I too find that this thread is interesting and agree with most of what has been said about breeding and guarantees. When I sell a pup, I try not to make it sound like a good deal in that if the pup turns up dysplastic requiring surgery or euthanasia the pup price will be refunded in full. I go on further and let them know that while it may sound like a great deal, the price of the pup is only approximately 1/2 the price of the surgery. I also explain that I would be happy to take the pup back, but by that time the family is usually too attached to let them go, but I let them know it is an option should they choose it. I do have a comment on clearances though..one that can tend to get different opinions. What about Grade 1 elbows? I think that this clearance rating is VERY subjective, unlike hip clearances. Too many vets have way too many opinions on Grade 1's and I am not so sure I would throw the baby out with the bath water here. I refer you to the article listed at the BMD Health Links page (compiled by our wonderful Robin Camken) There is an article there titled, ELBOW DYSPLASIA: CLINICAL SIGNS VERSUS RADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE by Dean R. Gahring, D.V.M., Diplomate. I have copied the last few sentences of this article: >>>Grading elbows that are dysplastic may be helpful to breeders because it has been >shown that breeding parents with higher grades of elbow dysplasia result in a higher >incidence of dysplasia in the progeny. By only breeding normal or Grade I parents, >significant progress in Scandinavia and the UK has been made in reducing the >incidence of elbow dysplasia in Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. <<< I simply do not feel there is enoough info out there about grade 1 elbows. I feel VERY differently about grade 2 elbows. I hope I didn't open a can of worms here. But I would love to hear others opinions. But please..no flames...just shared opinions. Darcy Babb Tijeras, NM
