Kim,

Since we aren't going the route of a rescue dog, we do try to look for a reputable and responsible breeder. We went to a dog show and asked around, and checked up on her a bit more to be sure she is affiliated with the right organizations and such.

Wheaten's are prone to kidney disease (Protein Losing Nephropathy, Protein Loseing Eneteropathy or Renal Dysplasia). While this breeder can't/won't guarantee our dog won't have these, she does test her dogs before breeding (although this is only partially effective, because it usually doesn't develop until they are a bit older), and she is doing everything she can to keep it out of her lines....they keep data on many generations back and won't breed the dog if they know it is in the line. By the way, the sire of our pups is from Canada . She said nobody can guarantee a Wheaten will be free of one of these diseases because they are genetically predisposed to it, and they don't really know why some get it and other's don't. [do you think it could be related to the environmental influence of diet???]

It is also requested we do the yearly blood testing, and send copies back to the breeder. IF we do this, and the dog dies within the first five years from one of these diseases, we will get a new puppy at no cost when it becomes available. Nobody wants to think this will happen, but I guess a five year health guarantee is better than the average guarantee .

We agree if the dog has any major health problems, that we will share the information with the Open Registry sponsored by the National Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America. We also agree to perform an autopsy if the dog dies with what appears to be kidney or protein losing problems or Addison's disease, and submit the specimens to the research project sponsored by the national organization. We also agree to have him neutered.

whew! I wasn't sure whether to be reassured by all this, or run the other direction!!

Cara