HEALTH TESTING.

A big issue of controversy.

While we believe the need to insure quality and health in the breed.  That you need to research in depth bloodlines and health aspects of it. How many times can the same line be repeatedly be tested ? answer forever ! 

Will it guarantee you a 100% healthy pet. The answer is NO ! 

A test can change in days, weeks, month or years. With or without injury! There is not a 100% sure fire test that can predict the future. Science is not perfected and humans are made to error. Most will show signs of problems before standard age of testing, some in later years even after being tested.

We do not test once in a life time, We do standard test yearly and if there is anything that seems out of the norm so to speak. This give us a better jump on anything that looks like it may become a problem. First and foremost these are our babies. We want the very best health for our fur kids as we would and did our human babes.

There fore at this time we do not spend the extra care money to pay someone to put our results online, some are not old enough for a permanent rating and are only to the age of prelim ! While we hold nothing against those who do. This is the program We feel most comfortable with, it is a personal choice.

We have seen as many great dogs produced from the smaller man who simply cared about the breed as larger breeders who health test once in a lifetime. Again, Science is not perfect and we must check a steady eye on our dogs health.

Health testing is more for the assurance and peace of mind to the breeder / owner that they have healthy pets and are producing quality at the time. And simply should not ever be used or done for the purpose of a selling tool.

While their are some who would use this title as an advantage to simply charge you more for the same quality dog produced else where. It is not the general rule of thumb. Some feel the need to health test before hand, others test if a problems arises. However negative tested dogs have and can produce positive problem dogs in a line. It is very important to have a good relationship with your breeder and knowledge of health issues facing your breed.

Health Guarantee in a breeder contract will ensure you that the breeder is willing to stand behind the dog (the only true guarantee) and  feels they are producing quality animals. Even with the top line best testing procedures, No one can guarantee you a 100% healthy dog. There are many factors that can influence the health of your dog and most of them outside of genetic make up occur once a puppy is in the new owners care. Injury, health care and nutrition are the 3 most important factors that can effect the long term health of your puppy/dog.

Look at the contract in details, Should there be a problem, will you have to forfeit your baby and send it back to the breeder in order for  them to give you a replacement.  Are you able to do so ? Reputable breeders will want to help you through your trying time should a problem occur, Remember it was first loved by them

Look for replacement guarantees. make sure the breeder is willing to replace your puppy  either in full ( depending on the problem ) or at a discounted rate and allow you to keep your current pet if possible. NEVER make a purchase with out an understood and written health guarantee and contract. There will be things required of you as well as your breeder.

Also make sure if you are willing or wanting to send your pet back your breeder is willing to take back the pet or an ill pet. Bare in mind however and be ready to prove with in your contract terms the nature of your pets illness.

Believe it or not some people will just do it to get there money back ( sigh ) and abuse the breeders love for their offspring. If you truly have a problem and love your pet, you will have no qualm about jumping through the breeders hoops.

You may read more about health issues on the mastiff health pages.