The following are questions that you should ask a breeder before
buying a Miniature Poodle. Use this as a tool to make the very best
and educated decision about your new Miniature Poodle. Please make
several copies of this pamphlet and use them to interview several
breeders. Questions relate to genetically transmitted diseases and
anomalies. Breeder's answers should be direct and come easily without
hesitation.
Breeder's name, address and phone number:
Price of puppy:
Today's date:
1. Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for
progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases? (Once
a year for breeding animals.)
answer:
If answer is yes, ask if the grandparents had been tested or has any
blindness occurred in any relatives of the sire or dam. Ask to see
certificates. If answer is no decline to buy a puppy. A puppy
carrying two genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at
any age. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy.
2. Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for hip dysplasia and
bones checked for Legg-Perthe's Disease? (Yes, it does occur in
smaller breeds).
answer:
If answer is yes ask for the ratings and to see a copy of the OFA
certificate for each parent. Ask if all four grandparents have also
had their hips x-rayed and been certified free of the disorder.
If answer is no decline to buy a puppy. Hip dysplasia is a
degenerative disorder but can be diagnosed at six months of age. Hip
dysplasia can be a painful and crippling disorder which in some cases
can be treated by expensive surgery.
3. Have the dam and sire been checked by a veterinarian for luxating
patella? Answer:
If answer is yes, ask for both dog's ratings. Ask about grandparents.
If the answer is no puppies may develop crippling leg problems at a
young age. The problem reveals itself between six months and a year
and varies in degree of severity. Surgery may be required to fix this
problem at the cost of $500 and up.
4. Have the dam and sire had a blood test for von Willebrand's
disease?
answer:
If the answer if yes ask for the rating on both dogs. 70% and above
is normal, 50 to 70% is borderline normal, 40-50% is a carrier and 0
to %40 is affected.
VWD is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia in humans. An
affected puppy would not likely survive any surgery or injury.
5. Has there been any occurrence of seizure, epilepsy, diabetes,
thyroid disease or Addison's disease, or Cushing's Disease in
relatives of the sire or dam?
answer:
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in
some lines.
Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total
environment. Record and answer to each of the following:
Is everything clean?
Do puppies have toys to play with?
Do puppies have fresh water?
Do puppies have room to exercise?
Are puppies clean and groomed?
Look at as many relatives as possible!!
(Note: Weeping tear-stained eyes are not normal)
Are they freindly?
Are they apparently healthy?
This may be your only insight into your puppy's temperament and
overall quality.
Ask about the breeder's older dogs and their life expectancy.
Miniature Poodles should live 10 to 16 years.
Answer:
How many years of experience does the breeder have? Answer:
How many liters a year do they produce and for what reason?
Answer:
If the answer is "for the money" walk away. These people do not have
the welfare of the dogs as a priority.
Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
Answer:
The breeder that does sell on contract cares
enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and
abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is
concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the miniature
poodle as a quality breed.
Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer
keep it? Answer:
Breeders do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after
the puppy is sold.
Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies
purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their dog's health and
temperament.
NAME PHONE #
1.
2.
3.
Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy
should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy
immidiately to the breeder with the veterinarian's report. The
breeder should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health.
Genetic testing is done to
help breeders avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and
anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of
genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can
be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of
these points into consideration when choosing your next Miniature
Poodle.
Happy poodle hunting!!
This questionaire has been provided to you at no charge. Please make
a clean copy and share it with others. If you have found the
information in this packet to be helpful please consider making a
donation to "Versatility In Poodles", c/o Miriam Hillier, Treasurer,
4 Emerald Court, San Mateo, CA 94403
Go to next article EVALUATE A
BREEDER
Return to HOME PAGE
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
