[lovsthosebigdogs]

Duffysmom, I am sorry you had so many issues. It is heartbreaking to have to deal with so much in any dog you love. Clearly that breeder did not breed for health. You are right about AKC dogs not always being sound and healthy, BUT that is only because the AKC is registry much like the Dept of Motor Vehicles registers cars, it doesn't say if a car is road sound or not. The AKC does not guarantee a dog is sound or that the parents are healthy, only that the dogs ancestors are only of one breed and were registered with that organization for generations back. A reputable breeder is one that breeds for health, soundness and to advance the breed. All too often a person says, “Hey, I have a ________ (fill in the breed) and you have a ________(fill in breed) so let’s have puppies. My dog is really pretty and I love her and she’s a great dog.” Well, that does not make a genetically sound dog and does not make a dog that should have been bred. Did they do any testing for whatever problem is prevalent in that particular breed? Did they look for anything recessive in either line? Do they even know? Did they get evaluated by qualified people, perhaps AKC judges who have been certified to judge that breed? What prenatal and postpartum care has the mother and litter had? What food, vitamins and tests? What is their motive for breeding? This is not a guarantee for a healthy dog but it certainly improves your odds.
I have had rescue dogs and breeder dogs and both are wonderful. However, I would not give one dime to a backyard breeder or a puppy mill/pet shop. If I were getting a dog from a breeder I would shop as carefully as if I were shopping for a mate. A 12 year or more commitment would force me to look for the best possible dog I could find, even though I am aware that no animal comes with an assurance of a lifetime of good health.