Genetic defects in puppy - Page 1

I am looking for some advice and opinions on what a breeder should be willing to do for a puppy buyer when that puppy presents with genetic defects. I have a 6 month old puupy purchased from a well respected breeder with an outstanding pedigree that has recently been diagnosed with discoid lupus and environmental allergies resulting in severe skin issues. When I received the puppy it had a small umbilical hernia that I mentioned to the breeder but agreed to take care of it myself when necessary. My question is now what should I ask the breeder to do for me in light of the fact that the dog has a lifelong genetic illness that effectively eliminates any possibility of being used for breed or show, both purposes that were discussed with the breeder prior to purchase. The puppy is beautiful aside from the diseases effect on the nose with a good temperment and I have devoted a significant amount of time, money and emotion into him already. Is it reasonable to ask for a refund of a portion of the purchase price if I plan to keep the puppy? Or is this a situation that would warrant the return of the pup to the breeder for a replacement or refund? I would really appreciate any advice before I contact the breeder, I am obviously disappointed and want to make sure that whatever I decide to request is rational and reasonable before proceeding. Thanks

What does your contract specify?

The contract is vague in regard to this issue, certain items like hips are addressed specifically, but this seems to me to be a grey area since it is a disease that is not life threatening or detrimental to the dogs quality of life if treated. However, I feel that it should definately be brought to the breeders attention so they can reduce the appearance in future pups and I also think that some type of consideration should be given to the buyer.

This is collie nose or something similar to collie nose? I would think maybe the breeder will give you a break on the price of another pup. I assume you are still planning to keep this one.

From your posting here, you are thinking this through very carefully, and trying to be fair and right by yourself, the dog and your breeder. That is to be commended as so many people point the finger, start to shout, and nothing gets settled. In my books, if a "customer" comes back to me with a problem in the way that you have set out to sort it, I would be more than willing to meet you 75% of the way on whichever way you wish to settle. I think I would be saying to you ....."what will be the best outcome for you" I would then be taking on board exactly what you felt was the way you wanted it dealt with, and I would go all the way, or as near as I could to meeting your wishes. The breeder will know that firstly you obviously love the dog, and secondly, you have given a good home, and treatment where necessary, and thirdly you are now reacting very carefully as to your rights. Thats worth everything in my book to help people along/. Good luck. Mo Lakin - Mascani

sh100, IMO, you should e-mail what you have stated in this post, it is very self explanatory, be open & honest, and good luck with your situation. Keep us posted!

Lupus and inhalation allergies - that AGAIN - are both autoimmune diseases that should preclude this dog from ever being bred. Lupus comes in 2 forms, the discoid and the systemic. There is information about it on the net. Humans also get lupus. In some breeds, it is genetic and there is a DNA test available to identify carriers. Not sure if it's available for the GSD or not. If I bred the dog and if it were sold as breeding/show stock, I'd refund the full purchase price or give them another dog after I had proof of the diagnosis and after the dog was neutered. That's the only fair thing to do. I'd never require the return of a dog (and I would never, ever buy a dog from a breeder who did require that). If the buyer wanted to return the dog, I'd not give him another, it would be the money or nothing.

why dont u tell the breeder exactly what u would like him/her to do.i think if u r willing to care for this pup and want some form of settlement-deal direct.warranties mean little if u dont know what u want to do with ur pup.would it help if someone spoke to the breeder for u? good luck

If you bought this dog as a puppy and if the contract or agreement was that for such medical reasons the puppy would be replaced...then the breeder will usually give you the option of returning that dog (that you have)...and get a replacement puppy...or your money...(usually they don't want to give your money back)...or you can keep you dog now...and get another at half price...But then again some will just say to keep the dog you have and they'll also give you a replacement...But if you're just honest with the breeder and have vet's bills and the such to back up your statement...they will do whatever works for you... Good Luck... ~Bob~ P.S. A lot of breeders in the U.S. have a puppy guarantee...if you bought the puppy in Europe then most of them have no such guarantee...

I would put the pup on a good diet first and see if the condition goes away. E mail me and I'll make a suggestion. I spent thousands chasing skin problems and had vets tell me about genetic problems that were nothing more than the crap food I fed the dog.