Question on puppy guarantee

[cschimizzi]

I have been looking online at all of the different types of breeders out there. Just out of curiousity what is the average guarantee that a breeder gives on their puppies? I have noticed that most breeders give a one year health guarantee. Correct me if I am wrong as I am no expert by any means. I mean my dogs are just pets and loved as such so all of my inquiries are just to apease my curiousity. But isn't it true that you don't have a dogs hips x-rayed until they are around 2 years of age? And if I am correct shouldn't you make sure that you have something in writing that would guarantee that pup until at least 2 years of age against hip dysplasia? If that is the case then their are alot of "shady" breeders out there. Also I must mention that the breeds I have been looking at are not Rottweilers but many other breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia like the GSD. Let me know if I am right or wrong. Thanks Charlene

[Judi W]

If they state one year and stand by that one year, I don't see how that is being shady. If they offer to guarantee the dog to OFA certify, then it must be more than two years for that OFA. Shady implies deception

[scubajohn]

But what good is that guarantee I know I was offered one with my puppy but then I countered with what good is that there is no way I would give up a pup I have raised for 2 years no mater what his problems were. They then said they would offer another pup at 1/2 price if I wanted to keep the first.

So think over what they offer :) and if you could really turn your puppy back over to the breeder to be destroyed.

[BostonRott]

No breeder can "guarantee against hip dysplasia." Do you think any of us intentionally breed for it?? It's a polygenic disease, which is still not well understood.

The best a breeder can do is stack the odds (via health testing and proper pedigree combining) in favor of the puppies coming out clear, and then stand behind their dogs (and yes, give a written guarantee).

What I've NEVER understood is why some breeders guarantee show puppies, but not pet puppies, against things like HD and ED. I understand that a pet pup may have a level bite, white spot, or other problem which is a breed DQ..........but why is the breeder not standing behind the health of this puppy? Do the owners deserve anything less simply b/c they're not going to parade the dog about a show/trial ring??

I charge one price for my puppies, no matter what their destiny. The buyers are paying for my time, knowledge, and the genetics of the puppy. All in the litter should have an equal shot at good health.

Finally, guarantee to one year is a complete BS cop out. You're right, hips aren't certified til 2 years. So the point of "guaranteeing" the pup til 1 year is what??? Oh that's right, get out of any obligations when the pup fails OFA at 2. Or then there's the line of HS that, you, the buyer, MUST have caused this problem. While I feel that some buyers do cause some structural damage, HD is a combo of genetics and environment, and barring serious trauma, the owner is not going to create a problem for which the genetics aren't already present. OFA confirms this.

[Judi W]

Rottweiler breeders (the good ones) have the strongest record of health clearances and contracts of any breed I am aware of. In fact, few breeds' codes - when they even have one - require a written contract at all.

However, (since this is non-Rottweiler) a guarantee for health issues until 12 months is certainly not the worse thing I've ever seen if the pup is not being sold as potential breeding stock. Crippling HD should be visible and certainly confirmable by 12 months and of course HD is certainly not the only health issue that can plague a dog. I'm just proposing that if the contract means what it says, then any potential puppy buyer can vote with their feet and dollars if it is not to their liking. The benefit to a written contract is just that - it spells things out.