@axledobe wrote:
@enharu wrote:the points would be nice if I can redeem it towards any AKC breeder
However, I am not sure if I will pay extra just for AKC papers if I am getting another dog in the future. Paid $500 extra just for full AKC paperwork, but I never intended to breed my dog, so I neutered him. In a way it's just a "feel good" piece of paper to make my dog seem "better"?
Unless it also comes with a written health guarantee, it's pretty much useless unless you're breeding. I've done the same thing in the past. With so many animals needing great homes, I adopted last time. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything not getting papers. The AKC does do good for animals in need (AKC Humane Fund).
my breeder included a written health guarantee, but that was already part of the puppy purchase price. the extra $500 was solely for the AKC papers with full breeding rights. I suppose I was more concerned about his pedigree and breed back then, but now that I know, I regret spending the extra $500.
the written health guarantee seems to be useless for the most part. There's just too many caveats to really hold the breeder responsible, and even if it's really a genetic issue, there're limitations to how much they will reimburse and the process may be really troublesome (such as having to sue him). I'm not going to bring my dog back to the breeder just to exchange for a new puppy either. So the best thing that can be done is to really find out more about its pedigree, health of parents, and reputation of the breeder, etc. Even then, it's still unpredictable.
I checked out several shelters in the past, but went with a breeder in the end simply because we eventually found a puppy we really love. Took us over 6 hours of driving in total to different breeders.
@enharu wrote:
@axledobe wrote:
@enharu wrote:the points would be nice if I can redeem it towards any AKC breeder
However, I am not sure if I will pay extra just for AKC papers if I am getting another dog in the future. Paid $500 extra just for full AKC paperwork, but I never intended to breed my dog, so I neutered him. In a way it's just a "feel good" piece of paper to make my dog seem "better"?
Unless it also comes with a written health guarantee, it's pretty much useless unless you're breeding. I've done the same thing in the past. With so many animals needing great homes, I adopted last time. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything not getting papers. The AKC does do good for animals in need (AKC Humane Fund).
my breeder included a written health guarantee, but that was already part of the puppy purchase price. the extra $500 was solely for the AKC papers with full breeding rights. I suppose I was more concerned about his pedigree and breed back then, but now that I know, I regret spending the extra $500.
the written health guarantee seems to be useless for the most part. There's just too many caveats to really hold the breeder responsible, and even if it's really a genetic issue, there're limitations to how much they will reimburse and the process may be really troublesome (such as having to sue him). I'm not going to bring my dog back to the breeder just to exchange for a new puppy either. So the best thing that can be done is to really find out more about its pedigree, health of parents, and reputation of the breeder, etc. Even then, it's still unpredictable.
I checked out several shelters in the past, but went with a breeder in the end simply because we eventually found a puppy we really love. Took us over 6 hours of driving in total to different breeders.
Enharu - I understand. With such a long commitment, you defnitely should get what you want. Back 11 years ago when I got my Doberman (RIP, just lost him 1.5 months ago at age 11), I felt the same. He stood out from the crowd. I was 'sold' on the breeding rights just because the health guarantee was so good that came with the 'package'. It was a written guarantee signed by the breeder (and witnessed) stating that if he developed any type of genetic/hereditary defect of any kind (dysplasia, congential heart defect or any other disease that affects the breed) for the first 5 years of ownership, I get a full refund and get to keep him. I paid a nice chunk for him so the refund would have definitely helped if he needed care. Fortunately, I never had issues up until the end of his life. I'll have to say though, the Pitbull that I rescued from a not so great first 6 months of her life has served me just as well as the cherry picked, pick of the litter.
@MACFRME wrote:
We all know Ron will be getting one....
No, not this time. 
I like the card but I would get denied due too many inquiries.
Ron.
