Input from GSD breeders - Page 1

I was wondering is it possible that you can negotiate a contract with a breeder? For example, Is it possible that you can get a gsd breeder to reduce a price of a pup if you don't get the hip guarantee? I was looking at sample contracts and most breeders try to guarantee hips for about 2 years of age. By that time the owner is too attach to the dog to return it. Any one have input on this matter? or can you negotiate in the contract that they would have to make parital payment on hip surgery if they don't reduce purchasing price on the pup?

For me I will replace the pup with another one from different parents when one is available and after the one with hd has been spayed/neutered.

Anything is negotiable if both parties agree.  If you have a specific want, propose it...the breeder may accept or deny depending on the request and the breeder you are working with. 

Sue-Ann breeder since 1994, GSD rescue since 1984.

A two year guarantee on hips ?    I don't have mine x-rayed until they are two,  so shouldn't the guarantee say at age two the hips should x-ray good or better?    A breeder should know the health and fitness of their bloodline's and be willing to stand behind their animal's, or make no claims at all.   Still, remember, there are no guarantee's that cover all the possibility's.

Everything is negotiable in my world.   Supply and demand, take it or leave it, many fish in the sea.

There is no golden rule for breeder's or contract's.    Shop wisely.

I'm sure every breeder is going to be different in private.

I don't ask for the return of the dog to pay out on the guarantee...you might ask that they not require the return of the dog in your contract.  Why would a breeder want the dog returned from his family who will take care of him despite his disability?  Everything is negotiable...look until you find the breeder whose ethics agrees with yours.  There's lots of good ones out there.

Veronica

we go to 26 months on hips.  gives the buyer 2 months after the dog turns 2 to get ofa's.   if someone did not want a guarentee i might come down in price,  knowing i would not have to replace the pup.   granted it would be after a long talk with the buyer  and i was beyond doubt that it wasnt going to come back and bite me in the ass later.

i have spoken to other breeders who have been screwed by puppy buyers who have also thought of doing such.  one was going to sell theirs for a whole lot less and not offer any type of guarentee. 

cant say i would suggest doing it.  you better make sure you trust the breeder/buyer (whichever side of the fence your on) 100%.  of course this should apply to any time you are making a dog deal.

my 2 cents,

john

Everything is negotiable, ask what you want specifically, and get it in writing. It is up to the buyer and seller.

Thanks all for your input it is really helpful. When I read contracts (majority) say hips guarantee until 24 months. I also see alot of breeders want the dog back if it does have displasia so it can be destroyed. That is why I ask if it is possible to not have the breeder cover hip displasia and reduce the price of the dog before purchasing. I rather see the dog neutered or spayed not destroyed. I would like to put in a contract that the breeder will cover partial cost of hip surgery if I choose not to get the guarantee. I guess I can see it two ways. Its hard to give up a dog because it get hip dyplasia. Many contracts say the will only replace a dog if its returned to the kennel. I know of one breeder who guarantees for 3 years and he will give you a new puppy (no return on the original). Now, that the gsd is over bred I rather get the dog cheaper and not get the guarantee. I would still do my homework on bloodlines and hip ratings generation to generation. I do not plan to breed. I would like to do personal protection some day when I get a gsd. I just don't want it to be my luck to get a dyplastic dog.

disregard what i said about partial payment on surgery with no hip guarantee. that really didn't make any sense.

My contract doesn't require me to return my dog if her xrays turn up hd,  just spay her.  

John..  I was reading the other thread about ofas/heat cycles..  would you extend your 26 mos for a female that was coming into heat just as she turns two?  I'm in that situation right now,   my girl just turned 2 this month, but is due to come into heat any day now.   Or would you request owner instead to do pre-lim before 2?   How would you work that...

Heather