amstaffy
Posted : 3/28/2006 9:32:00 AM
Jaye,
The things that are previlent are skin/allergy issues, hip displaysia and cardiac disease.
Coming from a breeder you would want to ask if health testing has been done regarding cardiac and hips but since you are looking at a rescue dog/adopting dog I would just ask if a murmer has been detected by the vet.
Hips issues unless severly displaystic are usually undetected by the average owner even when the dogs are up in age without having an x-ray done. I have a 12 year old male who's hips were rated "Fair" which is the next grade up from displaystic and he has never showed a weakness until this year. He is just slowing down and seems to have issues getting comfortable if he isn't on his 7" of foam bed...LOL!
Skin issues are hard to put your finger on unless you are seeing something. Both of the dogs you showed in the pictures I would say the red would have no issues and the blue looks to have good pigment and I would also feel safe with that dog. I would ask what is being fed so you can stick with it no matter what dog you are considering even if it is another breed.
Please don't hesitate to ask any questions