Hi,
For my first post, I wanted to thank all of you for contributing to this educational forum. Thanks in part to your efforts we walked away from the first adorable puppy we met - having read so much about these dogs I was eager to meet one, but the breeder flunked the smell test big time. I felt SO sorry for that sweet little dog but I know it was the right thing to do.
Here is my question: Let's say you've searched far and wide and found a breeder who does it all - followed MDV protocol for years...scans all dogs for SM and tries to only mate with other scanned dogs...cleared them for two other conditions via DNA. What are the odds of a puppy from such a breeder living a happy normal life? Would it be dramatically better than a breeder who say just checks heart/eyes/hips (the minimum?).
I realize anything can happen - the best of breeders could produce a sick dog. Just trying to figure out what the relative risks are.
Any advice or thoughts appreciated!
For my first post, I wanted to thank all of you for contributing to this educational forum. Thanks in part to your efforts we walked away from the first adorable puppy we met - having read so much about these dogs I was eager to meet one, but the breeder flunked the smell test big time. I felt SO sorry for that sweet little dog but I know it was the right thing to do.
Here is my question: Let's say you've searched far and wide and found a breeder who does it all - followed MDV protocol for years...scans all dogs for SM and tries to only mate with other scanned dogs...cleared them for two other conditions via DNA. What are the odds of a puppy from such a breeder living a happy normal life? Would it be dramatically better than a breeder who say just checks heart/eyes/hips (the minimum?).
I realize anything can happen - the best of breeders could produce a sick dog. Just trying to figure out what the relative risks are.
Any advice or thoughts appreciated!