Words
That Mean Very Little:
"AKC:" The words AKC mean American Kennel Club, the registering organization for purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC does NOT guarantee the health or temperament of a puppy and does not guarantee a breeder is conscientious or ethical. The AKC simply registers the litter and will register your puppy, all for a fee. This registration is merely a quasi-guarantee of breed purity but even the AKC will admit the registration is only as good as the breeder who registers dogs. There is no AKC representative checking each litter to be certain they are purebreds. That is up to you to ascertain. Therefore, do not let these words give you a false sense of security or in any way influence your purchase of a puppy. The American Kennel Club is interested only in putting on dog shows for purebred dogs, and those dogs must be AKC registered. The Department of Motor Vehicles does not concern itself with what type of car you purchase. DMV is equally unconcerned with the quality of your purchase--they just want to register the car for a fee.
"CH:" The initials mean, "Champion." Frankly, that has come to
mean very little and again, it is NOT a guarantee of overall quality. To become a
Champion, a dog must be entered in dog shows and eventually, it must receive 15 points,
including two majors (a major is a show with a large entry). A hundred years ago, the
intent of dog shows was to exhibit the best specimen of each breed. With the high cost of
purebred dogs and their popularity, those ideals have almost disappeared. Many AKC judges
are "politically" aligned with professional handlers or well known breeders,
therefore, they DO NOT award a win to the dog but to the owner or handler. That is not to
say all shows are conducted in this manner but you would have no way of knowing if the
"Champion," received his title based solely on the dog's merit or the owners
connections. "Just about any dog can become a Champion given enough time and
money," is a statement used by experienced dog fanciers. For that reason, keep in
mind, the word "Champion" is not an indicator of quality. Most importantly, a
show title DOES NOT guarantee the health of the "Champion" nor any puppies
produced from breeding. One simple word, "Champion," can add hundreds of dollars
on to the price of a puppy-a meaningless word with a heavy price tag. There is a great
deal more involved in this controversial topic but time does not allow further discussion
here.
Words That Are Extremely Important:
"OFA" stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a research group that evaluates x-rays of hips, elbows, patellar luxation, thyroid and many more. (See list) The breeder's veterinarian conducts the x-rays or blood test, send it off to the OFA with applications for certification. At the OFA, the x-rays are evaluated by three (3) radiologists before a diagnosis is assigned to the dog. If the dog does NOT have hip or elbow dysplasia, numbers and certificates are issued and sent to the owner for hips and elbows. A certificate is issued on the patellar (kneecap) if the knees are normal. When the x-rays indicate a degree of dysplasia or luxation of the patellar, the OFA will NOT issue a number or a certificate. Because these conditions are accepted as having a polygenic base of inheritance with other factors, it is recommended that both parents and both sets of grandparents have OFA numbers. Dysplasia is a painful, crippling disorder especially difficult for large breeds. Patellar luxation is also genetic but since the certification has only been available for a short time, the grandparents will not have been certified but the parents should be checked.
THYROID PANEL: A growing number of dogs in all breeds are prone to lymphocytic hypothyroiditis, which is controlled with twice daily thyroid hormone supplements. The mode of inheritance has not yet been isolated for this condition but the number of affected dogs increases annually. Research with human populations and some studies with canines indicate a maternal link to the disease. It is presently accepted that puppies are given a predisposition to hypothyroiditis through antibodies produced by the mother and delivered during fetal development and again, in the mother's milk. This can occur only if the mother has not been checked for the disease which may be sub-clinical (in an early stage), without visually evident symptoms. A complete thyroid panel based on established laboratory values should be conducted on the bitch prior to breeding and before the onset of estrus (her heat cycle). The test should be repeated annually since the disease can occur at any stage of a dog's life. The OFA now offers certifications for thyroid disease.
If you have questions about the authenticity of these certifications, contact the OFA at (314) 442-0418.
Or visit their WebPages:
http://www.offa.org/
"CERF" are the initials of the Canine Eye Registry Foundation maintained for the benefit of breeders and owners of purebred dogs to assure some degree of clearance on genetic eye diseases. Nearly all breeds have some eye problems; many of these disorders end in blindness. Dogs are predisposed to a number of eye diseases with a genetic link, especially PRA, and both parents should have a CERF certificate. These certifications are good for one calendar year, because eye problems can develop later in a dog's life. Annual certifications are required. No, it's not perfect but presently, it is the only eye clearance available and since it must be completed by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, you know the parents have been thoroughly checked. CERF can be reached at (317) 494-8179.
Or visit:
http://www.vet.purdue.edu:80/~yshen/
PUNCH BIOPSIES: Some breeds suffer from Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) a genetic disease occurring with increased frequency in the Akita, Lhasa Apso, Old English Sheepdog, Dalmatian, Vizsla, Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever,Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Beagle, Border Collie, Welsh Pembroke Corgi, Samoyed, Great Pyrenees, American Eskimo, and German Sheperd.
In this condition, the immune system destroys the sebaceous glands causing loss of coat, clogged hair follicles, and a strong musty odor. Fever and loss of appetite may be present. There is no cure. Your only assurance against getting a puppy that may develop SA is to purchase from a breeder who does punch biopsies on the parents. A punch biopsy is the only definitive diagnostic test for the disease.
Approximately 200 genetic diseases exist in
purebred dogs. That does not mean all 200 diseases can effect all breeds. You should have
some understanding of which diseases are found in the breed of your choice. Visit this
website for a comprehensive list of genetic diseases by breed:
http://members.aol.com/PugsUK/webpage/listpurb.htm
You can visit the national breed clubs, they are
open and honest about health problems. The AKC links to its member clubs:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bredclub.cfm
"CONTRACT:" A contract is only as good as the parties who signed. It is, however, an indication of some sense of responsibility on behalf of the breeder. By reading the "guarantees" granted to you the puppy buyer, it will give you an idea how informed and experienced the breeder may be. If you are required to breed the dog and give "puppies back," RUN do not walk to the door and leave. No reputable breeder would ever insist a total stranger breed a dog, especially based solely on the conformation and unknown health problems of an 8-week old puppy! It indicates that money is the motivation in breeding dogs. As the "Lemon Laws" increase state-by-state, contracts will gain significant legal standing but currently; a contract is only a piece of paper. For more on contracts visit our Contract Information Page.
BUYER BEWARE!
You see a litter of adorable puppies but the breeder has not done any genetic screenings as outlined above. What should you do? Of course, the decision is yours but remember breeding dogs is a business because the end result is a SALE. There are breeders who will try to convince you it is an "adoption," or "acquiring a new family member," these are appeals to your emotions, a subliminal way to weaken your business sense. You are in fact, paying a good deal of money for something the law views as a "product." In the business arena, if you have the money to make a purchase but demand good quality, warranties and some assurances, there is always someone qualified to meet your standard. By demanding these screenings, by refusing to settle for less, breeders will have no choice but to raise their standards to your level.
There are breeders claiming to have these health checks completed on their dogs but when asked to give potential puppy buyers a copy for their files (which is your right), they are unable to produce the paperwork. You want to see these health certifications yourself, do not simply accept the word of someone who will make a good deal of money from the sale of each puppy. Do not accept excuses such as "I've been in the breed so long, I can visually assess a dog's structure," or "I have no need to test since I have never produced any diseases." These statements are not honest.
You should be well acquainted with the AKC breed Standard so you can compare the parents to the Standard for structure and conformation. All breed standards are available at the AKC website:
Conduct your own temperament tests on the puppies
to determine which one would be most suitable for your lifestyle. This site is an
excellent puppy aptitude test.
http://landofpuregold.com/puptest.htm
http://www.geocities.com/pawfectchihuahua/PuppyAptitudeTesting.html
The puppy should NOT be allowed to leave its litter
until it is at least 8 weeks old. A breeder who sells puppies younger than 8 weeks is
anxious to be free of the work and is probably unaware of the critical stages in the
mental development of puppies. Avoid this type of breeder.
As you can see from the above tests and recommendations, purchasing a dog from a pet store is an invitation to disaster. ALL puppies sold in pet stores are bred in puppy mills in the mid-west. Rarely are they from a local breeder. When they are from a local kennel, the breeder's decision to sell puppies without interviewing a potential family, is a demonstration of their ignorance and indifference to the fate of their puppies. These puppy mills or breeders do not CERF or conduct thyroid panels, but most importantly, the puppies do not receive sufficient human contact from birth through the 8th week, the most vulnerable stages for puppies. When you purchase from a pet store, you cannot see the parents and ultimately, puppies are genetic duplicates of their parents- what you see is what you'll get, with the exception of color.
Take your time and do not allow the sweetness of a puppy to sway you, because within a few months the puppy will be large enough to do as it pleases and problem behavior is never "cute." If you're shopping for a puppy, leave your emotions at home. The emotional trauma of trying to save a genetically sick dog is devastating to you and your family. Be pragmatic about this important decision, which is a 10-15 year commitment to the dog and will impact on your entire family.
The following genetic diseases can be prevented by screening breeding stock. Your breeder should be able to show you the certifications.
Legg-Perthe's Disease
http://www.italiangreyhound.org/leggpert.html
OFA: Hip, Elbow, Patella, thyroid
http://www.offa.org/
CERF
http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/cerf.html
Deafness in Dogs
http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/genetics.htm
BAER TESTING SITES
http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/baersite.htm
We have selected a few additional sites to assist in your search for a breeder. A plan of action could include printing out articles from each site. Highlight salient points important to you and your family. Have a round-table discussion with your family, perhaps during a pizza night. Take notes then make up a list to be used as guidelines during the search for your puppy.
Hallmarks of a Responsible Breeder
http://www.iupui.edu/~ihls400/responsible_breeder.html
http://members.aol.com/cokicola/breeder.htm
Finding the Right Breeder
http://www.akitarescue.com/findinga_breeder.htm
http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/findpet/findpup.htm
It's worth the cost to prevent a loss!
http://www.australianshepherds.org/reput.html
Have You Thought About An Adult Dog?
Do you realize that all purebred dogs are actually mixed breeds purposely bred to retain selected traits. The trait can be size, color, appearance or behavior. If you're not planning to show your dog in conformation, you may find the perfect mixed breed puppy or adult waiting for you at your local shelter.
Most purebred dogs have breed rescues--groups of dedicated volunteers that take their breed from shelters and house them until they're placed in new homes. Rescue dogs are not in immediate danger of euthanasia but shelter dogs have little time left for adoption. Most animal shelters throughout the country are kill shelters. A few facilities have the luxury of offering a no-kill policy but with an estimated 4 millions dogs abandoned each year shelters are forced to kill dogs of all ages. Adopting from an animal shelter literally saves a life. The following web sites provide good lists of animal shelters and animal welfare organizations. After you locate a shelter in your area bring the family for a visit. You'll be surprised at the variety of wonderful dogs waiting for homes.
Adopting a shelter dog
http://www.clickandtreat.com/dfogb8.htm
Yahoo's Shelter Directory
http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/Biology/Zoology/Animals__Insects__and_Pets/Organizations/Humane_and_Rescue_Societies/
Pet listing of animal shelters throughout the country
The NetVet's excellent listing of animal organizations nationwide.
http://netvet.wustl.edu/welfare.htm
Welcome to Pet Finder USA! with online registration for humane organizations and zip code searching.
http://www.petfinder.org/Reasons to adopt from a rescue or shelter
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11760
What to know before making decision
http://www.hillsidespca.com/tips.htm
http://www.digitaldog.com/adopting.htmlPurebred Rescues
Most of the dogs from purebred rescues are housebroken, have some basic obedience, and are well behaved and affectionate. They have not abandoned their families--they have been abandoned. Some of these dogs are homeless because of divorce; some come from homes where an owner died without leaving provisions for the dog. Many are from families whose financial circumstances have changed making it difficult to maintain a pet.
Why adopt a dog from a Rescue when I can get a puppy?
If you plan to show your purebred dog in AKC shows, you should purchase a puppy from a reputable, professional breeder. If you're looking for a friend, a companion, the benefits of contacting a Rescue are many. Because Rescue volunteers spend a great deal of time with their dogs the animal you adopt has been carefully evaluated for temperament and behavior problems. As mentioned, these dogs are already housebroken, have some basic obedience and make wonderful companions. They have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and given a health check. The work has already been done for you! You and your family can be matched to a dog suitable for your lifestyle. By adopting a purebred from Rescue, you are literally saving a life. Each rescue has limited funds and space. For each dog placed, another dog can be saved.
What is involved in adopting a dog from a rescue?
Most rescues ask you to fill out an application and provide veterinary references. This formality is aimed at securing a good, permanent home for each dog. The application questions are necessary to help volunteers match dog and family. You may be asked to submit to a house check. Again, this is for the dog's safety. An experienced rescue volunteer may see weak spots in your fencing or point out a poisonous plant within the dog's area. All Rescues have their volunteers do follow-up calls to be sure you and the dog have adapted to the new relationship. Finally, you will be asked to make a donation. These donations help fund the work of rescues--the cost of spays/neuters, veterinary care and maintenance. The cost is always less than the cost of a purebred puppy and frequently its tax deductible.
What else does a purebred rescue do?
Many rescues provide important and honest breed specific information. The volunteers are experienced and knowledgeable about their breed. They have worked with large numbers of one breed observing the dogs in different circumstances and environments. For the same reason, purebred rescues are an excellent resource for information on health, nutrition and behavior. Many of these organizations can send you to a reputable breeder if you require a puppy. Since they frequent animal shelters in their areas, rescues also act as a clearing-house for lost or found dogs.
To locate a purebred rescue, inquire at your local animal shelter. Shelter workers have lists of local volunteer rescue groups. You can look on the following rescue lists:
http://www.ecn.purdue.edu/~laird/animal_rescue/breed_rescue_organizations/shelters#caninehttp://dogrescue.8m.com/drn/pages/dogres.htm
http://www.thepoop.com/search_rescue.asp
(animated.gif (c) Kitty Roach)
