Question about OFA and Breeders

[latuswest]

Brand new to this forum -- wonderful site here -- very helpful!!

We have decided (after a year of research) to add a Golden to our life (and the life of our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.)

For the past two weeks we have been locating and contacting breeders. I am begining to think that we were quite lucky with Ponty's breeder -- responsible, caring, very familar with the breed, etc. And since Cavalier's are prone to knee, eye, and esp. heart problems, her pups were all appropriately cert., etc.

Back to the question -- in our search, we have run across some horrible breeders (BYB's, one pyscho who had her breeding dogs de-barked, I could go on and on - but I won't) anyway, we have come across some great breeders -- and of this list of good breeders -- well, quite a few do not have OFA cert. for their dogs. And each person gives a different reason why. Some of these reasons seem very valid -- but maybe I am just falling for their line.

How important is the OFA cert.?
Any advice would be most appreciated -- Thanks!!
And we are in the Chicago area -- so if you know of any good breeders......

[CanadianGolden]

Vital. It's completely necessary. Goldens are so prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, heart problems, cataracts, etc. that CERF and OFA clearances on the parents and also on their ancestors are extremely important. A good breeder will always have clearances--anyone without them isn't a good breeder! Try going to dog shows and finding breeders that way. IMO you may find that the best breeder is not near you, and you will need to travel to get your pup. My younger dog was imported from Canada--I believe Goldens from Canada, due to less overbreeding, are healthier and longer-lived. I do know of a good breeder in Ontario and one in Maryland. I also recommend Topbrass Kennels--they breed field Goldens but I don't remember what state they are located in. Try googling them. Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions!

[bshof33]

I know the breeder I am getting my pup from has certs (hips eyes and heart) on all her dogs and their ancestors. She guarantees their health over their lifetime as well. Her dogs are DNA registered with the AKC too. She goes to no end with her dogs and that is ultimately why I ended up going with her. Of course, all the measures she has taken results in a high (but worth it) price in the dogs. All the breeders I talked to got the certs on their dogs as well. I'm interested in why the breeders you talked to don't get certs on their dogs.

[GoldCountryGirl]

I definitely agree that breeders need to have all the health clearances done and have into place perhaps a 24 month guarantee for genetic problems. But, I was just wondering how can a breeder guarantee a dog's health over their lifetime? To me, that's asking a lot. Even the most conscientous breeders who do everything in their power to insure that their puppies are sound can't always know what nature has in store for them. They can only do their best.


I know the breeder I am getting my pup from has certs (hips eyes and heart) on all her dogs and their ancestors. She guarantees their health over their lifetime as well. Her dogs are DNA registered with the AKC too. She goes to no end with her dogs and that is ultimately why I ended up going with her. Of course, all the measures she has taken results in a high (but worth it) price in the dogs. All the breeders I talked to got the certs on their dogs as well. I'm interested in why the breeders you talked to don't get certs on their dogs.

[bshof33]

Well she obviously can't guarantee that nothing will happen to the puppy, but she says that if anything ever happens, like the dog developing HD or some other illness, then she will either refund the money or give you a new pup. Her pups come from a long lineage of dogs that have been certified and have never had any health problems. If she finds out a dog has had a health problem then she won't breed or breed with it.

bshof

[CaynCher]

bshof33
It sounds like you picked a good breeder if you can return the pup. There is no 100% guarantee of getting a problem free pup even with all the clearences but they help. In my opinion, the contract is very important & I also like to pick out my own pup as I know what I am looking for. I have had many many dogs & never had a problem thus far. Good luck finding a breeder. jugglex1

[diiorio]

Check the lines and Certs on more then the first generation also. Ask to see the pedigree of both the sire and dam. THere are puppy mills all across the U.S, and even Canada. Never purchase from a Breeder Rep company (puppy mill reps). You want to be able to see the parents, the certs, and any titles they won. However just becuase both are nto champions doesn't mean they are nto from good lines, but it helps if they both conformed to breed standard and won points showing it.

Truthfully I wouldn't purchase from a breeder willing to crate ship a puppy. A reputable breeder will require you to be present, and will interview you as well as you her/him.

Be very carefull of these 1800 groups that state they represent breeders or have dog's from breeders and will ship of fly them to you. No resposible breeder will allow anotehr company to represent them and send a puppy to someone they do not know.

I spent 2 years catchig nthese breeder mills in action, and in 2 years I almost lost my stomach. I got to a poitn I coudlnt see the conditions any more. A few times I saw puppies in outside pins piled up 2 deep covered in fecal matter with eye infections, parvo. One place (no longer operating) had 2 dead puppies with other living puppies. I am glad my emotiosn got in check and I wasn't arrested for beating the crap out of the peoplr that ran that place.

[Pamela1221]

How important is the OFA cert.?
Any advice would be most appreciated -- Thanks!!
And we are in the Chicago area -- so if you know of any good breeders......

I just read your post from a couple of months ago. Just wondering if you found a breeder yet? I too am in the chicago area and would be interested in hearing the names of the good breeders you found. I have one Golden now but will be looking for another. I would not buy from the breeder we bought Murphy from again (BYB)

thanks