Breeder Ethics Questionaire

For what genetic diseases has the breeder tested?
FFT ANSWER: FFT is a founder of renal dysplasia research in the Lhasa Apsos , initially providing our database of kidney biopsy results. W e continue to be active in testing our dogs with the DNA test that is currently available. Puppies are vet checked before they are available to homes with emphasis on checking patella soundness, heart function and for inguinal hernias. We regularly have our adult dogs eyes checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment. Record and answer to each of the following:

Is everything clean?
Do puppies have toys to play with?
Do puppies have fresh water?
Do puppies have room to exercise?
Are puppies clean and groomed?
Look at as many relatives as possible!
Are they apparently healthy?

This may be your only insight into your puppy's temperament and overall quality.

FFT ANSWER: FFT puppies are the fruits of years of labor, experience and concern for the breed. Our Apsos are fed top-quality foods, made from human-grade ingredients, often along with raw meat and raw bones. Our puppies are vaccinated using Dr. Jean Dodds vaccination protocol.

Ask about the breeder's older dogs and their life expectancy. Lhasa Apsos should live 12 to 16 years.
FFT ANSWER: On average our dogs have been reaching about 14 -15 years, some longer and unfortunately, some less. We strive to breed the healthiest dogs possible.

How many years of experience does the breeder have?
FFT ANSWER: Between Debby and Julie, we have over 50 plus years experience-but we are to young to say that! Debby started breeding Lhasa Apsos in 1979 , Julie in 1984, Kaylee in 1997. All three of us are Register of Merit breeders.

How many litters a year do they produce and for what reason?
FFT ANSWER: FFT averages about 2 litters a year. We breed to improve our lineage and plan on keeping at least one puppy for ourselves. Because we have association and co-ownership with other breeders we often list those litters on the website also. These breedings involve dogs from our lines, but the puppies are not necessarily born in our homes. We do stand behind and guarantee these puppies, if purchased through us.

If the answer is "for the money," walk away. These people do not have the welfare of the dogs as a priority.

Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
FFT ANSWER: Yes, it is understood, specified in the sales agreement contract, and pets are registered with AKC on limited registration.

The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the Lhasa Apso as a quality breed. Breeding purebred dogs should be handled by those dedicated to improving and maintaining the uniqueness of each breed.

Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep it?
FFT ANSWER: Yes.

Breeders do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after the puppy is sold.

Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their dog's health and temperament.

NAME PHONE # or E-MAIL ADDRESS

Vickie Kuhlmann
Northtwin@aol.com

Kathy Rasmussen
jkrasm@comcast.net

Katy Widger
katywidger@gmail.com

Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately to the breeder with the veterinarian's report. The breeder should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health.

Genetic testing is done to help breeders avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of these points into consideration when choosing your next Lhasa Apso.

Happy hunting!!

Limited Registration

AKC registration application forms provide the option for registering dogs with limited registration. Limited registration means that litters produced by the dog are not eligible for AKC registration. The dog is eligible to compete in all AKC-licensed events except breed competition at an AKC-licensed dog show.

The decision as to the registration status of a dog is the responsibility of the litter owner(s). The litter owner(s) must check the appropriate box on the individual registration application form to indicate whether the dog should be designated as having limited or full registration privileges. If no box is checked, full registration will be assigned.

Limited registration can only be designated at the time the dog is individually registered. The limited designation may be removed upon the written permission of the litter owner(s) and upon submission of a form for that purpose which, is available from the AKC, and the required fee. Once the limited designation has been deleted it may not be reimposed.

The decision as to whether or not a dog will be registered with limited registration is left solely to the litter owner(s). Limited registration is a tool with which the litter owner(s) can protect their breeding program. We would strongly recommend that if a dog is being sold with limited registration that the litter owner(s) make this condition clear to the potential dog buyer(s) so that there is no confusion about the terms under which the dog was purchased. If breeders provide a written bill of sale in addition to the registration application form, we would urge that the bill of sale include the fact that the dog is being sold with limited registration and that the buyer acknowledges in writing that the dog is being accepted with that condition.