Health Guarantee
We are committed to the health and well-being of our Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies. To ensure peace of mind for our puppy buyers, we provide the following health guarantee:
1. Initial Health Guarantee
Each puppy comes with a lifetime health guarantee against any serious congenital or hereditary health issues. If a licensed veterinarian diagnoses a serious health condition within this period, the buyer may return the puppy for a full refund or exchange.
2. Lifetime Genetic Health Guarantee
We offer a lifetime guarantee against specific genetic disorders known to affect Staffordshire Bull Terriers, such as L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2HGA), hereditary cataracts, and hip dysplasia. If a genetic condition is diagnosed, we will work with the buyer to either provide a replacement puppy or a prorated refund, contingent upon verification from two licensed veterinarians.
3. Veterinary Checkup Requirement
To activate the health guarantee, the buyer must have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of purchase. A copy of the veterinary report must be provided to validate any health claims.
4. Health Records
All puppies come with a comprehensive health record, including vaccination history, deworming treatments, and any other pertinent medical information. This ensures that buyers are fully informed about their puppy’s health status.
5. Care Instructions
We provide detailed care instructions to help new owners ensure their puppy stays healthy and happy. This includes recommendations for diet, exercise, socialization, and regular veterinary checkups specific to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed.
6. Ongoing Support
We are committed to supporting our puppy owners throughout the life of their Staffordshire Bull Terrier. If any health concerns arise, we encourage buyers to reach out for guidance and assistance.
Our health guarantee reflects our dedication to responsible breeding practices and the well-being of our puppies. We strive to provide healthy, well-socialized Staffordshire Bull Terriers that will bring joy to their new families. If you have any questions about our health guarantee, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Genetic Disorders Covered Under The Lifetime Guarantee
Here are specific genetic disorders that are covered under the lifetime health guarantee for Staffordshire Bull Terriers:
1. L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2HGA)
A metabolic disorder specific to Staffordshire Bull Terriers that can cause neurological symptoms including seizures, tremors, behavioral changes, and difficulty with coordination. We DNA test all breeding pairs to prevent this condition.
2. Hereditary Cataracts (PPSC)
Posterior Polar Subcapsular Cataracts and juvenile cataracts are hereditary eye conditions that can affect vision. All our breeding dogs undergo annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists.
3. Hip Dysplasia
A common hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, potentially leading to arthritis and pain. All breeding pairs are evaluated through OFA or PennHIP.
4. Elbow Dysplasia
A genetic condition that affects the elbow joint, causing pain and mobility issues. It includes several disorders that can lead to joint instability and arthritis.
5. Patellar Luxation
A condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. This is evaluated in all breeding stock before breeding.
6. Cardiac Conditions
Certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis or mitral valve disease, can have hereditary components and are covered under our guarantee. Breeding dogs undergo cardiac evaluations.
7. Hypothyroidism
A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to various health issues, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
8. Skin Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis
While environmental factors play a role, some skin conditions have hereditary components. We carefully monitor the skin health history of our breeding lines to minimize genetic predisposition to chronic skin issues.
Steps We Take To Minimize Genetic Health Issues
As a responsible breeder, we take several proactive measures to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Here are the key steps:
1. Comprehensive Health Screening
Before breeding, all potential breeding pairs undergo extensive health screenings, including:
- L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2HGA) DNA testing
- Annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists (CERF/OFA)
- Hip evaluations through OFA or PennHIP
- Elbow dysplasia screening
- Patellar luxation evaluation
- Cardiac assessments
This ensures that only healthy dogs are chosen for breeding.
2. Genetic Testing
We conduct comprehensive genetic testing for common hereditary conditions, including L-2HGA, hereditary cataracts, and other breed-specific disorders. This helps identify carriers and prevents the breeding of affected dogs. We never breed two carriers of the same genetic condition together.
3. Careful Selection of Breeding Pairs
We carefully select breeding pairs based on their health history, temperament, and compatibility. This involves considering genetic diversity to reduce the risk of inherited conditions and ensure strong, healthy puppies. We maintain only 5 carefully chosen breeding pairs to ensure quality over quantity.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Our breeding dogs are raised in a clean, stress-free home environment with proper nutrition and regular veterinary care. A healthy lifestyle contributes to overall well-being and reduces the likelihood of health issues. Our dogs live as family members, not in kennels.
5. Socialization and Early Care
Puppies are socialized from an early age, exposing them to various stimuli, people, and environments. This helps them develop into well-adjusted adults and reduces stress-related health problems. We practice Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from day 3 to day 16.
6. Monitoring Lineage
We maintain detailed records of the lineage of our breeding dogs, allowing us to track any hereditary issues across generations. This helps in making informed breeding decisions and ensures we can provide transparent health information to puppy buyers.
7. Education and Support
We stay updated on best practices in Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeding and veterinary care, and we provide educational resources for new puppy owners. This includes guidance on nutrition, exercise, training, and health monitoring to ensure the long-term well-being of the dogs.
8. Veterinary Partnerships
We work closely with veterinarians who have experience with Staffordshire Bull Terriers, ensuring that we have access to expert advice on health management and breeding practices specific to the breed.
9. Commitment to Ethical Breeding
We adhere to ethical breeding practices that prioritize the health and welfare of the dogs over profit. This commitment includes:
- Not overbreeding our females
- Allowing sufficient recovery time between litters (minimum 12 months)
- Retiring breeding dogs at appropriate ages
- Never breeding dogs with known health issues
- Placing the welfare of our dogs above financial considerations
10. Ongoing Health Monitoring
We maintain contact with puppy owners and track the long-term health outcomes of our puppies. This information helps us continuously improve our breeding program and make data-driven decisions about future breedings.
11. Transparency and Honesty
We provide full disclosure of health testing results to potential puppy buyers and are honest about any health issues that have appeared in our lines. We believe transparency builds trust and helps buyers make informed decisions.
By implementing these comprehensive measures, we aim to significantly reduce the risk of genetic health issues in our Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies. Our dedication to responsible breeding practices, backed by 28 years of experience, not only promotes the health of the dogs but also ensures that new puppy owners receive healthy, happy, and well-adjusted companions.
Our Promise: We stand behind every puppy we produce and are committed to supporting you and your Staffie throughout their lifetime. Your puppy’s health and happiness are our top priorities.
For questions about our health guarantee or to request copies of our breeding dogs’ health clearances, please contact us. We’re happy to provide documentation of all health testing.