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New here/ puppy question

650 views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  momtoMax 
#1 ·
Hi all.
This is my first post here I hope its in the right place. I am so glad to have found these boards as there is so much great information here.

My family consists of my dh, myself, our 4 kids and a cat. My dh and I have narrowed or breed list to goldens or labs so I have been researching breeders for both breeds because we were interested in a puppy if possible. I've learned so much about health testing, and health issues, things to be cautious of as far as breeders go. Here's my question though, sorry to be so long getting to it :)

I found out about a litter of puppies born 4/29. They were an oopsy. I know, I know very irresponsible. The only test done on the parents was that the hips were ofa'd. The pups were born in the living room, have been to the vet(vet tech told me about the litter) 1st shots, dewormed. Have been handled and been around kids. Now I know as far as "breeders" go this woman is truly not a breeder. Not even a BYB, this is the first litter. Male dog neutered after the incident. If she were a true breeder, I know that this is what you run from. But if these same puppies were in the shelter, no one would have a problem adopting them, true? Dogs that come into rescue, a lot of the time, nothing is known about hips, elbows, parents etc. but I think everyone agrees they are worthy of adoptingl.

I would love anyone's advise or opinions on getting a puppy from this particular situation. She is not selling them, is just asking for a couple of dollars to help cover some of the costs she incurred.

Would anyone here take one of these puppies, or should I be running?

Thank you in advance for any advice. I would really appreciate some honest opinions as I'm a little bit torn.

Jo
(who hopes to have a golden one day)
 
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#2 ·
If you have met the parent dogs and are happy with their looks and temperment there is little difference between this situation and getting a rescue dog. Having the hip clearances on the parents probably near the top of the list of the clearances available. If you were to adopt one of these pups you may want to consider pet health insurance or setting up a small vet account to be prepared for possible health issues but probably every pet owner should. I would say "go for it"
 
#3 ·
Thank you so much for the response. That is a great idea about the pet insurance. I would not have thought of it. I know that if I saw the same litter already at the shelter I would not think twice about adopting one. I don't know why I'm so torn. I do believe that if she does not place all puppies they will end up in a shelter or rescue.
Any other advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Jo
 
#4 ·
I would have to think hard about this one. While my head would be telling my to run, I don't know that I would, especially since this was more of a mistake and not a backyard breeder operation. I would also have to say go for it.

It's great the hips are certified. Like Oakly'sdad said, you may want to set up some kind of vet fund just because with breeding like this you just never know.
 
#5 ·
Hi, welcome to the forum,
I'll I can say is" you will never regret getting a Golden" whether it's from this oopsy breeder or another source. Even if you get a dog from a well respected/experienced breeder, unfortunately health problems may still occur.
Either way, best of luck, keep us posted.
 
#6 ·
I think it will more than likely turn out well for you. If the owner of the dogs will be honest with you, try and find out whether they have any health issues themselves, then do a little research on their pedigrees. Others will be more informative for where to look if you are in the US/Canada. You can find out all kinds of information on ancestors health checks etc.

All the same, if the parents are healthy and are of a good temperament, then you are at least half way there.

Oh, and the pet insurance is invaluable. Whether or not you buy from the best breeder out there I'd still recommend this. You never know what is around the corner, and I see insurance as an expense of dog ownership, after all, how many people become unstuck because they can't afford expensive vet bills when the unexpected happens. Get insurance!

Good luck and can't wait to see pics....
 
#7 ·
I think it is very kind and caring to choose one of these pups to join your family. I agree it is lots like rescuing from a shelter, and these puppies each deserve a loving home. Since there is no bad breeding program you will be supporting, I think it's wonderful. If you want a show or performance puppy though, it's not a good bet. For a loving pet, it sounds great. Obviously, there is a risk without cardiac, elbows, and eyes, but the vet tech would know how those things are looking.
 
#8 ·
Welcome to the forum,
I got my Beau from a small breeder 13 years ago. Back then I didnt know about clearances and things like that. Luckily he has been ok and I wouldnt change a thing. The health insurance is a good thing and I would get it since you dont know aobut the clearances. And use the money that you would have used to buy a dog in an emergency account.
 
#9 ·
Hi all.
This is my first post here I hope its in the right place. I am so glad to have found these boards as there is so much great information here.

My family consists of my dh, myself, our 4 kids and a cat. My dh and I have narrowed or breed list to goldens or labs so I have been researching breeders for both breeds because we were interested in a puppy if possible. I've learned so much about health testing, and health issues, things to be cautious of as far as breeders go. Here's my question though, sorry to be so long getting to it :)

I found out about a litter of puppies born 4/29. They were an oopsy. I know, I know very irresponsible. The only test done on the parents was that the hips were ofa'd. The pups were born in the living room, have been to the vet(vet tech told me about the litter) 1st shots, dewormed. Have been handled and been around kids. Now I know as far as "breeders" go this woman is truly not a breeder. Not even a BYB, this is the first litter. Male dog neutered after the incident. If she were a true breeder, I know that this is what you run from. But if these same puppies were in the shelter, no one would have a problem adopting them, true? Dogs that come into rescue, a lot of the time, nothing is known about hips, elbows, parents etc. but I think everyone agrees they are worthy of adoptingl.

I would love anyone's advise or opinions on getting a puppy from this particular situation. She is not selling them, is just asking for a couple of dollars to help cover some of the costs she incurred.

Would anyone here take one of these puppies, or should I be running?

Thank you in advance for any advice. I would really appreciate some honest opinions as I'm a little bit torn.

Jo
(who hopes to have a golden one day)
I think she shouldn't be recooped the money she's out IMO - it was her fault, she should just foot the bill and give those puppies away!! If she gets a couple of hundred per puppy she'll recoop and more. It's up to you whether you get them or not. This is her first litter so there's always some risk to you there. Max's mom had children over 2 years old - no issues with any of her puppies so that made me feel more secure about Max's health. Check the mom and dad for skin issues - allergies are common and hereditary. Make sure mom and dad are great and friendly dogs. That means spend at least 10 minutes with them as your focus. Watch for any questionable behaviors. Max's dad has to be one of the most AWESOME dogs I've ever met. That made me want the one that took after him. If one of the parents touches your heart, that's a helpful thing too.
Are these dogs golden or golden mixed or not golden at all? If they are golden golden - I got Max for 350 which is about as low as you'll find. He came from a horse farm where they raised goldens (2 moms and 1 dad) as a side line to their horse breeding program. Dogs had clearances, Max is only ACA because his dad was (although his mom was AKC). Make sure you're paying an appropriate amount for these unplanned, first litter, no parent clearance puppies. But if you go see them and fall in love, then follow your heart - just accept also that you may be taking on a puppy with an unknown future and if she/he does have some health issues, that you are willing and able to meet those responsibilities if they should occur.
 
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