Hi, I'm looking at buying a Lab pup. I've found 1 which is almost perfect (that's not 200+ miles away). The sire has a hip score of 6 (3+3), zero for elbows and ALL the DNA tests are clear. The dam has only had the eye test done which came back clear (no hip or elbow checks). I've checked the dams parents and their hip scores were fine. Would you say it would be ok to buy a pup from this breeder even though the dam hasn't had the hip or elbow checks done?
No. It is a basic pre-requisite that all breeding dogs are fully health-tested if you are looking for a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder. That is what a 'responsible' breeder is - they do not cut corners and skimp on spending money on health-testing, because they recognise that health-testing is for the good of the breed and the puppies they will produce. Giving your money to a breeder who does not do health-testing, is fully endorsing these practices. For your own sake, your future puppy's sake and the sake of the breed as a whole, do not get a puppy from this breeder. I don't know which country you are in, but champdogs.co.uk frequently has many fully health-tested litters all over the UK listed.
PS You might want to read this thread, over in the health section at the moment: https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/limping-labrador.26787/#post-390392
Thanks for the reply. I've just checked and this breeder is listed on the Kennel Club as a breeder. I thought it was mandatory for both dogs to be hip scored etc to be a breeder?
The KC will register anything with 4 legs and a heart beat. All it means is that the dog is a pedigree, it doesn't mean anything about health. Sadly many people assume it does and are suckered in as a result. If you want to look for health as well, the KC have the KC Assured Breeder Scheme - where you can look for a breeder that carries out health testing: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeding/assured-breeder-scheme/ However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of the KC Assured Breeder Scheme. And, as mentioned above, ChampDogs list many health tested litters: https://www.champdogs.co.uk
