OFA Certification Question

[Dianna]

Can someone explain to me how this OFA certification gives the peace of mind too a buyer IF they are not rated till they are 2 years old???? How do I know even with these certifications that this puppy will not have problems in the future??? I am just trying to avoid problems and want to fully understand all this OFA certification the best I can. I know how their rated at two years, but what if I get one at the end of two years and its a fair rating....thats not good.

I know to get this certification but I am confused on this 2 year thing for a rating.

I am looking into breeders early and I found one with these certifications, plus they have DNA testing done on them as well. But I am still scared of making the wrong decision even with these certifications.

Dianna

[kanyu]

I am no expert by any means, but I believe what you would be looking for in acquiring a puppy is that both parents had been OFA cleared. Usually you want at least a Fair rating - Good and Excellent are, obviously, even more desireable. It is even better if you can go back a couple of more generations of grandparents too. A long line of great hips gives you better (but not 100%) odds.

There are other clearances you should also consider looking for when getting a Golden too - if you are purchasing from a reputable breeder they will do them anyway - such as heart, eyes, and thyroid tests.

Sue

[Lee]

No, parents with OFA clearances does not guarantee they won't produce a dyplastic puppy. Genetics is basically a crap shoot. Breeding only clear breeding stock will greatly reduce the risk but not eliminate it entirely.

OFA won't give clearances before 2 years of age because that is when the dog is finished growing. I do know of a bitch that cleared at 18 months and was dysplastic at 2 years although I think this is quite rare. What happens if you buy a puppy and it turns at dyplastic at 2 years of age completely depends on the contract you have with the breeder. Read it very carefully and make sure you understand everything before buying a puppy or signing the contract. "Fair" doesn't mean dysplastic. They rate clear hips as fair, good or excellent. Hips graded fair may not have quite as deep a socket as excellent hips or the ball may not be quite as symetrical but they are not dysplastic and they do receive certification. The grade is based on comparisons to other dogs in their data bank of the same breed so a hip x-ray of a golden that recieved an excellent rating may only recieve a good if it were a Weimaraner. Lots of dogs have been bred who's hips are rated fair.

When planning a breeding breeders need to look at the whole dog. There are so many problems in this breed. For example would you rather have a puppy from a male with fair hips who also has clearances for his elbows, eyes, heart and thryroid who has an excellent temperment or from a male with excellent hips, who has had no other clearances done and is aggressive or fearful?

I know all this can be very confusing. All I can say is try to find a breeder you feel like you can trust, who is open about problems in their lines (if they say they've never ever had any problem they're hiding something), who is easy to talk to, has a good contract and truly loves their dogs and this breed.

[Dianna]

Thanks to both of you for helping me on this issue. I thought this is how it was, but was not sure since our girl was not certified for hips when we got her. She is a very good girl but we are dealing with a genetic problems now that is called laxating patella...so this is why I do not want to buy from this breeder again.

My problem is up here where I live I don't know any of these breeders and I have to go some miles to even see them, so this is what frightens me the most is the not knowing if their lying to me or not. We all know when breeders have some puppies they want to sell them and this alone puts the buyer in a situation that I feel is not the best.

As far as the contract....I am sure that is good but I couldn't give them back this golden after having him for two years and then finding a problem, we at that time have already loved him and could not part with him knowing they would most likely put him down. ( I haven't got it in me to do that).

I guess it is a game of chance, and we pray we win and make the right decision. I am not after a champion, all I want is a family pet...I don't care if it ever wins a ribbon in its life because it already will have won them all in our hearts.

Dianna

[Lee]

Most responsible breeders have waiting lists. For example my last litter had 7 puppies and I had 11 people on a waiting list. I'm currently on a waiting list to purchase a puppy from another breeder. I've been waiting since May 2002 and am expecting my puppy, finally, in March 2003.

So no, GOOD breeders are not so motivated to sell their puppies that they would lie to do it. It can be the opposite. GOOD breeders have a reputation, should be able to give you references, will likely not have a puppy available for you immediately, will ask you just as many questions (or more) as you ask them and want only the best for their puppies even if it means keeping them as long as it takes to find just the right home.

But, you're right, it can still be a game of chance. There can be bad apples in every barrel. Don't be sucked in by the fact that the puppies you see if you go there or in the photos they send you are cute or that they have puppies available at the perfect time for you. If ANYTHING smells bad or doesn't seem quite right, WALK AWAY. There's lots of other breeders out there.

[Dianna]

Thanks everyone, I feel better now about all this then I did in the beginning. Their are so many out their breeding these guys right now and I am just trying to be one step ahead of them.

Thanks again, you have helped me alot.

Dianna

[GoldenGirl]

It is very funny that this thing with OFA happened to come up... Today I just got the results for Kally's hips back!!! They are rated as GOOD!! Some of you may remember that when I had them x-rayed she was going through a false pregnancy (although, I was not aware until after the x-ray was completed). I was so worried that it would affect the results, and it may still may have... but I am very relieved that they are good. I might have them redone sometime in the near future but for now I'll be content with this.

GoldenGirl :)