As I mentioned in my last post, I have found a breeder that is close to home and currently has two male puppies available...one is a five month old classic fawn and the other is a flashy fawn that was just born. I spoke to the breeder at length and asked about any medical issues and testing that she has done on her dogs. Since we lost our poor Lennox to epilepsy, I am cautious and want to find a healthy dog. She told me that she has never had signs of epilepsy and her dogs are given heart tests. She said that she has never hap thyroid issues or corneal issues. I asked about the hip/elbow dysplasia testing and she said that she does not have them tested because she does not want to expose her dogs to unnecessary radiation which could affect their reporductive systems and can cause cancer. She did mention that she lost some of her dogs to cancer, a five year old to a brain tumor, 7 year old to lymphoma, an eleven or twelve year old to lung cancer, and another one to a tumor on the heart. Is the cancer something that can be tested for? I didn't find anything in the information that I read. Should I be concerned that some of her dogs have had cancer and that it could be passed down through the blood lines? Or is cancer something that just eventually happens with age and it is luck of the draw? Also, should I be worried that she does not do the hip dysplasia testing? She said that her dogs have never shown signs or risen concern, their gait and stance are fine. I asked about the average life expectancy of her dogs and she said 10 years old was the average age. As mentioned earlier some died a little younger and some have lasted to 13 years old.
Overall - her website seemed good and she seemed very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very active in the area and is a member of many of the boxer clubs in the area. I found her name on the AKC website. She said that she could provide me with referrals if I needed them. We discussed the contract and that if I ever decided that I no longer wanted the dog I had to contact her and she would find it another home, she does not want her dogs sent to rescues or to shelters. She asked me if I wanted a show quality dog or a pet. From her new litter she mentioned that some were show quality and would only be sold to those individuals who were going to show them. What other questions should I ask? Oh..and she mentioned a Dr. Jean Dobbs and spoke about immuniziation schedules - does anyone know anything about that or should I bring that up in another forum?
I appreciate any input that you can give me. I trust everyones' thoughts and advice. As I said...I'm just really cautious this time around and don't want to lose another pup so young.
Thanks for your time!!
Catherine