Puppy Contracts, 50% discount for replacement? - Page 1

I have been "window shopping" for a new puppy, and I am surprised to find several "breeders"  now offer in their contract a 50% discount on replacing a pup that is defective (for what ever reason). Do these people think that if I buy a puppy for 1500+ and it ends up with bad hips, that I am going to shell out another 750+ for a replacement pup. Get real, I want what I paid for the first time. And yes I under stand puppies are crap shoots, and HD can happen in the best of families. Am I missing something here. What would be the reasoning behind this, if not to take advantage of the buyer and just make more money.

I think they should give you a free puppy and let you keep the one you have. But, I don't think I would want another pup from the same breeder.

Agree with Dogmom other than it can happen to any breeder and I wouldn't hesitate to take another as a replacement from the same breeder.  I wouldn't want one from a repeat breeding though. This is assuming all else has been satisfactory. I had to replace 2 puppies with severe HD out of 3 generations of OFA clear dogs; it's not always the result of negligence or bad breeding.

 People are free to write their contracts, if they even have one, in any way they like, The buyer is free to shop around and find a breeder, pup and contract that suits him/her. It is common to do as you note, but personally, I don't agree with it. As for the dogmom comments, remembering that HD and other problems can and WILL show up in any bloodline, just as in human beings, it is entirely possible a pup from the same breeder would be fine. What so many of you forget is that these are living creatures and, as such, ALL have some inherent problem that will surface sooner or later. The best one can do is to find someone who has good experience, a good reputation and a contract to your liking. That is the person you should consider dealing with.

HD is not only influenced by genetics, but very strongly by environment. So the breeder is never at fault alone here, so at best, that burden should be shared. Truly debilitating HD is very rare in SV bred GSDs. And til an undesirable HD status is discovered, you have usually had good value out of your dog already. If the dog was bought as a pet, common replacement policy is that there will be no replacement unless the HD is debilitating, meaning the dog will have to be put down. Statistically, that will happen to less than 1% of the dogs. At least with the SV bred GSDs (not accounting for rash and unnecessary decisions...). Borderline or mild HD, even severe HD does not automatically mean that the dog is doomed or will need extensive/expensive treatment. The dog may live a long and trouble free life still. Meaning the dog will fulfill its companion dog purpose it was bought for.
If you are buying a breeding prospect and hips do not certify for breeding but the dog is otherwise still sound/the hip status is not debilitating, and you do not need to return the dog then you will still have a companion dog to enjoy. So why then would you be entitled to a full replacement? Offering half off the next dog is actually more generous than need be, because companion quality pups are usually not 50% cheaper than the show/breeding quality pups.
When you buy a car, drive it for a bit and then someone runs into it, you will also not get full replacement value from the insurance either. So why is it that people expect the same with dogs? And please do not tell me because dogs are not 'things'. The moment you want full replacement for the 'thing' you are treating it as a 'thing'.

Nicely said!

I agree with DH.  Also, I think if I were in the market for a breeding prospect, it would have to be an older dog.  I would look for a  dog old enough to have not only all the health clearances but old enough to determine it to be a good prospect on the field as well as the conformation ring.   These dogs cost more than puppies, but that's why they cost more, they are closer to proven.

very well said DH,

im glad to see you added the part about HD not being all genetic.  many people do not believe this or dont want to accept it.

john

very well said DH,

im glad to see you added the part about HD not being all genetic.  many people do not believe this or dont want to accept it.

john

Well spirmon and dogmom... I would propose...start breeding yourself when you think it's that easy... and please, let us know how you will take care... when people ask you for cheaper prices, it's to much, give me discount... but please.. make sure you have to give me 200% warranty... well guy's... let me know in a few years how you did...!!!