The pup I chose almost didn't make it, should I be concerned?

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Thank you everyone for your input. You provided some strong points and clearly you all stress the importance of finding a breeder who truly cares for the breed.

I've chosen to go ahead with this pup and I'll explain why. I've voiced my concerns to her, explaining that I don't feel completely comfortable buying a puppy from her because she hasn't tested the parents for hereditary diseases(other than blood work). She promised me that I will not be disappointed and that none of her dogs have ever had problems. She also said that they make sure to get their pups(for breeding) from sources with strong healthy lines with no issues. She gave me past references to call who had bought pups from the grandmother and father to my pup. She extended my guarantee on congenital and genetics from 1yr to 2years as long as I use her recommended dog food.

She isn't one of the byb's that breed for the hell of it to make some cash and she has a lot of experience with boxers. Her family including children socialize with the puppies from the time they're born. She also offers after sales support for as long as I need. There are a lot of good things about the breeder.

The unfortunate part is that there are better breeders out there who test their dogs and that's the only downfall to her. What she's telling me can't be backed up by papers that prove its true.

I'm not concerned about the half hour it took to get the pup going.

Hopefully there won't be any problems in the future. At least I have another year to find out.

And what food does she recommend?

 

[ehayes21]

The unfortunate part is that there are better breeders out there who test their dogs and that's the only downfall to her. What she's telling me can't be backed up by papers that prove its true.

ONLY downfall??? That is total BS and I wouldn't be spending my hard earned money to line the pockets of this BYB.

2 years is nothing and "feeding" the dog her brand of food is not going to stop your puppy from dropping dead at the age of 3 from cardio because the breeder was too ignorant to health test.

 

[Sansal]

Hopefully there won't be any problems in the future. At least I have another year to find out.

And what would you do in case there was a health problem, give the puppy back??? Maybe you get the money back from the breeder but believe me, it won't cover your vet bills should your puppy really have something serious, not to mention the emotional burden.

 

[NicknDallas]

And what food does she recommend?

Costco brand(kirkland?) And add some canned food for a while.

 

[NicknDallas]

Have you looked at the nutritional contents of the food or are you saying its a poor choice just because its cheaper? It looks like it has a decent list of ingredients. Other than a moderate to low amount of animal protein (which can be supplemented by some canned food) its not a bad puppy chow. The first ingredient is still meat and the grains are good, with a good amount of fat as well.

What brand do you use?

 

[sriley]

I really don't understand these breeders who will void a health guarantee based on a specific kibble. Many of the health issues boxers develop are genetic. If a dog is genetically predisposed to developing hip dysplasia or cardiomyopathy, it won't matter what you feed it. There's nothing saying that a dog will develop a specific condition if its predecessors had issues, but the odds are quite high that it will. Sure, feeding a certain diet (e.g., raw) or providing dietary supplements might extend the longevity of the dog or help to manage pain, but there isn't a diet in existence that will prevent or cure hereditary conditions. And since most health issues don't tend to rear their ugly heads until after the age of 2, a one- or two-year health guarantee is meaningless IMO.

I'm not going to tell you what to do. I can, however, tell you that I purchased my first boxer from a BYB before I knew better. I went through a heartbreaking ordeal with Buddy last summer after he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. I wouldn't wish what I went through on anyone. Sadly, my experience is mild compared to some of the testimonials I've read here on BW. The pain of losing one of these special dogs is like no other. But losing one to a condition that could have been avoided by ethical breeding practices and proper health testing is a pain that I hope I never have to experience again.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Costco brand(kirkland?) And add some canned food for a while.

This is not a bad food but there are MUCH better foods you can choose so given that your "breeder" is saying you HAVE to feed this food (and can't feed anything else...ie something BETTER like Taste of the Wild or Blue Buffalo or Wellness or a ton of other brands) really spells out what type of "breeder" they are IMO. Especially with everything else they're saying. They talk a good game, but when your pup has severe allergies, or has a heart attack, or cancer, or hip problems talk is cheap. And she only knows what other homes have told her. Many people take puppies and the breeders never hear from them again.

I really have to agree with the others. You absolutely need to run in the opposite direction from this so called "breeder" who is YES only making money out of this (because they're obviously not spending that money on health and genetic testing).

 

[prittiegirl]

Food...

I have been reading the info about food... From my experience, be careful in a high grain diet if your boxer turns out to be sensitive to it... My pup has terrible allergies to all grains, which was only discovered after many trial and error weeks. If you find any problems with Kirkland (which a friend of mine feeds to his boxer and finds very satisfactory) look at the grain free foods, such as Evo. Good luck with your puppy. I'm sure you will be absolutely in love!

 

[Althea]

NicknDallas -- Keep in mind everyone on here is giving you their best advice, experience born from pain and frustration at getting BYB pups. I have a BYB pup, and the only plus of it is that she's got such poor conformation, she breathes better and has an easier time with all things nasal related (she's a pug). I'll never repeat the experience.

I purchased my white boxer Suki from a relatively new breeder. She owned both the mother and father. Both were tested, with proof. She shows both, and the female is titled, the male is being regularly shown to achieve his title. She has bred the female 3 times, only this last time to her male. Both dogs have a history of champion bloodlines, and she is familiar with both grandparents and their owners/handlers. She focuses on improving the breed, and could give me the nuts and bolts as to her hope with her line of boxers. Her dogs are beautiful, and having met the woman, her dogs, and met Suki, I was confident about my breeder. She did not dictate any type of food to me.

My point: new, or hobby breeders that are really involved just for love of breed but not as much into the competition of it all can be good breeders. But everyone on here is pointing out major red flags in an effort in preventing heartbreak for you down the road. It's not about defending this breeder -- we only care about you. Not her.

Whether you choose to take the pup or not, you'll get plenty of support here, and many of us have made the error of purchasing/adopting pups from BYBs and puppy mills. The goal is only to help you find the healthiest pup you can. But in the end, you are the decision-maker.

As for food: Dog Food Reviews - Main Index - Powered by ReviewPost You'll find everything you need to choose a healthy kibble here. Nothing wrong with raw, but I have neither the time or the funds to engage a raw diet. One day, I hope to make my own dog food. But for now, I make do with the highest quality I can find.

Best of luck.