My breeder is advertising on puppy find.. Should I be concerned

[Kimberly Kaindl]

I just saw that my breeder for the puppy we are getting in a couple of weeks is advertising the same litter on puppy find. We just had a terrible experience with our dog amber that passed away in December. Turned out amber was from a puppy mill. This was devastating to us and our children. I have been very careful, we went and did visit. We met the mom, and saw a couple of the pups. The couple was very nice and answered all of our questions. We could not go where they slept because they had not been vaccinated. I read so many awful things about incidents that happened through puppy find. Should I be concerned. Maybe I am just very nervous because of our past experience from getting our poodle from Petland. Any words of wisdom?

[Kimberly Kaindl]

She sent the Heath testing via email, there was only eyes for the mother a poodle, and hips for the dad. I thought hips are done on both parents. We are headed there now. I hate to ask her but I'm going to have to bring it up.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You need hips AND elbows on both parents. Eyes on any dog with Poodle in the genetics, ditto heart. Von Willebrand's disease in both Goldens and Poodles.  

[Kimberly Kaindl]

I will ask about this. Does this mean that the dad, which is a Golden doodle should have eyes too?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

YES, Here is what the Golden Retriever Club of America says are the "Big Four" clearances that should be done before breeding a GR: Hips, Elbows, Eyes, and Hearts

http://grca.org/health/bigfour.html

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Also, be aware that PRA and subaortic stenosis (genetic eye and heart disease mentioned in this article) are found in both Poodles and in Goldens. 

[Kimberly Kaindl]

Oh my! I bet she would have given me all of that if she did it.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I would be concerned on the no hips for Mom. Possible reason may be the female is not yet 2 yrs of age, but, certainly a prelim could be done. And what was the male's rating? Was she willing to share the results?

[Kimberly Kaindl]

The hips rating was "good", I will ask why no hip test on mom.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

And the rest of the family is responding with their hearts not their heads.  Bottom line - who will be responsible if there is something wrong?  You, right?  That gives you a veto vote!

[Kimberly Kaindl]

It should be that way...

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have a funny feeling that once you are all there and see the puppies, there is no turning back and testing will not be everyones biggest concern any longer. Good luck though and I hope you can stick with your instincts and the information youve recieved thus far from here. Please let us know?

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Exactly what BYBs are hoping for. That the cute factor over rides the lack of health certifications.