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Chrissywiggles
Nov 17, 2011, 07:34 PM
I am supposed to get a chiweenie pup that I never seen but paid for... The person that we are getting the pups from said that the little girl pup that I am getting hops... she said that the reason she does this is because hotdogs legs are longer in back and shorter in the front... that there is nothings wrong with the puppy they were born 10-15-11... is this normal?

shazamataz
Nov 17, 2011, 07:41 PM
That sounds like a pretty fishy explanation to me. Some pups will hop about on occasion, but they should be able to gait normally, even pups as young as that.

Being a dachshund shouldn't mean anything, they are just like any other dog their conformation just calls for them to be longer than they are tall. I would have a chat to the breeder and just mention that you have been thinking about the 'hopping' and are a little worried, ask if they dog constantly hops or the breeder was just describing a cute characteristic the dog SOMETIMES did.

Chrissywiggles
Nov 17, 2011, 07:46 PM
Yes, it sounded rather odd to me too. I don't think the puppy is supposed to be like a rabbit, that is the way I imagine it to be like... My friend has seen the puppy, she said she looks and acts normal, but she did not see her walking. It was actually the 10 year old daughter of the breeder that said to my friend, this one hops, no refunds. I have only seen pictures of her and I feel so upset and worried over this... I have searched all over to see if this is a common thing, and I couldn't find anything.Thank you so much for your help!

shazamataz
Nov 17, 2011, 07:56 PM
It could just be something that the daughter picked up on that she thought was cute, or it could be a big problem. Only way to know for sure is to talk to the breeder, they shouldn't mind you asking questions as it's only natural to be concerned.
We had a pup a few yeas ago who crab walked sideways (also known as sidewinding) it was because the dogs spine was actually too short. The dog eventually grew into itself and the problem corrected but there was always a chance that it wouldn't and the dog could have had problems for life. It doesn't sound too serious having a hopping dog but you have to think of the extra pressure such an action puts on the joints.
Again, it could be nothing to be concerned about, as long as the dog can actually move normally and the hopping is not constant then there should be no issue.

If there is a problem with the dog then I'm not sure who to contact in the US as I am in Australia but I'm sure you would have no problem obtaining a refund through legal action. It has been done successfully several time here in Aus that I know of where the breeder has had to refund the money, you have paid for a healthy dog, you should get a healthy dog.

Chrissywiggles
Nov 17, 2011, 08:06 PM
I'm going to try not to worry too much, actually the breeder is going to probably give the puppies to us this weekend (at only 5 weeks old) if they start drinking water. I will look her over and take it from there... I know that Hip dysplasia usually happens with Large breeds, and she is supposed to be a chiaweenie (lol but she looks like a baby Rottweiler)... oh boy why am I so worried, I have no idea if there is even anything wrong with her. Thank you again, you have been a great help!

Cat1864
Nov 17, 2011, 08:58 PM
You have a major red flag in that the 'breeder' (I use the term very loosely) is wanting to get rid of the puppies at five weeks of age. A responsible breeder will insist on keeping the pups until they are eight weeks old (many will even go so far as to keep them until 12 weeks) and have had their first shots and de-worming. In some places it is illegal to sell/release to the new owners a puppy under eight weeks of age.

A puppy is not ready to be away from its mother just because it drank water. It still has lessons to learn from its mother and litter mates. It is the earliest and best way they learn social skills. Many problems people have with socializing and behavior can stem from a puppy being taken away from its family at such a young age.

I think you need to get a clean bill of health for the pup before you take possession of her or have her checked out the day you get her by a vet you trust (not one the breeder recommends.) Many places in the US have what are called Puppy Lemon Laws which will void a contract for an animal that is not healthy. You might have to go to small claims court to collect. But you should have recourse.

I highly suggest before you take possession of this animal you find out what the statutes in your area are on selling animals and the seller's responsibilities. This person sounds like a step away from being a puppy mill type breeder and that does not bode well for the health of this pup.

shazamataz
Nov 17, 2011, 09:09 PM
Can't really add much to what cat has said, big red flags here.

I was hoping to give the breeder the benefit of the doubt, designer dog breeders have a reputation for not being very ethical and unfortunately it seems you have stumbled upon one of the bad ones.
You have paid for the dog so it's too late (unless there is a health problem) so there's no point dwelling, but in future look up designer dogs and backyard breeding, the results are alarming.

If you do want to get out of the sale I'm sure the breeder could be reported for selling underage pups, I don't know of any states where it is legal to sell under 6 weeks, most 8 weeks.

Chrissywiggles
Nov 17, 2011, 09:16 PM
This person is not a breeder, it's a person that has her dogs mate just to sell the puppies... and I didn't even meet her and know this. The puppy cost next to nothing 50 dollars, but I will eat the money if this is a sick puppy... I have 2 young children that will be heart broken if something happened to her... as would I. My friend got a puppy from this person before and she took the puppy away from it's mother at 4 weeks. I have raised kittens and I had a very hard time taking them away from the mother at 10 weeks.I don't understand why I cannot see her and look her over. My friend told me that the lady's house is a total mess, maybe this is why. The picture I have up is of the puppy... Oh boy I don't know what to do :( Thank you both of your help

Cat1864
Nov 17, 2011, 09:49 PM
Definitely look up the laws in your local area. You might consider reporting her to animal control/the Humane Society. They may not be able to do much, but it would put them on notice of problems with her.

She is what is termed a backyard breeder. While some are responsible many aren't as Shaz was pointing out.

There is a chance that the pup is healthy and won't have any problems. But if this person is breeding her female over and over again which it sounds like she may be doing, the mother and the pups could be suffering from the effects. Pregnancy is extremely hard on dogs especially small ones. Their bodies don't have the resources to expend on developing pups. It ends up hurting both the mom and the pups.

It is a cute pup. The decision would probably be easier if she weren't. Good luck with the decision and know that we will give you what advice we can whatever you decide.

Chrissywiggles
Nov 18, 2011, 06:58 PM
Thank you so much!