Tip of the Week - Finding a Responsible Breeder

[marylouz]

Tip of the Week - Health Clearances. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for genetic diseases. The Newfoundland Club of America considers the following tests as necessary for all Newfoundlands: hips (x-ray), elbows (x-ray), cystinuria (DNA or parentage) and hearts (cardiologist evaluated). Additional tests include CERF (eyes), thyroid (blood tests), and patellas (palpation). DNA Banking is also strongly encouraged. A responsible breeder will list the health screening they perform on their breeding stock and will either provide the information via a public database such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the NCA Database, or will provide prospective buyers with certificates of clearances upon request. One of the hallmarks of a responsible breeder is gathering as much information about their breeding stock as possible before planning a breeding.
Red Flag—Breeder does not do any health checks on his breeding stock because …“I’ve never had a problem with it before” or “They all run around the yard and nobody is limping so their joints are fine” Learn more about choosing a responsible breeder with information from the NCA - http://www.newfpuppy.com/evaluating.shtml

 

[BLCOLE]

Its interesting, I saw the breeder I rehomed Calza from at Nationals this year. The only thing that hadn't been done with Calza as far as checks was her DNA being added to the OFA database. The lady went out of her way to make sure that I sat Calza down and got her blood drawn from the people who were doing the collecting at Nationals.

Wasn't necessary to run me down, but it made me feel good about her anyway.

 

[blstarke]

Great tip