Would you buy a dog with a cosmetic “fault”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there is an assumption that any dog that is sold as a pet has a fault that means it couldn't be shown in the ring. If the fault is just cosmetic, then I think that's expected at the pet price. I once looked at a dog whose markings weren't symmetrical in a breed where the standard is symmetry. That's a purely cosmetic fault.

But a fault that puts the dog at increased risk of cancer isn't purely cosmetic. They should have told you, although I think it's possible that they thought you were familiar with the breed standard. It sounds as though the fault was obvious, and most people looking to purchase a purebreed dog would have familiarized themselves with the breed standard.

I don’t think it’s an obvious fault. Some unscrupulous breeders are calling them exotic colors and it isn’t that unusual to see a dog with blue eyes like huskies and Australian shepherds. I don’t think it’s considered a fault or albinism in those breeds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there is an assumption that any dog that is sold as a pet has a fault that means it couldn't be shown in the ring. If the fault is just cosmetic, then I think that's expected at the pet price. I once looked at a dog whose markings weren't symmetrical in a breed where the standard is symmetry. That's a purely cosmetic fault.

But a fault that puts the dog at increased risk of cancer isn't purely cosmetic. They should have told you, although I think it's possible that they thought you were familiar with the breed standard. It sounds as though the fault was obvious, and most people looking to purchase a purebreed dog would have familiarized themselves with the breed standard.

I don’t think it’s an obvious fault. Some unscrupulous breeders are calling them exotic colors and it isn’t that unusual to see a dog with blue eyes like huskies and Australian shepherds. I don’t think it’s considered a fault or albinism in those breeds.

Black nose, and lips are breed standards for Pekinese. There are absolutely other breeds where they aren't breed standard.

[Anonymous]

I would either return the dog for a full refund, or live with it and do nothing. I’d lean towards a return/refund. After spaying of course - you don’t want it genes continuing in the bloodline.

This is a financial decision. You made an investment. Don’t bring emotion into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, what was the expectation when you bought her? What does your contract say? Are you required to neuter the dog? If you are required to neuter the dog per your contract, you are buying a pet dog, not a show dog, and such a "fault" doesn't matter because you won't be showing or breeding her.

But the albinism definitely should have been disclosed. How are homes for puppies in the litter decided? Does the breeder choose which dog goes to which home? Or are buyers choosing which dog they want? FWIW, buyers choosing which dog they want is a red flag that points toward a puppy mill. Just because the dogs are registered with the AKC doesn't mean you aren't dealing with a puppy mill.

Just love your dog. And don't recommend that breeder to anyone.

Op here. The breeder matched me with the puppy and I was provided puppy pictures of the dog at 4 weeks and picked them up at 3 months old. In that time their nose coloring changed from brownish to pink.

Why didn’t you get the dog at 8 weeks?

It sounds like the breeder switched your puppy. Have you checked the microchip to see if it matches your contract? Ask at vet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, what was the expectation when you bought her? What does your contract say? Are you required to neuter the dog? If you are required to neuter the dog per your contract, you are buying a pet dog, not a show dog, and such a "fault" doesn't matter because you won't be showing or breeding her.

But the albinism definitely should have been disclosed. How are homes for puppies in the litter decided? Does the breeder choose which dog goes to which home? Or are buyers choosing which dog they want? FWIW, buyers choosing which dog they want is a red flag that points toward a puppy mill. Just because the dogs are registered with the AKC doesn't mean you aren't dealing with a puppy mill.

Just love your dog. And don't recommend that breeder to anyone.

Op here. The breeder matched me with the puppy and I was provided puppy pictures of the dog at 4 weeks and picked them up at 3 months old. In that time their nose coloring changed from brownish to pink.

Why didn’t you get the dog at 8 weeks?

It sounds like the breeder switched your puppy. Have you checked the microchip to see if it matches your contract? Ask at vet.

They won’t let them go home until 12 weeks.

[Anonymous]

My Norwegian Elkhound had tipped ears, which is a serious cosmetic fault. But they didn't put her at risk for cancer, and she was free. She was a wonderful dog.

I wouldn't return the dog but I would be pissed.

[Anonymous]

Does your pup have a merle coated parent?

Pomeranian nose color:

https://www.petpom.com/pomeranian-nose-color

Pomeranian eye color:

https://pomeranian.org/all-about-the-blue-eyed-pomeranian/

[Anonymous]

I’d return the dog.

[Anonymous]

This is definitely something that an experienced AKC breeder would disclose. A dog with this kind of defect should be neutered and not bred. The biggest thing you are going to need to decide is if you are you prepared to return the dog for a refund. If they are running a professional operation, they will take the dog back and return your $.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your pup have a merle coated parent?

Pomeranian nose color:

https://www.petpom.com/pomeranian-nose-color

Pomeranian eye color:

https://pomeranian.org/all-about-the-blue-eyed-pomeranian/

Sorry, wrong breed!

[Anonymous]

You bought a puppy mill dog, shame on you for not doing your research.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You bought a puppy mill dog, shame on you for not doing your research.

Let me guess you have a “rescue”.