Does this make the breeder dodgy?

[Stellabella]

I've fallen in love with a Bichon Frise Breeder and want one of the pups.

As per the great thread titled "Responsible Breeder Checklist", this breeder passes all the recommended criteria with flying colors, EXCEPT for having proof of the OFA and CERF exams on both parents. The paperwork on the mom has been misplaced. The exams were done on the mom (she cleared the CERF exam and OFA rated her hips Fair). The dad was just under 2 years when mated and only had a preliminary exam on his hips which was rated Good.

This breeder (except for this one thing) is amazing.

- Very knowledgeable, informative and willing to help.
- Very involved in rescue work.
- Provided me with references from previous puppy buyers which I checked and they were glowing reports.
- Actively socializes the pups with men, children and sounds and keeps the pups till 10 weeks.
- and much much much more!

I've met all the dogs and they're all happy, healthy and living in the living room. The mom is so lovely. Great temperament and appears to be healthy.

This breeder is extremely embarrassed by this mishap and understands if I would like to go elsewhere, even recommending other breeders.

Preferably, of course, I want the proof of OFA and CERF, but when the breeder exceeds my expectations in every area except for this, I'm contemplating chancing it with one of the pups.

Would you chance it?

 

[joce]

Shouldn't they just be able to get a copy of the paperwork pretty easilly? It doesn't sound that bad to me. But if she can't get a copy of the paperwork that seems weird. But then again I don't know how all that works.If you are unsure at all then wait but it sounds like you like this one.

 

[Love4Pits]

being a breeder myself i would'nt chance it it sounds kinda fishy to me. I always have my testing papers and they are pretty easy to get a copy of at least for me. But hey its your money and dog you do what you think is right.

 

[Saje]

I've never bought from a breeder. They sound good. And if it's your best option in your area I"m sure that will be fine.

But like it was mentioned - those are easy papers to get. Perhaps insist a little harder that she get them. Also, ask the references if they were able to see the papers. If she never shows anybody papers than that does sound quite shady to me.

 

[CreatureTeacher]

If you intend to neuter the puppy, then sure! Go for it! Just understand that the dog may have genetic disorders that it would be irresponsible to pass on to another generation. And if you don't have proof of health, you can never be sure that the puppy is healthy. You may end up with a huge vet bill and a broken heart in the end.

Of course, you could always rescue...

Either way, good luck and send us lots of pictures when you get the puppy!

 

[Renee750il]

Always check references. That can tell you a story, even though people always list good references you can sometimes read between the lines. Ask area vets about her puppies.

With the exception of the papers, she sounds good, but I'm always suspicious of things that sound almost too good. If the mother checked out well, it's a good chance the pups are fine, but I'd still do some homework. And it really shouldn't be a big deal for her to get copies of those papers.

Realistically though, she may be the best source for a Bichon near you.

 

[Renee750il]

Oh, duh, why didn't I think of this??

Is she willing to sign off on at least sharing any vet bills for congenital defects since she can't show you the papers on the male?

 

[CreatureTeacher]

Hey, yeah! Way to use that thing between your ears, Renee!

 

[Renee750il]

ROFL! I've been wondering what I could do with that, Emma, since I hate wearing hats! And all this time I've just been using it to take up space and extrude red hair!

 

[bubbatd]

She may have "misplaced" the papers but can always contact OFA for a duplicate. Since the male was under 2 yrs. he couldn't get clearance. My male/females and their breeding partners always had their "good" papers, yet of about 120 offspring over 40 years, 2 pups came up with displastic hips ......nothing's guaranteed. It's like the lotto....do your research....How often does she/he breed....puppy care from day one is so important. Visit often and check out their socialization. Get the book "How to raise a puppy you can live with"......a breeders and owners Bible !!!! ( I wore out 3 issues!)

 

[Stellabella]

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for your advice.

I contacted a couple of the references again and asked if they saw papers. Unfortunately, they hadn't and they didn't even know what OFA & CERF were. Do you only get them if you ask?

The breeder is continuing to look, and I told her to contact OFA & CERF for copies. She's also had the dad's hip x-rays done a few days ago and is sending them to OFA. CERF apparently is harder because the clinic only comes around once in awhile.

If the breeder can't get the papers, I may still get the pup. Of course, if I do, she'll be fixed. I would never intend to breed her. I will also have pet insurance, and make sure the contract helps me out as much as possible, whether its a full refund if the dog has any problems or split the vet bills etc.

I suppose there's always a chance of disease even if both parents were perfect.

 

[Renee750il]

That's a good outlook to have, Stellabella.

Do be careful about the pet insurance. You have to read every single bit of the policy and be sure to ask questions and get answers - in writing - before you sign. Too many people get signed up thinking they're covered for things and find out they aren't, or have trouble getting the insurance company to pay even when the condition is covered.

And have a wonderful time with your new pup! Be sure to post photos and tell us all about her.