I'm not a breeder, but am trying to be fair.
I think a breeder can give you a reasonable and probable estimate of the size a puppy will be when it's full grown. But, I'm sure no one can guarantee this.
Also - there certainly are some problems - congenital and otherwise - that are not apparent in small pups - but may show up later. I do believe it is a breeder's responsibility to give you a healthy little puppy - but I don't think we can expect them to guarantee that our new pup will never ever have any health problems.
Yes - most breeders do want you to take your puppy to a vet as soon as possible (within a day or two following purchase) and most will take the puppy back (and return any money you have paid) if the vet finds any serious health problems that they were unaware of.
Some other things I would look at for myself are the puppies appearance, behaviour, and personality. Most of us know what a healthy little pup should look like and how it should behave - and more often than not, there are one or two in any litter that we can easily love. We should also (as best we can) try and determine the personality of any little puppy we get. After all, we are going to live together for a long long time.
The only other important thing I can think of is ---- know your breeder's history and reputation.... This, in itself, will help keep you from being disappointed in many different ways.
One of my 10-year-old little dogs became diabetic. How could the breeder have foreseen this! It didn't happen to two of her sisters that I know. And, it wouldn't have kept me from loving and enjoying her anyway. This little dog was diabetic, had two shots a day, and was perfectly healthy otherwise.
Good luck!
Carol Jean |