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Buying a Pet, Should I Be Concerned About Markers?Marker testing is for the breeder. Is that confusing? It may seem so, but here’s the bottom line: When you are dealing with a reputable breeder, they are doing everything they can to produce healthy dogs. And most likely are. Remember- not even all no-marker dogs are free of kidney disease! There are some VERY reputable breeders who do not test for markers. Does that mean they have bad dogs? Not at all. Reputable breeders know generations of their dog’s histories and cull problem lines IMMEDIATELY. There are reputable breeders with dogs that have one or two markers. Does that mean they are producing kidney disease? Very unlikely. While the incidence of RD is estimated to be as high as 10% in the ENTIRE population- that population encompasses many backyard breeders who know nothing of their dog’s history and produce a MUCH higher percentage of problems. Among reputable breeders, the incidence of RD is much, much lower- because of their extensive knowledge of the dog’s histories.
The key, then, is to find the ‘reputable breeder.’ 1. Reputable breeders will insist on a spay/neuter contract unless you are buying a show dog, or have the dog neutered before you take it home. This is to keep the breed as true as possible to the standard, and to keep their name from going onto poor pedigrees. (Part of being a “reputable breeder” is having a good reputation!) 2. Reputable breeders will welcome you to visit where they breed their dogs, and be glad to show you their dogs. If they insist on bringing the dog and meeting you somewhere, beware! You MIGHT be dealing with a small puppy mill. Tell them that you would like to see their place and the parent stock if both are there- but at least the mother. 3. Reputable breeders will want to know a lot about you, how you live, where their dog is going. They will often- though not always- insist on delivering the dog so they can make sure you are what you say. 4. Most, though not all, reputable breeders show their dogs. The whole purpose of conformation shows is to identify the individuals in the breed that are best for breeding. The whole point of the exercise is to demonstrate that your dog conforms to the breed standard. 5. Go to several breeders before you decide. It’s really hard not to leave with that adorable puppy from the first place you see- but you can save yourself a lot of second guessing by visiting two or three places or at least talking to a couple of different breeders before you decide. 6. Ask about health guarantees. Reputable breeders will, at a minimum, replace a sick puppy.
Your chances, as a pet person, of getting no-marker dogs is very low, as while their number is relatively low, they are mostly kept in breeding programs (the exception being the obvious pets in no-marker/no-marker breedings, as these will automatically be marker free and need no test). Marker testing is expensive, $140 per dog, and even the breeder who is on a rigorous RD testing program will usually choose not to test dogs being sold as pets. And frankly, were they to do so, it would just increase the cost to you. If you want to get a no-marker pet, even as a pet you can expect the cost to increase by as much as $300, and your gain is questionable. Remember- NOT ALL NO-MARKER DOGS ARE FREE OF KIDNEY DISEASE, though the incidence is much lower. Marker testing is about reducing the odds in the breeding population. Do ask the breeder if they are testing- their answer will tell you a lot. Some will say yes, and they can tell you what the parents of the litter are (which will give you the odds of the markers on your pup!) even if they haven’t tested your pet. Some will say no, and tell you that they know X many years of their dog’s lines and the line is healthy and marker testing isn’t exact, etc. But this is an easy screen out for many back-yard breeders who will not even know what the marker test is for- this is where you get into the 10% and higher incidence of problems. These people do not even know the genetic problems in the breed, and as such, cannot possibly be breeding away from it. Well-bred dogs cost more up front, there’s no doubt about it- you will be making a bigger investment going in. But with what vet bills cost today, I would not even consider skimping on quality going in- one good bout with a vet will make the cost even, and an RD affected puppy will take much more than one visit. You are going to have this dog a very long time- often 15 years, so getting a healthy one to start with should be of paramount importance going in. What costs more up front is usually less expensive in the long run. I hope this helps!
Charlee Byford,
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We are a Shih Tzu Club, dedicated to the promotion and betterment of the Shih Tzu breed. We have General Information on Shih Tzus, member breeders listed, and many pictures of Shih Tzus (including Shih Tzu Puppies) for you to enjoy.Welcome to our site: The Puget Sound Shih Tzu Fanciers |
