[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by EmrldShdwQueen

Well yes, of course. If there WAS a health problem known PRIOR to placing the dog, then the new owner would be filled in on all the details and given paperwork as to the vets diagnosis, and also printed material on treatment, etc. If there is something KNOWN before he/she is placed, then yes I would note in a contract that that particular problem would be further cared for by the new owner. However, if it was something treatable I would go ahead and have the procedures needed done BEFORE I tried to place the dog. But, as you're talking about with your pug, just an eye condition...then I would do the same as your breeder, note that particular problem in the contract but still cover all other genetic issues that could possibly come up.

On the subject of treating a problem before placing, some I know (also a breeder) was recently given a dog by one of her friends that had a pretty serious hernia. She had the vet fix the hernia and spay her at the same time, and THEN placed her in a new home, and she did tell the new owners her history, BUT she didn't offer the 1 year guarantee on this dog, because the dog was GIVEN to her by her friend, so she didn't want to be held accountable if something came back genetic that wasn't actually in HER lines. I'm not sure if I agree with that though...shouldn't you stand behind ANY puppy you sell? If she didn't want to do that, maybe she shouldn't have taken the dog in the first place. Any thoughts on that?

Hmmm...I can see both sides on this one. I think what she did was ok, as long as the new owner is completely informed of the entire situation. Then it is their call whether or not to purchase the dog. Probably what I would have done, though, is place the dog for the cost of the hernia/spay. Then no guarantee beyond that.