her 2 checks. One she cashed immediately, and one a month later. You can also check lab rescues. There are many dogs, including puppies that need homes.

**get_zwole** · 01-27-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Samson

Please bear in mind that buying a puppy for a reduced amount is false economy.

A year down the line when you find that your pup needs expensive surgery for leg surgery or similar and the uncaring breeder isn't interested in helping can cost thousands of dollars.

Pay for a good breeder - bound to be more than $600 and you will be more likely to get a healthy pup particularly if the parents have been shown with success !

I understand, thats the reason i asked and didnt go buy a 200 dollar dog down in some guys back yard.

Originally Posted by Samson

Or better still get a rescue if that's all that you can afford ! You will be saving a little soul and may get a great companion as well ! A gamble that may pay off more than getting a $600 dollar pup !

Ive thought about that as well, I would rather get a puppy and can save up if thats what i have to do is wait.

Originally Posted by Dani

Doesn't matter that you only want a pet. You should be getting a dog from someone who spends the time and energy bettering the breed. Making the best match pedigree wise for their bitch, and ensuring that they are producing SOUND, HEALTHY dogs, for them first, and you second. Even if you never plan to show, you should have the peace of mind that the breeder did everything they could to help produce a puppy that *could* compete competively and matches the breed standard, but will be nothing more than a loved pet. There's a big deal. Insisting on seeing the litters and parents should be less of a deal than feeling comfortable with a breeder that does everything right and knows what they are talking about.

I understand this, i was strictly letting everyone know what i was planning to do with the dog since that is usually the next question asked. Ive mainly been going thorugh the akc website and emailing all the registered breeders, and its amazing how many of them dont run any tests at all. Thats why i was just asking to make sure that is what i really needed. Believe me ill do all the research needed to make sure i have a healthy family member.

Originally Posted by Sophiesmama

Did you try to message "steveandginger"? They live in Norman and may know a breeder. I will email Ginger for you and ask her. Also, sometimes breeders will let you split payment. Ours did. We gave her 2 checks. One she cashed immediately, and one a month later. You can also check lab rescues. There are many dogs, including puppies that need homes.

I have tried to pm them and i guess maybe i dont have enough posts? Ill give it a try once i hit 10, maybe it will unlock it then.