What about the breeder?

Question

I have a bit of a situation. I have wanted another American Eskimo for a few years now. I currently have one already, he is a mini and is 10 years old and has never had health problems. I am getting a toy/mini from a breeder down south for $650. I was originally going to get a toy for 1000 from a breeder out west, and that puppy was going to be genetically tested against PRA(progressive retinal atrophy) which can be prone in eskies although its not terribly common. Now my breeder says I cannot believe everything i read but i have noticed from a few breeders that they do this genetic testing for their eskimos. My breeder doesn't, she also does not give a health guarantee she only does the first shots and a vet check. Now i do not have the funds to get the 1000 dollar dog, i probably never will. I am responsible tho, i am a vet tech and will be putting the puppy on insurance. I just wanted advice as to what i should do!

Answer 1

Good breeders test their dogs for diseases their breed is prone to.

Samoyeds can be carriers of PRA... so, good breeders have their breeding stock tested.  Because its a genetic test there is NO excuse not to test BECAUSE clearing a dog can clear all its progeny.  

*I* would buy from a breeder who is more concerned about the genetic health of her breeding stock.

PRA will not show up until well after any contract is fulfilled... onset can be anytime after 4 years.

There are no excuses for not testing.

Answer 2

I personally would prefer to save the money and buy a pup from the reputable breeder who costs more..  at least you are getting a dog that has a health guarantee and comes from tested lines.

The $650 one could cost you more in the long run with the vet care the dog may need.

Answer 3

What crazykit said aside. If you didn't find this breeder through the breed club I HIGHLY suggest you go through them. If she's not doing the proper health testing you will be flushing your 650 down the drain. She's clearly in this for the money.

Now as to what crazykit said - this woman is a BYB and you should not buy from her under no circumstance. But don't let anyone GUILT you into going through the rescue. This is your choice.

http://www.americaneskimo.com/NAEDA/naed... < find the closest one to you and ask them for a breeder referral. They will put you in contact with someone who will give you a health guarantee and who does the proper genetic testing

Answer 4

I would run away from the "cheap" breeder and go for the more expensive one. Usually a breeder who won't provide health guarantees for their animals are trying to hide something.

If she says you should listen to everything you read, then why wold listen to what SHE says?

Not all breeders are "puppy mills".  

Answer 5

Easy answer - you are paying, you call the tune!  If this breeder doesn't have what you want, move on!

Answer 6

You may not want to hear this but there is much more to lose than $650.00.  Do you know the heartbreak involved in watching a dog you love go blind??? Even with pet insurance, it will not stop the huge emotional toll YOU will pay.

Responsible, reputable breeders do NOT make excuses...THEY DO THE MEDICAL TESTING PRIOR TO ANY BREEDING. Period.  And they provide you with PROOF of said testing on both parents. They do this in an effort to provide the buyer with a genetically sound and healthy dog.  Can you really put a price tag on that kind of dedication to the breed?

You have options.  If you can afford $650 to buy from someone whose only interest in the dog is making a buck .... you can afford to WAIT AND SAVE the money needed to buy from breeder who will sell you a healthy pet, stand behind it, and most likely become a lifelong friend and mentor to you. I know where I would look for a dog.  Good luck!

Answer 7

As a vet tech you must certainly be aware of the high cost of medical care for a dog. The difference in price between the two dogs is $350, which seems like a lot. But consider the cost of treating PRA. I would definitely buy the dog that has been tested, it will probably be cheaper in the long run. A breeder who doesn't test for any health problems or offer a guarantee is likely a byb only in it for the money. Maybe you could find a third breeder who has good dogs for a lower price. And ignore Crazykit- there's nothing wrong with buying from a reputable breeder.

edit: By the way, I would suggest that you tell the owner of the $1000 dog that you turned down the cheap one because of the bad breeder. Say you wanted to be sure to go to a really good breeder. Flattery will get you everywhere! Even if he won't budge on the price, he might be willing to let you make payments or something.

Answer 8

As a vet tech (as am I) you should know more than anyone that buying from a breeder is the last thing you should be supporting. You should also know that there are breed specific rescues and lots of way to save an animal rather than support a 'breeder' who probably is an unethical money hungry byb.