Is this a normal puppy guarantee? - Page 1

I am just looking and hopefully be ready to buy a nice GS puppy so I have been looking and asking questions.  I came across this breeder that has the following in his puppy contract.  It does not sound right to me so let me know what you all think.


The puppy will be free of crippling canine genetic hip dysplasia for the first year of life. ( Genetic crippling canine hip dysplasia is present within the first 12 months of age and can be seen by X-rays)
The Seller guarantees that the puppy will certify with OFA at no sooner than 24 months of age as excellent, good or fair. This guarantee is binding only if preliminary hip x-rays were done on the puppy as directed in section 2 of this contract.

I thought it was best to wait til 2 years of age? 
Also, what about the part to certify as excellent, good or fair.  Fair?  Isn't that rather a low score.  I don't believe you can jog with a dog like that.  I may be wrong.

What do you all think?

Mike

Mike, the key word here is "crippling"; meaning the movement of the dog is noticeably affected during its first year of life. Bear in mild that a dog can have even a moderate level of hip dysplasie and never show any of the clinical signs of the defect for the entirety of his life. That does not mean that he is fit for breeding!

But I also see where the breeder guarantees that the dog will pass O.F.A. as long as the preliminary evaluation was done. That is a normal requirement, in my opinion. So I sense just a bit of a paradox here.

I think I see it this way - the breeder is covering himself for the first year of the dog's life, when even moderate hip dysplasie may or may not show clinical signs of its presence. If the dog fails the O.F.A. preliminary evaluation during the latter part of his first year of life, then the breeder is perhaps still protected unless the dog exhibits clinical signs of crippling - that is the way that I see it. You did not include the remaining language concerning when this preliminary evaluation must occur, and I think the timing of it is very important here.

So to me, that makes the part of the guarantee about the dog obtaining a O.F.A. preliminary evaluation and passing O.F.A. requirements at twenty-four (24) months of age a very different issue. If the dog fails his preliminary evaluation, he probably will not pass his final evaluation. When does the contract say this preliminary evaluation must be done? I think that is the key to the validity of this contract. What would I do? I would find a breeder whose contract was more simple and clear. No one can guarantee that a puppy will not develop hip dysplasie - we can only guarantee what we will do if this happens.

And yes, it is best to wait until the dog is two (2) years of age to make the evaluation as by that time the bones are fully ossified and have grown to the size they will maintain. That also gives sufficient time to determine if the joint has too much laxity and allows it to become damaged. I know the S.V. offers it final evaluation just past twelve (12) months of age. I have never agreed with this idea, but they are the S.V. and that is their rule.

The O.F.A. finding of "fair" is a passing score, and should not deter one from acquiring such a dog. I guess the question is "are the hips barely fair, or are they almost good?" There is not a great deal of variance within this grade. This dog should be able to live a lifetime with a level of activity equal to what one would place on a dog with O.F.A. "excellent".  If this is a concern, try to determine how the littermates have scored, as that is more important than the dog himself provided everyone was examined.

Best Regards,
Bob-O

What do you feel is wrong with it?  I don't know what breeder would warranty Good or better.

Bob-O, I sent you a private message with this website.  I just did not want to offend anyone and have someone accuse me
of slandering them just because I ask questions.

Mike

IMO........
I wouldn't buy with less then this a guarentee less then this.........

B. Health
The Breeder warrants the dog has been examined by a veterinarian and to be in excellent health and free from parasites at the time of purchase/pickup, but has not made and does not now make any further warranties as to the puppy’s condition after pickup. It is the Buyers responsibility to prevent illness and injury by providing necessary booster vaccinations, veterinary care, nutrition, fresh water, shelter and supervision.

Further, the Breeder warrants that both the sire and dam's hips have been x-rayed and evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or SV or any other country’s respected Orthopedic Foundation.

It is recommended by the Breeder that the Buyer take the puppy to a Veterinarian of his/her choice and gives three days in which to do so. If, within those three days, a veterinarian finds the puppy to be unsound, unhealthy, or possessing a serious genetic defect, a statement in writing must be provided by that veterinarian documenting said condition for Breeders’ veterinarian to review. Upon confirmation from Breeders’ vet of said condition, Buyer may return the puppy, registration and all of his/her effects to the Breeder and receive a full, immediate refund of the purchase price. All precautions have been made to insure that this puppy is in excellent health at the time of purchase including vaccinations at 8 weeks of age and a final health check has been made by Breeders veterinarian and a health certificate is included in your new puppy packet.

Additionally, male dogs have been checked and verification has been made that both testicles have descended at the time of pickup. Accidents can happen with new puppy dogs, however, this contract does not cover testicle trauma after the puppy goes to his new home. This puppy is guaranteed until the age of one year against any serious genetic health problem, and also guaranteed to pass OFA hip / elbow certification through the age of 30 months (2 ½ years). If a puppy is thought to have a genetic defect regarding its hips or elbows, hip and/or elbow x-rays must be taken per OFA recommendations and submitted to The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Puppy's microchip number must be recorded on the x-rays.
 
Copies of OFA findings must be submitted to the seller/breeder. Defects must be proven to be genetic and not caused by environmental factors or mishandling by the buyer. Any other serious genetic problem needs to be diagnosed by the Buyers’ veterinarian and reports sent to the Seller/Breeder. The Breeder will present the veterinarian reports to her veterinarian for review to confirm whether the defect is genetic in nature.

If puppy does not pass OFA for hip / elbow certification, or has a confirmed genetic defect, Buyer may return the animal to the seller and receive another puppy of similar quality when available at no cost. Or buyer must show proof that puppy is spayed or neutered via a vet certificate (Buyer keeps his/her dog) and may obtain a replacement puppy, when available, from seller/breeder at 50% off of the original selling price.

Buyer is responsible for transportation costs on any replacement puppy.

Breeding the dog or bitch voids any guarantee.

darylehret,

I really don't know.  I did not know that fair would actually pass OFA.  That is why I am asking questions.

 

thanks,

darylehret,

You said something about not knowing any breeder that would guarantee good or better.  Not sure but, I thought I saw a  few that did if you are buying their best.  Like for achieving Working Titles.  Again, I may be wrong.

Thanks,

fair is not dysplastic - borderline could be mild is most definately dysplastic.

SitasMom,
 Oh boy, now you got my attention at a different direction.  You said, "This puppy is guaranteed until the age of one year against any serious genetic health problem".   That sounds serious.  Genetic health problems?  Is this something that can be diagnosed at an early age? 

By the way, how are your puppies?  Again, they sure look nice, especially that dark sable one that was next to the black one.  Very nice...

Back to the hip issue.  Would a "fair" rating be of concern if you plan on jogging lets say 1/2 mile or so?  I don't mean to run full steam. I am 56 and would like to have a partner jog/walk with me for my health as well as the dog.

I would be wanting to purchase a 4 or 5 month puppy.  Would that be a good choice for jog/walk or should I wait til the puppy is older and if so at what age?

Thanks,