My opinion: You're a caring breeder; they WANT your pups, YOU make the demands.

If they don't want to do the health screenings, have it in the contract that the dogs MUST be surgically sterilized by __ age. If they're willing to do all the required testing as you have asked for then the dog may remain in tact. (just an idea.)

I say good for you.

Now, from a buyer's perspective... I'd be willing to buy the pup from you IF you were willing to put forth at least half of the money for these tests. Otherwise, yeah I'd be deterred if i was planning on this being just a household pet. If i was planning on doing more with the dog I'd probably be wanting to get all the tests done anyhow.

Quote Originally Posted by wolfsoul
Just curious how many people would do health clearances on a dog they bought from a breeder, even if it wasn't going to be used for breeding. And if the breeder made it mandatory would that be a deterrance to buy from that breeder?

I would like to make it mandatory that every puppy that comes from me have it's hips and elbows done and it's eyes done twice, but I am concerned that a really good home may pass by because they don't want to dish out the money on health certifications for a dog that will never be bred. But on the other hand I feel if it is a really good home they should be concerned about the breed in general and should be happy to do the health tests...At the same time I have talked to several people I know personally who I would adopt out a pup to in a second who still say they wouldn't do it, and I know these people personally and know they would be awesome homes.

What do you think? If your breeder asked you to do the health tests but made it optional, would you do them, or if your breeder made it mandatory, would you look elsewhere?