Why can't there be reasonably price dogs from a breeder with a no-nonsense contract that also health tests? Ugh.
Breeder Type A produces good looking dogs at a very reasonable price. Lots of satisfied puppy buyers from both the companion end and working end. Great health guarantee. Once you buy the dog, you own the dog - no limited registration, spay/neuter contract, must feed "x" food, must vaccinate, etc. He's been breeding for over 25 years and knows his lines. But no health testing.
Breed Type B produces good looking dogs for a price I am unsure if I can afford. Lots of satisfied puppy buyers. 24 month health guarantee. Limited registration, spay/neuter contract, etc. Has been breeding for awhile and knows his lines. Lots of health testing.
Bah humbug. So now I get to choose if I want to gamble or not. Do I spend the extra money and jump through the extra hoops (some of which I'm not thrilled with) to get a dog from parents that I know have been tested, or do I trust the judgement of a breeder who is breeding working dogs and hasn't had an issue with his dogs yet (but there is no hard proof), and pay a price I'm comfortable paying and get a contract I'm happy with?
Bah.
I'm still looking around and I contacted two more breeders I am hoping will be just what I want, but I have a feeling it is going to come down to Type A or Type B and I'm not sure which way I feel comfortable going.