A question about breeders

[Waiting for New Puppies]

Hello Everyone! I am a newbie here. Well, I've been lurking for a while and decided to finally say hello. After what seemed like a very exhausting search, we finally put down a deposit on our puppy. We get to pick him up in June and we can't wait!!! I chose our breeder very carefully, they are on the Owner Recommended list at Goldendoodles.com, great references and the puppies are born and raised in their home with their kids. The parents are OFA tested, they emailed me the results. When I asked for the OFA certificate they said they would get them to me, that was 2 weeks ago and I still have not seen them. Should I get the certificates before making the final payment? I've asked twice and have received short responses that they will get them to me. I hate to nag, I know they are very busy and I don't want to be over-bearing. I'm wondering what's the etiquette here? Do you get a lot of updates from your breeder? I was hoping for a good relationship with them since they will be the ones helping us to pick our the newest member of our family. What to do?

[Adina P]

I requested ALL health clearances and got them (OFA, PennHIP, CERF)...though I don't recall if it was officially before or after I put the deposit down.  I think it was before.  In any case, if the dog's name is on the website (their full official AKC name) you can look them up on OFFA.org.  Or if you can find their pedigree on the breeder's website.  Either of those will help you identify their OFA records for heart, hips, eyes.

[Adrienne]

Great Question.  Good to know that there is a place where you can find test certifications.