How do I evaluate a new puppy's pedigree before I pick her up?

In-breeding over time can cause certain characteristic traits and genetic qualities (including defects) to be selected for that are undesirable. However it is unsure what exact characteristic traits will predominate in each individual puppy and to what degree. I think it is fair to ask if this line of pedigree has any genetic defects that you should be concerned about that could possibly pass on to Mabei, to make this breeder a bit more transparent in information and also hold them accountable for informing you as a concerned potential adoptee. Also another great tool is the DNA genetic testing (the blood test that is done through a vet, not the cheek swab one which is highly inaccurate) which will give you a list of genetic predispositions and abnormalities that Mabei currently has so that you are aware from the very beginning of any disease processes she will be vulnerable to developing later in life. In-breeding is not what we want to see done in any situation, because it creates all kinds of genetic nightmares in most situations and does not speak highly of this breeder in my professional opinion. I hope this helps and best wishes on your decision making when it comes to adopting this pet. Best wishes and take care.

If your breeder didn't provide you with any paperwork documenting his parentage (such as an AKC registration certificate) then unfortunately there is no way to prove for certain whether he is purebred or not. If you want to try and find out "unofficially", you can have him DNA tested using a Wisdom Panel blood or cheek swab test. These tests aren't always completely accurate, but could give you an idea of whether Halo has any other breeds in his background :)

What a cutie!!!! This is strictly as guess as visual identification has been proven to be 75% inaccurate but if I had to guess, he looks like there is hound and possibly Cattle Dog. Its highly unlikely however that he is a 50/50 mix. I bet there are several breeds present within his ancestry! There are many canine genetic companies out there and some are better than others. You will need to check however that they have a canine genetic database from the country where he is coming from as genetic signatures do vary based upon location or origin. Congratulations on your new puppy! I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Congratulations on your new puppy! While it's hard to know just by looking at her, I don't suspect Rottweiler in the background. German Shepherds carry the gene for black and tan (like a Rott does) but this gene is modified by another gene for the saddle marking. Cleo did not get the gene for a saddle and so the black and tan is expressed normally. The best way to know for sure what is in Cleo's back ground is with a genetic breed analysis. I recommend the Wisdom Panel. It's just a cheek swab, no visit to the vet required! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi Lou! Yes, you are correct that there is a concern about getting a puppy from parents who are siblings, even half siblings. This increasing the risk of the dog having recessive genes expressed which can adversely affect their health. Siblings should never be bred to each other, and a responsible breeder would never allow that to happen. In my opinion, I would not get a puppy from this litter, and instead find a breeder who does not allow siblings to be bred to each other. Also make sure the breeder does health tests on the sire and dam to make sure that genetic diseases which are common in this breed of dog are not present, thus making the puppies as healthy as possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Sometimes this can be difficult to answer. To accurately know your dogs breed it would be based on both of Duke's parents being registered with a legitimate registration organization like the AKC. That is the only way you could prove to someone buying Duke's puppies, if you chose to breed him. Without proof of lineage it is hard. You may have to wait until he is full grown to see how he looks. There are DNA blood tests that can help but personally I think the accuracy isn't the best. You can buy these kits yourself and send in either a blood sample or a cheek swab. https://www.chewy.com/wisdom-panel-30-breed-identification/dp/127224

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! They appear to be pure bred Goldens but you should see pedigree papers. That is the only way to prove it. You can not tell by how they look. Also you can not tell quality at this age. You should ask the breeder to see the parents, be sure they are vaccinated and cared for, have had their hips checked, etc. You can also tell quality from the Pedigree papers. I also think the darker one is better looking but I can't speak for it's quality. Since your dog Luna is also young they should get along with each other. But that is impossible to predict and dogs go through their social and behavioral maturity around 2 years of age. I have seen happy relationships change around that time. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!