Puppy selection question.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by deonk1

Hi Everyone,

I've been on the waitlist, I've waited patiently with my breeder and in January two lovely boys were born. I'm at the top of the list which means I get to choose between them; however, it's becoming harder and harder to pick.

Here's some info:
- Born Jan 7th.

- I see them by zoom every week and she sends pictures

- I wanted the larger of the two, hoping that one would finish larger (understanding that may not be the result). Well every week they are clocking in at identical sizes, so we don't have a front runner that way.

- They are both very healthy, eating well, eyes are open and they are squirmy and curious so no apparent differences in personality yet.

- While I don't need to rush to pick, I do need to pick before we run the liver test and DNA testing, which will be before I can see them in person (she's in a different province so I'm flying in to pick him up - he's flying back with me in carry-on, NOT cargo).

- The only apparent difference right now she has said that one has a rounder head and will likely have more of a "baby doll face". The little guys were too squirmy last week for me to be able to see this difference. Can anyone clarify what that looks like? I think I know what she means. If I'm correct my old dog Harley (in my profile pic) did not have this head shape. So I'm leaning towards picking the other one.

I'm going to talk to her some more Wednesday but I figured I would check and see if anyone has any thoughts. Are there any other qualities I should be looking for? I was hoping size or health would make the decision for me, but these guys are near identical so it may just have to come down to aesthetics.

You now say you already paid for the testing....that is NOT what you said, so if you read the above you will see that the information provided to you was solicited by you.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by deonk1

I have read everything you've said. However, I've been balancing my own anxiety. I've already paid for the testing so there's no going back in that. If it works it works.

When I was looking for this breeder I called every breeder in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. This is the only one of two that passed without major warning. The other moved back overseas before my name came up on the list. I spent the last two years watching for a rescue Yorkie with no luck. I cant fly further than that due to medical reasons and i knew a breeder who allowed shipping was a red flag, and I would never ship a dog in cargo. So I knew I needed to be able to go get him and fly him as carry on with me.

While I understand the baby doll face comments, I added it was a text message when I asked if they are still same size. We couldn't get video to work that week. She at no point used that term beforehand.

I have looked into the liver testing and haven't decided what to do with that. I usually talk to her on Wednesdays. I'll ask.

I understand everyone's desire to help but I'm at a loss what else to do in this situation. I've reached out to many references and even asked a few other breeders and she seems well respected and her dogs are healthy.

I don't know if she's done all of the OAF testing but I recognize some of the things on the list and we've discussed them.

I used to be a very active member when Harley was around and while I recognize the need to inform, every post I've posted this week has had a lot of negative tones and harsh comments. I appreciate the ones that provide links so I can do my own research. I was just very excited that my little guy is finally almost here and wanted to see if some of my old friends were still around here.

I think maybe you are taking them as harsh because they aren’t what you want to hear. I just want you to have all the information so you don’t think you are definitely getting a 100% healthy puppy that will have no health issues. What bothers me is that your breeder didn’t know or tell you the information on the liver test as well as the embark test and those are things she should have known so I do have some concern that you are dealing with either an uneducated breeder or breeder that is trying to take you for more money or both. But I have given you the information and that’s all I can do. As far as the food to feed tread it was the same way and if I sounded harsh about the raw food that is because it’s terrible for dogs let alone puppies and can be dangerous. I learned a lot that opened my eyes in my vet assistant classes about food that made me really look at things differently. It’s frustrating to add links and make sure I am giving all the correct info when you only respond to the poster who is just telling you sunshine and rainbows but that’s generally what people want to hear, they don’t actually want an informed answer which I prefer to give informed answers and then they think they are harsh.

[matese]

Originally Posted by deonk1

I have read everything you've said. However, I've been balancing my own anxiety. I've already paid for the testing so there's no going back in that. If it works it works.

When I was looking for this breeder I called every breeder in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. This is the only one of two that passed without major warning. The other moved back overseas before my name came up on the list. I spent the last two years watching for a rescue Yorkie with no luck. I cant fly further than that due to medical reasons and i knew a breeder who allowed shipping was a red flag, and I would never ship a dog in cargo. So I knew I needed to be able to go get him and fly him as carry on with me.

While I understand the baby doll face comments, I added it was a text message when I asked if they are still same size. We couldn't get video to work that week. She at no point used that term beforehand.

I have looked into the liver testing and haven't decided what to do with that. I usually talk to her on Wednesdays. I'll ask.

I understand everyone's desire to help but I'm at a loss what else to do in this situation. I've reached out to many references and even asked a few other breeders and she seems well respected and her dogs are healthy.

I don't know if she's done all of the OAF testing but I recognize some of the things on the list and we've discussed them.

I used to be a very active member when Harley was around and while I recognize the need to inform, every post I've posted this week has had a lot of negative tones and harsh comments. I appreciate the ones that provide links so I can do my own research. I was just very excited that my little guy is finally almost here and wanted to see if some of my old friends were still around here.

Testing or no testing, the purchase of a healthy dog is always a roll of the dice. All the links provided to you have great information but can become a bit overwhelming. Buy your baby and just enjoy him

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by matese

Testing or no testing, the purchase of a healthy dog is always a roll of the dice. All the links provided to you have great information but can become a bit overwhelming. Buy your baby and just enjoy him

I am sorry, but to compare buying a puppy to a gambling operation? I seriously reject that. You obviously are not thinking about ODDS.

Genetic testing does have value. Certainly you can have other issues but you sure as heck can eliminate some horrible issues that puppies can have. What you are saying is EXACTLY why backyard breeders and puppy mills continue to sell ill bred puppies.

I must say I am stunned and disappointed.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by matese

Testing or no testing, the purchase of a healthy dog is always a roll of the dice. All the links provided to you have great information but can become a bit overwhelming. Buy your baby and just enjoy him

That’s not what you have said before . My links were very easy to understand also. There are things that breeders can do to try to make sure the puppies will be as healthy as possible and you know that because you have supported it before so not sure what your game is here.

[Kiwibaehr]

Hi, Just reading the posts, it sounds like you've done your research and found a good breeder near you. The pictures are adorable. Congratulations and I hope you enjoy him. Lots of puppy training ahead for you! There are many good books out there, offering positive no-fear training. Socialize him while he is young. I hope he gives puppy kisses, not all of them do!

[matese]

Lovetodream

Here we go again, highjacking OP post.
Where did I say anything negative about the information you offered the OP.
Both you and Linda offered great information/ links, and as Linda said, even if the OP does not use the info. its out there for ppl that may read this thread. Guaranteed it will help ppl.
Do not accuse me of "playing games".
Do not highjack this thread to off topic.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by matese

Lovetodream

Here we go again, highjacking OP post.
Where did I say anything negative about the information you offered the OP.
Both you and Linda offered great information/ links, and as Linda said, even if the OP does not use the info. its out there for ppl that may read this thread. Guaranteed it will help ppl.
Do not accuse me of "playing games".
Do not highjack this thread to off topic.

To be perfectly honest. I don't see how she is taking anything off topic. It is all part of the discussion taking place here. I too wondered why you had an abrupt change from your previous stances on breeding. You basically are now promoting ill breeding and comparing purchasing a puppy to a gambling game where in the past you spoke out against the very things that are being discussed. It kind of baffled me as well. I just didn't choose to ask you why you did it, but it did make me go "huh?".

Might be best at this point for everyone to just walk away. The OP got what she asked for and this is now pointless.

I hope the OP gets a happy healthy puppy and many wonderful years with him. I look forward to her posts and pictures of him in the future.

[matese]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

To be perfectly honest. I don't see how she is taking anything off topic. It is all part of the discussion taking place here. I too wondered why you had an abrupt change from your previous stances on breeding. You basically are now promoting ill breeding and comparing purchasing a puppy to a gambling game where in the past you spoke out against the very things that are being discussed. It kind of baffled me as well. I just didn't choose to ask you why you did it, but it did make me go "huh?".

Might be best at this point for everyone to just walk away. The OP got what she asked for and this is now pointless.

I hope the OP gets a happy healthy puppy and many wonderful years with him. I look forward to her posts and pictures of him in the future.

How am I "promoting" ill breeding. Where did I tell the OP to not take any tests on this puppy. You can take all the tests in the links you provided and still have other illness crop up. It's a "roll of the dice" meaning...everything is taking a chance.
Do not accuse me of "promoting ill breeding dogs".
I am not going to have this thread highjacked by going off topic by
1-accusing me of supporting back yard breeders
2-promoting ill breed dogs
3-Me playing games
I am stepping away from further negative comments made towards me.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by matese

Testing or no testing, the purchase of a healthy dog is always a roll of the dice. All the links provided to you have great information but can become a bit overwhelming. Buy your baby and just enjoy him

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I am sorry, but to compare buying a puppy to a gambling operation? I seriously reject that. You obviously are not thinking about ODDS.

Genetic testing does have value. Certainly you can have other issues but you sure as heck can eliminate some horrible issues that puppies can have. What you are saying is EXACTLY why backyard breeders and puppy mills continue to sell ill bred puppies.

I must say I am stunned and disappointed.

Originally Posted by matese

How am I "promoting" ill breeding. Where did I tell the OP to not take any tests on this puppy. You can take all the tests in the links you provided and still have other illness crop up. It's a "roll of the dice" meaning...everything is taking a chance.
Do not accuse me of "promoting ill breeding dogs".
I am not going to have this thread highjacked by going off topic by
1-accusing me of supporting back yard breeders
2-promoting ill breed dogs
3-Me playing games
I am stepping away from further negative comments made towards me.

Posting all for clarification. I am not attacking you. I DID say you can have other illnesses, but to say it is too overwhelming to do due diligence in choosing a breeder and healthy puppy IN MY OPINION is promoting the purchase of puppies from just anyone because it is a "roll of the dice". Still shocking to me that you continue to say it, but whatever. Yes, good to just leave this thread be.

I am not attacking you personally. I don't know you. I am merely responding to your words and doing my level best to make sure anyone who reads this thread (there are already many and will be more because this is a topic of interest to people looking for puppies) knows how to look for a REPUTABLE BREEDER. The odds of a healthy puppy are MUCH HIGHER if you do your homework and don't just look for a cute face.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

To be perfectly honest. I don't see how she is taking anything off topic. It is all part of the discussion taking place here. I too wondered why you had an abrupt change from your previous stances on breeding. You basically are now promoting ill breeding and comparing purchasing a puppy to a gambling game where in the past you spoke out against the very things that are being discussed. It kind of baffled me as well. I just didn't choose to ask you why you did it, but it did make me go "huh?".

Might be best at this point for everyone to just walk away. The OP got what she asked for and this is now pointless.

I hope the OP gets a happy healthy puppy and many wonderful years with him. I look forward to her posts and pictures of him in the future.