[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Keep in mind that no reputable breeder would be cross breeding. So, you'll be very hard pressed to find one that fits any of the above.

While testing the parents does give you indication that the parents do not have any life threatening afflictions, it doesn't inform you whether they are carriers of such afflictions, there is no genetic marker available that will tell you that.

With that said, Liver Shunt is a dreaded disease that is prevelant in Maltese and Yorkies, according to Dr Center's protocol; the test should be performed on a pup at 16 weeks and again at 6 months. That being said, it would be best to not obtain a pup until 16 weeks or more. X-raying hips and knees aren't valid until a minimum of 1 year of age; and OFA and CERF's until age 2. There is no cross breeder that would hold off on breeding their dogs until that age. Luxating Patella's & Collapsed Trachaea can be environmental, a breeder will not guarantee these things. Let me expand, a pup can injure their knees just by jumping. Grade Level 1 or 2 is most likely an injury. However, if a pup is at a 3 or 4 on initial examination, it's probably genetic. Another thing to remember is that pups have loose knees.

A reputable breeder will probably question you much harder than you question them. They will not let a pup go on your first visit, it's not they way they work.

What Mardelin said! Totally agree.