To all commenting on the LP issue:
Whoa!!! Have I opened a can of worms here!!! OK, you all should already know 2 things about me:
#1 I care very much about the puppy that is out there as I am wanting to learn all I can ahead of buying.
#2 I am really doing my best to find a very reputable breeder, having searched out Yorkie groups and respected breeders for referrals and advice. And cross-referencing all that I learn.
Now, here is abit of risky behavior amid the lively discussion. Those on both sides of this issue might really let me have it, but regardless, I will comment on what I have gathered from all expressed here and in another thread I started hoping to gather the opinions of Yorkie breeders as well as those of general Yorkie owners.
First of all, I DO need to ask more details about this particular puppy dad. I now have a good ideas of what those questions should be, so thank you all!!
There is one assumption that is being made here, and that is that the breeder knew all along that this dog had a knee problem and through caution to the wind and breed the dog regardless. UNFAIR!! I have not asked what was known and when. I have not found out when the knee problem began. For all we know, this is something that has just come up since the dog was breed. So I think that is an important distinction. On the other hand, perhaps there was a way for this breeder to figure this out ahead of any breeding, remember I am a newbie, regardless I am willing to inquire further before making my decision.
Another issue is that of the control breeders have over nature. I have to believe that even with all the most reputable breeders best efforts, Mother Nature throws a curve ball from time to time. So I am willing to find out more of the big picture with this breeder.
There also seems to be the questions of severity and activity level of the LP dog meaning, is the dog's activity level making the situation worse. I do not know enough to really understand all the aspects of this issue. I will say that I do not believe that this is a Black and White situation. I will not drop this breeder or puppies from my "shopping list" on this one issue. Remember, I am not purchasing a dog for breeding.
I know that the dog in question has had multiple litters of offspring already. I have been told be two separate dog owners of this dog's offspring that they know of no problem within those litters, nor do their dogs have knee problems.
Anyone who is willing to really do their homework prior to buying a puppy must come to realize that there are multiple and complex issues to be considered when interviewing each breeder.
Perhaps some of you are being led to believe that I think this may all be OK, but I do agree with those who say that if a breeder knows that a dog has a particular genetic problem of significance they do need to refrain from breeding the dog in question.
I want to take a look at the whole picture of both the breeder, the parent dogs and their histories/pedigrees, and the puppies for sale along with the condition of their littermates and siblings from other litters. Again, I am now armed with lots of additional questions to ask to gather more information prior to making a decision to buy one of the puppies being offered.
Again it is so great to be in a situation to hear opposing opinions and consider all points. Thank you all for your comments.
Regarding, male or female, after reading all those comments, I am still thinking I will set that factor aside and choose a pup for overall temperment and LOL: perhaps cuteness!!
(Happy to end on a lighthearted note.) |