Should I be concerned?

[Ellie May]

It sounds like you really want this pup and if you can afford vet bills, then why not get it?

Because this breeder doesn't automatically give a health guarantee and because she evidently doesn't health screen her dogs, I'd rather not get a dog from her but it sounds like you're already in love with it.

Honestly, if I was going to get a dog without a guarantee, I would see no reason not to rescue (if I could find a place that would adopt to me).

It would be okay to take the pup to your vet but it is too young to bile acid test and most vets won't even draw for a blood panel at this age/size. It may be too early for luxating patella to show up and a few other things. So as far as congenital issues go, taking the pup to your vet at this age may be a waste of time.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by celstu1

I didn't get a health guarantee when I bought my boys. They were $750 each and came with the paperwork for me to file them for AKC. I did not register them since I had them fixed and had no intentions of breeding, showing, etc. They were just pets. Her vet gave them a clean bill of health, and my vet did too for the most part. One of them had a heart murmur, but it was not horrible and it closed up within a year. I know I was lucky that they are so healthy, you could be too. Or not. I respect breeders very much and all the work they do to ensure a great pup, but I don't think hobby breeders are bad people breeding bad dogs either. If you cannot get a health guarantee without jacking up the price of the pup, then take the pup to your vet (maybe she'll pick up the price of that) and have him examed there for your own comfort. Make sure the vet checks for yorkie/small breed congenital things. However some won't be known at this young of an age yet. I think there is a test for live shunt and for LP, along with some other tests to make sure he is healthy.

He'll be too young to get a bile acids test to see if he has a liver shunt. He has to be 20 weeks. That's why it's important to get a health guarantee. If she tests him at 20 weeks and he does have a shunt, she'll be out of luck. She'll also be out of a lot of money in diagnostics.

[celstu1]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

He'll be too young to get a bile acids test to see if he has a liver shunt. He has to be 20 weeks. That's why it's important to get a health guarantee. If she tests him at 20 weeks and he does have a shunt, she'll be out of luck. She'll also be out of a lot of money in diagnostics.

Thanks! I had no idea what age or size they need to be for the tests. Good to know!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Alexi

I wish I would have read this before I went looking for a puppy! I love my Sophie and wouldn't trade her for anything but you have some really good points!

And at least you are doing your research BEFORE you take one home. Good luck. Rescue puppy, Backyard breader, pets store or pound they all need homes and some love!

While adopting a pet from a rescues are an absolutely great idea, I'm disappointed to see the myth that "it doesn't matter where your pet comes from", they all need good homes perpetuated. Buying from a puppy mill or BYB, perpetuates the suffering of dogs! Remember, when you reward the breeder with money, at least one more dog will take it's place. Owning a poorly bred dog is not only terribly expensive, but also emotionally draining. Lets hear it for all those people who do their homework, and buy from responsible, honest breeders or rescues. Especially, during these tough economic times, I'm afraid that the good breeders will be the ones that cut back.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

While adopting a pet from a rescues are an absolutely great idea, I'm disappointed to see the myth that "it doesn't matter where your pet comes from", they all need good homes perpetuated. Buying from a puppy mill or BYB, perpetuates the suffering of dogs! Remember, when you reward the breeder with money, at least one more dog will take it's place. Owning a poorly bred dog is not only terribly expensive, but also emotionally draining. Lets hear it for all those people who do their homework, and buy from responsible, honest breeders or rescues. Especially, during these tough economic times, I'm afraid that the good breeders will be the ones that cut back.

Exactly! Yes, the unfortunate dogs who are the result of puppy mills and BYBs are every bit as deserving a loving home as a dog from a reputable breeder. But when you support the actions of those unethical breeders by supporting them....they will just continue with what they are doing.
It's *kind* of like buying a fur coat under the guise that 'what's done is done.' It will only feed the market and another will replace that one soon. (not the best comparison, but you get the idea)