[Nicole510]

How many breeders on this forum have put their sires/dams through the health testing process prior to putting them together?

How many breeders on this forum sell their puppies with a contract and what does that contract include?

Not thinking in anyway of breeding, only interested in how BH breeding compares with Boxer breeding.

[ February 15, 2005, 07:28 AM: Message edited by: Dudley's Mom ]

 

[Dean]

If I am not already sure of the health,I probably don't want to breed the hound. If you are referring to the bleeding disorder, etc testing, I do not test for that because it does not seem to be in the field lines.
Contracts only work if both parties follow them. How many breeders check on the pups to see if the contract is being followed?? Unrealistic, overly restrictive contracts only drive pet buyers to "backyard breeders" or pet shops. I do encourage neutering, but then the AKC and BHCA says "get your pet spayed, be a responsible owner"--- of course if you do then you can not compete in field trials or shows.

 

[Nicole510]

By contract, I'm referring to you taking the puppy back should it become unhealthy, giving a refund if there proves to be genetic problems, etc. I don't know how many breeders would check on the pups but I know that if I took the time and effort to breed and then whelp a bitch, I would remain in contact with the people that purchased the puppies, it only makes sense.

 

[Betsy Iole]

Here is BHCA's Health Policy, which lists disorders that affect Bassets for which health screens are available. BHCA's Code of Ethics does not require health screening. DNA testing is not available for our breed's more common disorders.

More and more breeders are checking eyes (gonioscopy). A smaller number is checking for bleeding disorders. Fewer still check hips and/or elbows. There's quite a bit of denial regarding hip dysplasia in the breed.

 

[Jamie L]

I just purchased a puppy from a breeder a little over a week ago. And with my puppy the breeder gave us papers stating that if anything happens to him other than being mistreated that he will refund the money or replace the puppy. I think all breeders should do that. Not everyone has that kind of money to give away. I plan to breed my puppy in a few years and I only feel its right to do such thing. I would hate to see a childs eyes from his/her puppy has dead and it could be something in the litter or in the breed. And not replace it. I feel that is heartless. I wouldn't want the breeder doing that to my 7 and 4 yr old. They love their puppy very much. If it takes testing then so be it. If your going to breed you need to be aware of these things. Not just popping out sick pups. Theres to many dogs that need homes. We sure don't need the sick pups running around for people to not take care of because their sick. Not saying any of you would do that but their are alot of people that would in a heart beat. Its just uncalled for.
Jamie

 

[Dean]

I dont need a contract to stand behind the health, etc of my pups, and I take back pups if needed, allergies, loss of job, etc.. There are some breeders who want contracts stating what the pup will be fed, when it will be taken to the vet, etc. That is what I Meant when I said there are overly restrictive breeders, that drive buyers to pet shops, etc. I rescued a basset that looked to be from a local breeder's bloodline. Turns out it was. the owners had a contract that stated the dog would go back if to the breeder and not a shelter. The husband walked out and wife dumped dog on first possible person. Luckily I was there and the dog went back to the breeder. This breeder was an ez-officer of BHCA -- responsible breeder and a contract, but the dog was dumped on me.

 

[bubbad]

As a Breeder I always felt the lives I produced were my responsibility. Yes,I sold them and each went out with first, a spay/castration contract or limited registration and a contract stating (in so many words)The new owners had a period of time to take the puppy to a Vet of their choice(I already had Vet Health Certificates done) and if there was anything but a clean bill of health I would do what ever it called for to take care of the situation. I even guaranteed against internal parasites,worms etc. or I would pay for their medication to worm them. I had a clause that said ,Should the owner of this puppy find they can no longer keep this dog at any point in the dogs life I want the basset returned to me.At which time I will attempt to find another home or keep him/her. I also sent a very substantial puppy packet along home covering things like Crate Training,Behavior Problems,Health Problems,Breeding. There was a section it my contracts asking that if this animal is ever hurt beyond a good quality of life or suffering in any way, that the Owner put their feelings aside ,do the best thing for the dog and have it put down. I kept in touch with all the puppy owners,some as long as 10 years,it is very good for your soul when you know they are being well taken care of. There is one mistake I made during the years I was actively breeding. A woman I knew from showing mastiffs started to ask questions about bassets,she inquired about a litter of puppies I had and told me she wanted a show bitch. I was in heaven and very excited to know one of my babies was going to be shown. The problem started when she started to call other breeders trying to get another bitch. She would mention getting a bitch from me and one of these breeders told her to have mine spayed,she wasn't a quality bitch,(so much for the friendly dogshow people) They aren't all like that but these people knew nothing about my breeding program to even say that. Anyway,this woman showed my bitch just one time then started to breed her, she wanted to know why she shouldn't breed to Amos Stoltzfu's bassets(made up name) down the road from her. I said you spent your money to aquire a good bitch only to breed her to an amishman's dog? She was looking for cheap stud fees. I did not have any idea that this woman was looking to down size,from Mastiffs to bassets and then just breed for money. She has a Website that I go to sometimes to see what she is breeding. I will regret selling her a puppy forever. She never mistreated any of her dogs. but that doesn't make it right.

 

[pinehawk]

Dean,you are a pretty respected breeder i feel,but you made a little mistake about the field lines not having any bleeding problems.they all have bleeding problems when they come out of thr Briars & Multi flora rose bushes!!!!!! even some of the handlers have a bleeding problem when they come out too!!!