Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I’m planning on becoming a new Labrador puppy parent…
I currently live in Harlingen, Texas—and will be traveling on Thursday to pick up a male yellow lab puppy 9 weeks old.
The breeder appears to be extremely reputable with references, papers and guarantees that include 30 months on hips and eyes…
Only problem… the puppy has a quarter of a centimeter overbite (malocclusion)…
The breeder told me upfront about the condition and that he will only come with limited papers because of the breeding condition.
My question is:

Should my fiancée and I – get involved with this puppy—or will it be a problem down the road…
Genetically—his bloodline is sound—
But with the overbite—are we just asking for more problems then it’s worth…

Please help us!
I’ve read the one article where you touched on the issue—but it didn’t address our specific needs!

Thanks in advance and for your speedy response—we have until Thursday before the big trip to become puppy parents!

Ryan Wolf
Harlingen, TX

>>I’m planning on becoming a new Labrador puppy parent…
>>I currently live in Harlingen, Texas—and will be traveling on Thursday to pick up a male yellow lab puppy 9 weeks old.
>>The breeder appears to be extremely reputable with references, papers and guarantees that include 30 months on hips and eyes…
>>Only problem… the puppy has a quarter of a centimeter overbite (malocclusion)…
>>The breeder told me upfront about the condition and that he will only come with limited papers because of the breeding condition.
>>My question is:
>>
>>Should my fiancée and I – get involved with this puppy—or will it be a problem down the road…
>>Genetically—his bloodline is sound—
>>But with the overbite—are we just asking for more problems then it’s worth…
>>
>>Please help us!
>>I’ve read the one article where you touched on the issue—but it didn’t address our specific needs!
>>
>>Thanks in advance and for your speedy response—we have until Thursday before the big trip to become puppy parents!
>>
>>Ryan Wolf
>>Harlingen, TX

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you want to show your dog in conformation events or breed your dog at all, then of course don't get this particular puppy, but it sounds like you would still want to deal with this particular breeder. I really like the sound of how she is making everything clear and doing health checks. I'd certainly consider getting a pup from someone like her myself.

If you are going to have your dog as a companion, non-breeding animal, and neuter him, this pup will likely be a good choice. Do your homework about puppy management and training, and stay in a good training class with him until he's at least a year old, and you can have a wonderful companion for a lot of years! Enjoy your new pup.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I really appreciate your honesty with this important matter.

Just so you're aware-- WE ARE NOT BREEDING OR ENTERING THE PUPPY IN COMPETITION.

"Sprinkles" will our best friend for life as a house pet and member of the family.

Thursday appears to be our big day-- I'll be sure to post a pic.

Thanks again,
Any other comments or responses to this question would be great... I have until Thursday to back out.

Ryan
Harlingen, TX

Congradulations on your new furbaby. I can't wait for pictures.
I do have one question. How far do you have to travel to pick him/her up?

I'm assuming you are not planning on breeding this dog. If there will be no breeding, then you shouldn't be concerned. If you are showing, it may or may not make a difference. What are your intentions for this dog?