Buyer Beware-Good tips to know

BUYER BEWARE

The best rule of thumb is: MEET THE BREEDER, SEE THE MOTHER, AND SEE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE PUPPY HAS BEEN RAISED.

Beware of claims that the "hips have been checked", "Icelandic's don't have a problem with hip Dysplasia" or "my lines are clear of hip Dysplasia."

Demand an OFA certification number or copy of the preliminary OFA evaluation (animals under two years) on both sire and dam.

Beware of the seller who is unaware of the need for regular eye examinations of breeding stock and cannot provide current eye registry numbers.

Beware of the term "champion lines". The presence of a few Champions in the pedigree means little; every Icelandic in North America has at least one or two Champions in his family tree.

Beware of claims of "home raised" or "privately bred" pups unless you can see for yourself where the pups were born and raised.

Beware of the seller who claims to be selling a litter for a "friend" or "relative". Commercial breeders frequently send "litter lots" on consignment to middlemen who, in turn, sell the pups from their homes.

Beware of anyone selling Icelandic's who will only identify himself on a first name basis.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling to give the registered names and CKC numbers of the sire and dam of the litter.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling to provide the name and address of the breeder of the puppies or will provide them only when you buy the puppy.

Beware of the seller who does not have a copy of the puppy's pedigree for your inspection prior to buying the puppy.

Beware of claims such as "uncompromisingly clear of inherited diseases" or "proven clear" or "guaranteed clear" of inherited diseases since there is no way to prove these claims.

Beware of "guarantees" - most genetic problems do not appear until a dog is over two years old.

The best guarantee of a healthy dog is a careful, well-planned breeding program.