Breeder question re: testing

[r22beta]

Hello, I'm new to this board.

Well I am getting my first bullmastiff. Always had larger dogs and I am committed to a bullmastiff.

I am aware of what ownership involves.

I have found 3 breeders. I will not mention names here. They are located in N. Cali area. they are all "reputable" according to others on this and other forums.
Here is my question:

One breeder tests for pretty much everything from PRA to hips. Freely makes info available.

The other 2 do not. They say the vet has listened to the hearts and their dogs have "good hips"

Now I know some people get a dog from a shelter and it is sound.

My concern is if I am paying $2,500 for a dog should I expect or insist on full testing of parents?

All 3 breeders are $2,500 and one is $3,500 if i want "pick of the litter"

Maybe that is the going price but with no testing I would think the price should be less. Am i wrong here?

My gut feeling is for the same price get the dog with the testing. One breeder who does no testing has I am told great bloodlines and has never had a health problem. She even gives a 2 year guarantee. Is this good or just fluff to attract buyers?

Any experience on this issue?

Thanks

 

[DDSK]

I would think you need to have the guarantee spelled out in detail as to what it covers and the conditions of the contract in case there is an issue that arises that the breeder isn't willing to compensate for.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

There are no guarantees even with testing but at least you can know the breeders are trying to improve on what they have. I am not really sure how you guarantee something when you don't even know what you are starting with.

Never having issues is not an excuse to not test. There are lots of dysplastic dogs that you would not know have issues as they are maintained on medication and strict diet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WalnutCrest]

Just because they've been tested doesn't mean the results are good.

And, just because one animal in a litter had good results doesn't mean that the one with good results is indicative that it came from healthy stock. In other words, which one is a better prospect for your pup's parent ... the stud with fair hips (who has five littermates, each of who has excellent hips) or the dam with excellent hips (who has seven littermates, four with fair and three who failed their hips)?

Do your research, ask your questions and turn your brain on.

Making good decisions takes work, after all.

Good luck to you.

 

[DennasMom]

i thought the whole point of testing was to show good genes, with the the expectation of lower probability of issues later in life.... puppies being 'sound' at 6 weeks is nearly irrelevant to long term prognosis.
testing does take time and money, if there are no tests of the parents and grandparents, i would expect to pay less... but that's just me.

 

[Smokeycat]

As someone who bought from a breeder with untested dogs and had to deal with the negatives that can arise. My gut reaction is to go with the breeder that tests. That said I would also follow the advice above and check that the lines are truly healthy as a healthy line reduces the risk of genetic disorders.