i had a chance to buy a whippet from a puppy mill but i took two german shep puppies for ten bucks. good pick?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I would have no problem with backyard breeders IF they had the knowledge and commitment to breed healthy dogs and avoid genetic issues. The risk of genetic issues in a dog bred by a backyard breeder is no better than a puppy mill dog. In fact, it may be higher. Some puppy mill owners actually remove dogs with genetic issues from their breeding stock. A backyard breeder generally has no clue what genetic issues they need to be aware of. For example, in my breed there is a genetic eye condition that causes a dog to go blind. Symptoms can begin to appear when the dog is six years old or so. Old enough that the dog may have produced several litters. This gene is also X-linked, meaning it is on the part of the X-chromosome not matched up by the Y chromosome in males. This means that an affected male can be safely bred to a clear female, but a carrier female can never ethically be bred. I could exlain why, but it would take too long. Would a backyard breeder be aware that the female needs to be genetically screened by Optigen before breeding? No. Another example in my breed. Puppies that have retinal folds at eight weeks of age may be a carrier for a dwarfism gene. Those puppies should be genetically tested. There are all sorts of complicated issues like this that a responsible breeder will know about and act on. Where would a breeder get the kind of education so they would know about this? Where would a breeder get the information about what bloodlines tend to have what issues? Where would they learn that a certain prolific stud dog should not be doubled up on in a pedigree? Only by hanging out with other educated breeders, talking with them and learning. Where does this happen? Only among people who are breeding dogs for show. They also are avoiding structural problems that cause arthritis in their dogs. I don't know how many poorly bred dogs, purebred and mixed, that I have seen lately with front feet turned so far out the dog can hardly walk. Many backyard breeders say their dogs don't have problems and they have never produced problems. That is generally because they don't check. They say each human carries the genetic material for about 7-9 serious genetic medical conditions. Dogs probably have more because they have more chromosomes. (Humans have 23 pairs, dogs have 39 pairs) The real value in going with a breeder who is also showing dogs is the tremendous amount of knowledge they and their fellow breeders have. They also aren't making money breeding dogs. I know many show breeders and none of them are making a profit off their dogs. Showing is a very expensive sport. And a good breeder will spend several thousand dollars directly on each litter. The only people making money showing dogs are professional handlers. That's because they are not breeding and showing, they are being paid by breeders to show the dogs.

Answer 3

The pups probably have hip dysplasia and other problems but german shepherds are lovable dogs and great pets. Make sure that you take some of the money you saved on your great "deal" and take them to a vet. Once you know the extent of any problems, you'll know if it was a good pick.

Normally, I oppose paying puppy mills anything but I think at two puppies for $10 they must be losing money so i won't make a fuss. It's probably best that you took them because I'm sure they are the "rejects" that wouldn't sell and would have been killed.

Answer 4

German Shepard's are amazing dogs! They are known for many many things.Such as: intelligence, traininability, devotion and loyalty. They are one of the most versatile dogs. They have been and continue to be many things and even have jobs if you will such as, a family companion, Guide Dog, Police Dog, Search and Rescue Dog, Drug and Bomb Detection Dog, Herding Dog, and on and on and on. As an Animal Control Officer I must first say thank you for getting them away from a puppy mill, those places are horrible!! I also must insist that you get a full check up have them microchiped, rabies vaccinated, heart worm tested, put on preventative, and spayed or neutered. This will help ensure a healthy pet. Shepard's are generally easy to train if you take the time, or if you have the financial backing send them to obedience school. So in my opinion while whippet's are awesome dogs, you've just made two best friends for life. So take care of them and they will take care of you.

Answer 5

They are two such different breeds that it depends on what you want in a dog. I have whippets, my sister has shepards- neither of us would trade.
Any puppy mill dog is a high risk gamble for health problems but put it this way German shepards have WAY more , way more common, and way more serious and expensive heritatary health problems

Answer 6

Puppy mills are abusive to animals. You should have adopted a puppy from an animal shelter.

Good luck taking care of these dogs; most likely they will have some health problems that could cost you thousands of dollars.

Answer 7

WOW...10 bucks! makes me think that the 1100 bucks I spent for my german shepherd was way too much!...NOT. you get what you pay for though.
as all the other posts have said take the pups to the vet ASAP. you did make a good pick however, GSD's are intelligent with high drives, fast learners and make great pets to have with kids...IF.....you train them. I hope you are willing to spend alot of time with these two teaching them and keeping their minds active. this is not a breed that is a couch potato, they WILL find their own amusement.
GOOD LUCK with your new pups!

Answer 8

10 bucks? The crazy people who sell their dogs from the back of their pick up trucks outside grocery stores charge more than that. Puppy Mills suck, I hope they aren't sick.

Answer 9

Honestly, I think you made a horrible choice. Puppy Mills are awful..Report them to your local SPCA or something if you want to make anything right. Get your puppies checked at the vet..They probably have kennel cough or more..

Answer 10

German Shepard's are great dogs..... But for ten dollars?? You need to take them to the Vet ASAP to make sure they are healthy.

Answer 11

If you took any puppies out of a mill, you probably have sick/badly bred dogs.
And congratulations, you have supported cruelty to animals, I hope you are happy.