Guarantees on Lab Puppies...?

[Lured In]

This question is for Tilla, Dan or anyone else active in Lab breeding circles.

I am on the warpath for my new lab puppy and wanted to find out what a good or right guarantee on a lab puppy is. I am talking eyes, hips and elbows. Some I have found are refund half the purchase price and they will take the dog back others are a full refund. What are your thoughts?

Also most of the focus seems to be on hips and eyes, but as I understand it, elbows are also a problem and can be certified. Is this certification uncommon?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Labsforme]

Lured In: any reputable breeder will offer guarantees on hips,eyes, and I would probably ask about elbows too.Most should offer a replacement
at no charge.I would make sure both parents are
OFA'd at least good on hips and elbows.Eyes CERF'd

[blackdog]

Lured In - if your dog comes with a guarantee, and it should, make sure you find out exactly what is guaranteed. They may say they guarantee the hips to be sound, but find out what that really means. Does it mean that they won't cripple the dog? Does it mean if you try to get your pup OFA certified (after it turns 2), the hips are guaranteed to get a passing grade? Is there an age limit where the guarantee goes away? Just because the breeder offers this, doesn't necessarily mean they will stand behind the dog if it develops problems years down the road. Unfortunately, this if first hand experience. One of my labs, a 4 year old female, didn't pass OFA and the breeder (previously thought to be reputable ) basically said "tough *hit. Thankfully, she isn't crippled yet, and we're feeding her Glucosamine in the meantime to hopefully put off any onset of dysplaysia.

[Tilla]

I think your already dealing with the right people. Hips/eyes are common, for either replacement and sometimes a refund. Remember this is why you shop for the best breedings so you don't have to face the disheartening situation of your best four legged friend having a dibilitating problem after spending time, money and affection. There are no guarantees. I've had one of my dogs diagnosed with absolutely lousy hips half way through the master level even though it was bought from a previously mentioned breeder. There are no guarantees. You are moving in the right direction.

[shawn2010]

If you are looking for a dog, we got are lab from Sunnyview labradors in salem, OR. There dogs are guaranteed. Thats where are dog is right now being trained. They will send you a packet of information on their dogs.

Sunnyview labs # 1-503-378-0333
Sunnyview labs # 1-503-375-9983