In this page of our Website, we have chosen to address the most common Genetic concerns puppy buyers have and are often the most recommended
for Breeders to screen for in all of their breeding parents. Please refer to the references as foot noted at the end of
the quotes at the bottom of this page. We have done much research on the advantages and disadvantages of these tests, and below
you will find what we have discovered in our study to date. Rest assured, we continue to be open to suggestions from Breeders
Clubs, Veterinarians and experienced Breeders, and will continue our research, as you should expect no less from a Breeder whose ultimate
goal is to produce healthy, quality puppies that will bring your family years of joy, love and many treasured memories. Profit
should NEVER be at the expense of the health and welfare, as well as quality, of any Good and Reputable Breeder’s dogs….EVER!
As responsible Breeders, we strive to breed from quality, healthy and sound parents that will produce no less in their puppies.
Our parents are all checked by licensed veterinarians, and we continue to work with our vets throughout our breeding process.
All puppies receive their required vaccinations beginning at 6 weeks, and what is appropriate for their age at the time they leave
us. Worming begins at the age of 2 weeks, and continues every two weeks up until they are placed in their new forever
homes or 12 weeks of age. At that stage, a less frequent treatment for worms is required, but must continue throughout the life
of your dog as recommended by your veterinarian. We require by contract that you establish a relationship with your veterinarian
of choice within 72 hours after you receive your puppy, and that you will continue the vaccination and worming schedule as recommended
by your veterinarian.
HIP DYSPLASIA: All of our puppies are guaranteed against any proven genetic defects that may
severely alter or shorten the life of your puppy up to 26 months of age. This includes Hip Dysplasia, which would require an
OFA Certification and/or Penn Hip Certification at the expense of the Buyer as proof of the condition. The Seller will not be
responsible for Hip Dysplasia caused by environmental issues (excessive exercise such as tug-of-war, jumping in the air and
landing on hips, excessive stair climbing during it’s development as a puppy or obesity. ) “Strenuous exercise before the bones
are grown can cause many bone problems, including hip dysplasia although, thankfully, there are very few Standard Poodles who
suffer with this disorder” "Bad rearing and feeding probably is responsible for most bone problems.. At this moment in
time there does not seem to be a definite inheritance factor, as two dogs, X-ray cleared, can throw a dog with hip dysplasia, and
vice versa." 1
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): “PRA is found in all sizes but is most common in the smaller Poodles.
PRA causes the retina to degenerate gradually and eventually leads to blindness. It usually comes on late, when the dog is 5
to 7 years old.” 2
This book does go on to reference The Canine Eye Registration Foundation, commonly referred to
as CERF, which “certifies” dogs free of eye disease. However, as the quote says, PRA shows up in later years, beyond
breeding age for most breeding dogs. If it does show up at that time, how will this affect the offspring that were produced
when the dog was deemed “Clear”?
“Standard Poodles rarely inherit eye trouble.” 1
VON WILLEBRAND’S DISEASE:
We are in the process of having parents tested for this disease who are not cleared by parent certifications. This test
is simply a blood test that can be done at any time. Our veterinarians said it is rarely, if ever seen in their clients'
animals. This is an inherited bleeding disorder and can be very serious. If a female does not show excessive
bleeding during her first heat, or any puppy or adult dog show excessive bleeding for a minor abrasion or cut, it is very unlikely
this disease exists. Two clear parents will guarantee a clear puppy, and a parent with cleared parents does not need to be tested
for breeding purposes.
Many books and people will advise you to deal only with a Breeder who performs all the “recommended” health
screening tests for genetic diseases, and that only “reputable” Breeders practice this in their breeding program. The
choice is yours to make for your peace of mind. These tests are very costly and an imperfect science, and the cost will
be reflected in the purchase price of your puppy. Please research the most common diseases and the percentage of chances
this disease may exist among the dogs owned by the breeder in question. Two perfectly tested adults have been known to produce
puppies with serious genetic disorders, and usually within the first two years of life. Rest assured, if we would suspect
anything out of the ordinary during the development of our future parents, we will have them tested for any suspected problem,
and if it exists, they will be pulled from our breeding program. It is our goal to improve the breeds of our dogs in
health and temperament. Your warranty term is the most important part of your purchase when you are considering
a “Reputable Breeder”. An OFA test cannot be done until 24 months, which is why we provide a Genetic Health Guarantee
of 26 months, allowing you the window of time to have the test performed if the condition is in question.
We can
assure you that we have done everything within our knowledge to prevent serious genetic disorders among the offspring of our parent
dogs. You are welcome to visit our kennel and view any and all of our parents, and encourage you to contact us to do so if possible.
We will also be glad to provide you with references of previous buyers with their permission.