Puppy Question

[bruinsBoxers]

It is not really crazy .

If you stop to think of all the heartbreak people face when having unhealthy and unstable dogs not to mention the hundreds and thousands of $$ that people spend on their dogs medical care , that were bought from BYB's who were not breeding to better the breed , only for $$ .

Many people on the other board have been in those exact positions . They own rescues and many volunteer for boxer rescues and they see the mess left by BYB's who do not care about the dogs they produce once they have their $$ . They take in the throwaway boxers who have both medical and behavior problems . They do it because they love the breed and because of that they may also be protective of the breed.

This is why they wanted to know more about your dog/puppies . They would have been more than willing to help you with anything if you let them
know ( like you did here) about your dogs and the testing you have done .

I have spoken to more people than I can count about their dogs and the health problems they have . About how the breeder they got their boxer from will not return their calls for help and now they do not know where to turn. How I looked into they eyes of a 9 year old boy as he told me how his boxer died right in front of him - how he hugged him and begged for him to
wake up .

I am sorry if you feel/felt attacked . But if you would have posted the same thing you posted here you would have gained many friends and even some mentors in the breed . People who have had boxers for 25+ years and many who have been breeding for a long time . Those who know about the many health issues that plague the boxer breed and can offer help and advice .

A reputable / responsible breeder ( and even 1 litter makes a person a breeder) should be proud of the health testing and the test results . They should be happy to share the results and proud of their dogs pedigree and health status . Breeding healthy and correct dogs is not easy and a breeder should be proud of what they have produced . Even the best of breeders will face criticism from time to time .

Another thing to think about if you are keeping a boy , be sure he as both testicles descended . If not then he must be neutered for health reasons .Testicles may not descend until 12-16 weeks . But most breeders will not keep a male if both testicles are not descended by 8 weeks .

As for DM - degenerative myopathy . It is a gene test and only 1 lab does it so most likely your vet did not do it unless you asked. DM causes loss of function in the hind end of the dog that progresses to where the dog can not walk or control it's bowels or bladder . Dogs in the late stages of DM will have to be euthenized unless they die of something else first.
Dogs are either
Clear - will never get DM . But only about 17% are clear .
Carriers have 1 affected gene which they can pass along to their offspring though the carrier itself will never get DM.About 38% are carriers.
At Risk- the dog has 2 copies of the affected gene and may actually show signs of DM . About 45% of boxers are at risk .

So if you unknowingly breed 2 at risk boxers together you have just produced a whole litter puppies who would be at risk .
It may be worthwhile to find out if the stud has been tested for DM .

[Boxboy]

Please don't get me wrong! I completely understand what you are saying and I feel the same way. I just think people should not jump to conclusions and start condemning someone before they know what they are talking about. I'm sure (NOW) that I worded my initial post wrong but this was my first time to join a Boxer Forum so I really didn't know what to say or how to say it. I just wonder how many other unsuspecting newbies have been ran off by the hostility?
Thanks for the info, I will check on the DM test.

[bruinsBoxers]

Unfortunately there are way more people out there trying to make $$ from breeding irresponsibly so most tend to think a new poster is doing the same unless they post all the health , testing and showing info right away . And yes I am sure many newbies have either left the forums ( I belong to many and almost all are the same way) or just lurk .

With the DM you can test your girl and hopefully the male will have been tested already , that can possibly tell you the possible status of the puppies.

EX... My female is at risk , one of the reasons it was very important for me to find a suitable stud who was clear . I know all the puppies in the litter will be carriers .

[Ruby Red]

Very interesting info Missi....thanks for sharing.

[Doreen]

Yes, Thanks Missi....very good info, I never knew. I just wish this was knowledge that would stick in my brain! I guess since I never plan to breed that is why I don't hold this info.

[purplelori]

If I had ever fallen victim to the 'lets have just one litter' theory---I'd have 10 dogs! They're just too cute to let go of--of course, when they start destroying the house I'm sure I'd have 2nd thoughts, but what fun until that starts! Nope, I think Wally will stay an 'only dog'.

[KeeperBoy]

What Missi said.

Keepers is a great dog and I am POSITIVE whoever created him had fairly good intentions. He's great looking, not mean, etc. That being said he had a horrible life up until we got him from rescue. It wasn't fair to him at all.