Breeder concern?

[Julie]

Hi Everyone!   I did as much research as I could on this breeder and now I am having doubts.  I have put a deposit down so far. 

I just found out that there are 2 possible dads for this litter and that was not clear on the site or during conversations.  She will be dna testing for paternity.  Is this unusual?  I don't have experience with this:O

Also, the ofa certifications are preliminary.

Thanks!

Julie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since puppies inherit everything from both parents, I'd want to know what dog was the father before making a deposit on a puppy from a particular litter. Every dog doesn't match up well genetically with every other dog, so it would also bother me if this was accidental. I do know there are some doodle breeders who do this deliberately, and have litters in which the pups have two different fathers.

The overwhelming majority of doodle breeders do breed dogs who have only OFA prelims and not the adult scores. IMO, this is because you have to wait until a dog is 2 years old to get the adult scores, and most doodle breeders don't want to wait that long to choose their breeding dogs or plan their breedings. There's also a significant cost difference. It wouldn't be acceptable to me, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that. 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I totally agree with Karen.  This would be a big red flag for me.  I would prefer both parents to be two or older and OFA clear.  The age also allows more time for other non tested things (like Addison's, chronic ear infections, seizures etc) to show up.  As well as a much clearer idea of temperament.  I am very old school, probably "cause I'm old (tee-hee) but you don't breed dogs (or horses) to make a lot of money.  You hopefully will make some money, but your main interest is breed improvement and providing good animals to good homes.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen. I'm an alumnus of the "Old School", too. :)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Karen ~ I doubt you are in the minority on that.  Curious to  hear other opinions, but I know I would not be agreeable to that either. I not only wanted to know the father and mother, but also a copy of their breeding lines to see the generations back.  Oh, picky picky picky - that am! LOL

[Julie]

Thanks so much! Ugh, I may just eat the deposit and look for a new breeder. I want a healthy dog for sure!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Just an fyi Julie ~   I would think since you did not now her breeding practices, that you would be able to get your deposit back.  When I was initially looking for an ALD puppy in 2010, I sent a deposit to a breeder in another state, and then learned that she was moving to Colorado and I would be leaving the puppies behind with another breeder.  I was no longer interested in the litter or working with the breeder and I requested my deposit back.  I was glad I used paypal, because after she did not return it in 30 days, I filed a complaint with paypal, and they put a hold on her account.  It was not long, and I received my deposit in full back in my paypal account. 

[Julie]

Good point! I did pay PayPal .

[Amy and Annabelle]

I think not knowing who the father is, is a pretty big deal and you should be able to get your deposit back under the circumstances. If there is an option for paypal I go with that all the time. I had to get my money back from an Ebay purchase once. Although unfortunately the seller died and that is why I wasn't receiving my item, I didn't find that out until after I got my refund.

[Julie]

How important is registration? Like GANA?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I like GANA; I think they do a good job of keeping their breeders to a certain standard. Last year there was a very well-known breeder who was widely regarded as ethical, who deliberately bred a female before her first birthday. When GANA learned of it, they revoked her membership, even though the board members were good friends with her. I think that says something for them.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

This would be a red flag for me.  I'm old school too :)  None of the breeders I researched used more than one stud for a planned litter. The fact that this wasn't clear when you made the deposit would be disturbing to me. Like Linda, I also received a copy of the breeding lines going back several generations.  Regarding OFA prelims…here's a link that shows you that a dog with an excellent or good rating will likely keep that rating but it gets less reliable at Fair. But I wouldn't want the mom to be less than 2 years of age anyhow.  Actually PennHip is a more accurate predictor than OFA review so if I was purchasing a pup, I'd prefer PennHip.

http://www.offa.org/hd_prelims.html

[Julie]

Thanks so much! Yes, I haven't had a great feeling about the breeder since I found out.

Would anyone mind PM me breeder recommendations? I am in Georgia, but could travel.

thanks!!!!!