When
searching for a breeder, if you are told that their
breed, or their lines have never produced any health
problems, start
looking
for another breeder!! Even the most
conscientious breeder has most likely produced
one or more puppies with an inherited health
problem. A
good breeder will acknowledge this, and explain
what they have done within their breeding
program to keep it from happening again.
Some problems can be tested for.
All
breeding dogs should pass OFA, CERF and
a full thyroid screening before they are bred.
Some inherited problems, like VKH, cannot be
tested for. It is part of the risk
involved when breeding purebred dogs.
This
is where a knowledgeable breeder who knows their
lines, and knows what has been produced, can
save you the heartbreaking pain of finding out
your new puppy is afflicted with a terrible, and
often fatal inherited disease.
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