[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Sorry. That just doesn't cut it. Any ethical breeder is proud of their breed and wouldn't want to hide anything...Something doesn't smell quite right here...

I agree. Just be honest with us. We're not here to try and turn you in or get you into trouble. We are just here to advice and support. You need to open up to us if you wish to receive honest advice. You have to be honest with us if you wish for us to be honest with you.

[Lara's mom]

Thanks, Todd. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks that something "stinks" here...

[OrangeDog]

Yes, something is fishy. These are most likely mastiff mixes, Wolf Hybreds or something like that. Without knowing the breed I just have no way to offer any truly helpful advise. I breed golden retrievers but I have friends in MANY MANY other breeds and if I know what we are dealing with I may be able to offer better help.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Sorry. That just doesn't cut it. Any ethical breeder is proud of their breed and wouldn't want to hide anything...Something doesn't smell quite right here...

We are still missing something here. How would telling us the breed of this "rare" or "new" breed in anyway divulge who the breeder is? Unless you were to tell us their name, I find it difficult to understand what this in any way has to do with the dog breed you want information on or justifies why you will not divulge the breed in question.

[superfly jacks]

Originally Posted by Yogi

Being that you are referring to puppies, testing cannot be done until the pup is 2 years of age.

The post in question all of you have said plenty on it, so I myself don't have a reply.

Yogi.

What do you mean by puppies cannot be tested till they reach 2 years of age.

You can Baer, cerf test and also the new PLL test can be done as early as 8 weeks of age.
Patella's and hips I can understand not x-raying till they are 1 year of age.
Also many other genetic tests for each breed can be done under a year of age as well.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by superfly jacks

The post in question all of you have said plenty on it, so I myself don't have a reply.

Yogi.

What do you mean by puppies cannot be tested till they reach 2 years of age.

You can Baer, cerf test and also the new PLL test can be done as early as 8 weeks of age.
Patella's and hips I can understand not x-raying till they are 1 year of age.
Also many other genetic tests for each breed can be done under a year of age as well.

We were discussing hip scoring and hip testing in particular I believe.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Todd

We were discussing hip scoring and hip testing in particular I believe.

Yes that is what we were discussing and yes this is done at 2 years. Granted, many tests can be done prior to 2 years of age but then some are not recommended until age 2 for obvious reasons. Of those that can be done earlier than 2 years of age does not offer in some cases the accuracy as if one waits to the recommended age of 2 which is why after years this age has been determined the best for testing these. Maturity of the dog gives a better chance of a clean bill of health which is approx 2 years of age to 3 years of age where a dog at one year is not mature in any way but sexually. In addition, being that reputable breeders would not breed their dogs til this age only helps increase the chance that they are not breeding dogs that will pass on genetic issues.

[Lara's mom]

If you are of the opinion that dogs should not be bred before the age of two, are you referring specifically to females or both sexes. I want to do the right thing.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

If you are of the opinion that dogs should not be bred before the age of two, are you referring specifically to females or both sexes. I want to do the right thing.

As Superfly noted, yes some testing can be done prior to age 2. Others though are not done til age 2. I do not breed until both male and female are age 2 or older. This is personal choice but is common with most breeders. I do not know how it is in Canada. In the US with the AKC these are the rules for breeding in order to register a litter. But in actuality it is not meant to mean that at that age you start breeding only that this is the youngest and oldest that they will accept litter registrations. As stated, most breeders will wait til age 2 primarily due to the complete testing but also, pups having pups makes not sense.
Registration and Discipline reads as follows:
“No dog or litter out of a dam under eight (8)
months or over twelve (12) years of age at the time
of mating, or by a sire under seven (7) months or
over twelve (12) years of age at the time of mating,
will be registered unless the application for registration
shall be accompanied by an affidavit or evidence
which shall prove the fact to the satisfaction of The
American Kennel Club.