Rufnit Kennels Braque du Bourbonnais - Health Concerns in Braque du
Bourbonnais
"On ne détruit pas une Race que l'on aime..."
"One
does not destroy a Race which one likes..."
Hip Dysplasia, Entropian
Eyes, Ectropian Eyes and Pulmonic
Stenosis are the most
common Health Concerns in Braque du Bourbonnais.
Check the links below for additional information on these Health
Concerns:
Per
1998-2005 NAVHDA data/~43% of the Braque du Bourbonnais' registered in
North America with NAVHDA
are
linked to the lines that produced confirmed Pulmonic Stenosis (this
percentage has been increasing each year).
|
PLEASE...
take the time to check pedigrees carefully before
purchasing or breeding a Braque
du Bourbonnais!
(you may need to go back beyond three
generations)
|
**********
There are many reputable breeders of fine upland hunting dogs throughout
North America. Unfortunately in this business like so many others, the
buyer needs to be aware. Make sure that the puppy comes from a line of
dogs that have good health credentials. There should be a good history
in the pedigree of dogs that perform in the field (field trials, hunt
tests, etc.). As a rule, avoid "backyard breeders." Leave the art and
science of breeding to the breeders experienced with the breed and have
produced proven progeny. Take the time to make contacts and see if
there are any consistent problems reported about the particular breeder
you have selected. NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog
Association) is the foundation registry and testing organization for the
Braque du Bourbonnais in North America.
Remember that the least expensive part of the cost of a dog is its
initial price. Vet bills, feeding, kenneling, training etc. are what
really cost the most. Our advice: Do your research, you and your
companion will benefit in the long run.
Facts I consider PRIOR to breeding my dogs
I make responsible decisions for my companions and for myself. The
following are points that I consider prior to each breeding and review
very carefully.
Registration is not an indication of quality. Many dogs are wonderful
pets, but have defects of structure, personality or health and should
not be reproduced. Animals being bred should be proven free of these
defects before reproducing. Improvement is my goal for breeding,
attempting to create puppies better than their parents. Once a life has
been created, it can't be taken back.
Dog breeding is not a money making project, when done correctly. Health
care and shots, diagnosis of problems and proof of quality, extra food,
facilities, advertising are just a few examples of costs that must be
paid before the pups can be sold. Unexpected caesarean or emergency
intensive care for a sick pup or dam will make a break even litter
become a liability quickly.
Promises of "I'd like a pup just like yours" fade away quickly when the
pups are on the ground. I consider what I will do with a puppy that
doesn't sell. My options DON'T consist of taking a puppy to the pound,
or selling them to a dog broker who in turn may sell them to a lab.
This is why I requests cash deposits in advance for an average sized
litter.
Birthing may happen at 3:00 AM or be on a vet's surgery table. Some
dams are not natural mothers and either ignore or savage their puppies.
Dams may die in whelp or pups need to be euthanized due to gross
deformities. These are all things I think about and have to be ready to
deal with, when I breed my dogs.
With an average litter, I (or an associate) spend the first two weeks
with my puppies, 24/7. Dam's cannot be left alone while whelping and
only for short periods for the first two weeks. I've had many sleepless
nights. After delivery, the dam needs care and feeding. Puppies need
daily weighing and socialization. The whelping box needs LOTS of
cleaning along with the puppies. Many hours are spent doing paperwork,
pedigrees, taking photos/videos and talking to buyers. If the dam can't
or won't care for her puppies, I have to feed them myself. Sick,
orphaned, or rejected puppies take even more time so they don't die,
develop bad tempers and become antisocial.
There are millions of unwanted dogs put to death each year. Millions
more are dying homeless and unwanted. Approximately a quarter of these
dogs have registration papers. Buyers have to be carefully screened.
Potential sales to irresponsible owners have to be turned down, so
puppies I have nurtured and loved aren't having litters of mongrels each
time they go in heat. I don't want my puppies contributing to the
statistics with my grand-puppies. I am prepared to take back a grown
puppy if the owners can no longer care for it.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!
Rufnit Kennels, LLC BdB
C/O
Shari Stueck
5900
Saltillo Road
Lincoln NE 68516-9209
(402) 423-0995
(402) 560-8652
(Central Time Zone)
Attention: With our companion involvement (hunting, training,
seminars/clinics) it is difficult to catch us by phone.
E-mail has proven to be the quickest and most
convenient form of communication with our schedules.
Because this is our home/residence, please pre-arrange all
appointments/visits.
To
omit infectious diseases, Rufnit Kennels is quarantined minimally one
week prior and eight weeks post whelp.
