| Today, the web is really a great tool for breeders and buyers throughout the globe. I wish there were more such tools then when I fall in love with Rottweilers. Nevertheless, I think buying from breeders overseas needs a lot of caution because there are cultural differences besides just owning or selling a nice dog. Morality or ethical issues will always arise, and that is what makes the world today. Whether it is altruism or hobby or greed, it is not a matter of one to judge.
But I certainly have a few experiences buying from overseas and had my equal share of joy and heartache. My last import a year ago was a dysplastic dog and she is so pretty, and I think that I must be so unlucky because the breeder told me that she is the only one affected. But after I posted my problem without naming the kennel, I get private emails to confirm my fear that there are others in the litter that have similar problem. Anyway, I am not blaming the breeder because they are willing to replace the dog except that I must pick up the transportation. For reasons due to number of dogs I can own and the quarantine requirements and cost is more than the transportation fee, I have declined the good offer. I have x-rayed the dog and confirm the HD problem, and brought her to swim and give her Glucosomine/Chondroitin supplement daily. She is great pet now, and does not limp at all. This episode has thought me the value of the net, because there are so many people with so much information out there. Just ask and somebody will be kind enough to reply.
I totally agree that one must do a lot of research and check on the breeder as well as the line. Visitation is a must, if you are serious about getting the puppy of your expectation, otherwise, you have to take your own risk and rely on trust. I have learn also that really no breeders can guarantee that the puppy you get will not have HD. The only way is to have a dog and x-ray at at least 18 months, then is it a puppy or dog you wanted? Do you want to pay for the extras and so on? For overseas buyers like myself, it may not be possible to visit the breeder, then I really will encourage doing a lot of research on the web and write to the forum. There are a lot of materials out there, and if you still have issues after doing all the due diligence. Then "tough luck, too bad" is all that I can say. My only caution is that there are really nice websites and breeders who show their dogs and say great stuff before the money transactions. You will be shocked about the behavioural changes, once there are mitigating issues. It will always confirm the saying that "In a crisis, it will always brings out the best and the worst of man!" How true!  |