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Originally Posted by tskinner  I would say that it would have been great to know these things before I jumped into buying the cutest little puppy that crossed my path but I wouldn't give him up for the world. It definitely has helped in my decision on when I get my next one, if my dh will let me, lol. |
Don't feel bad, I hope you get lucky and your dog turns out to be free of genetic defects. I really didn't know anything about finding a quality breeder until I found Yorkietalk, I'm so thankful, for all the members who have written posts on how to find a good breeder, and the qualities to look for. I was really afraid to even buy a purebred anything because of one horrific experience with the cutest little dog ever. When man becomes involves in breeding of animals, it is extremely important to know what you are doing, because you are playing genetic roulette, and survival of the fittest just doesn't hold out. When a family owns and loves a dog with major genetic flaws, not flaws that harm the beauty, but flaws that influence the quality of life, it can be extremely painful both emotionally and financially. Better breeders do health screening and know their lines to ensure the dogs that they are breeding are less likely to be passing major genetic flaws that don't show up until, the age of 5 or 6, when many of these backyard breeders are finished breeding their dogs.
Another thing to remember, is that with the CKC and these alternative registries, you can't even offer limited registration, if you want, meaning that every puppy you sell can be legally bred by the buyer, no reputable breeder believes that every puppy born is fit to be bred.