Posted by Connie Sue on 7/31/2001, 10:48 pm If I'm taking the time and expense to buy from a breeder and get a pedigree, I want the healthiest possible pup, a "quality product". Whether or not I intend to show conformation is immaterial. In buying from a breeder I feel part of what I'm paying for is their genetic testing, their temperament/personality testing, whether by a standardized test or by training and showing for working titles, and their conformational quality, shown by the titles earned by the pups' immediate ancestors. If I buy a dog from (or otherwise support) a byb or mill producer IMO I'm supporting the "bootleggers" of the fancy. (I often refer to the local petshop chain as a "whorehouse outlet") If I opt to adopt (argh, rhyme was NOT intentional), then I'm knowingly accepting the risks that that entails, whether it's thyroid problems, increased risk for DCM, HD, Wobblers at a young age, and others or even something as minor as missing teeth, as well as the risk of NOT KNOWING even IF the dog will have a predisposition to any genetic problems. If I adopt a dog, whether from a shelter or rescue, not only am I assisting them in the spay/neuter of non-standard specimens of the breed, but I'm also supporting their educational efforts, both monetarily and by example, when I tell people the "story" of my pup. Either way, no I wouldn't buy the pup at 8 weeks, but I would probably adopt it at 8 months (and keep my name in the hat with the DPCA breeder) As I've said about my own kids, when we're around babies, I miss the age, but I sure don't miss the work.
My take:
Message Thread:
« Back to thread