Hi All! Cool forums!

I'm looking to purchase an adult BRT. I've been shown OFA certifications and pedigree for a young adult I'm very interested in and will travel to meet the dog in a few days. How do I know that the dog I meet is actually the one named in the OFA papers and the pedigree? I don't mean to be terribly suspicious but I don't want to make a $3,000 mistake. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Check the number of the microchip in the dog and match it with the number on his papers?

depends on the seller actually - and how your gut "feels" I guess. Are you buying from the breeder or second hand? are you buying for show or as a pet? are you hoping to breed in the future? why is the dog for sale? these are more important questions actually - to fake OFA is very difficult as vets check microchips and/or tattoo numbers while the xrays are being done and these are put on the actual xrays - also - how will the dog fit into your family situation now and in the future - how was the dog raised and socialized. Many questions come up - and it depends on your actually feel for the answers as to what you should do.

Thanks for your responses. I'm actually buying the dog from the breeder. We want the dog as a pet and will not be having any puppies. I am interested in doing some agility and obedience training with the dog. I understand that the dog has been successful in confirmation showing.

How do I know if this particular dog has a microchip? If it does how do I see the chip number? Will that number be listed somewhere on the OFA records or just on the x-rays?

Thank you very much for your responses!

most vets and humane societies etc have a microchip reader - problem is - not all readers can read all chips. But - the breeder should have a chip reader as well that will read their chips. There are ISO (also known as international), Avid, Home Again, AKC CAR, etc chips out there so it is important to know what type of chip and what type of reader as your vet might not have a reader to read the chip if you get him. The chip number wont be on the pedigree but should be on the OFA form.

dog with conformation experience should have some decent socialization already started. When you say young adult is this under 2 or over 2? OFA is not official unless the dog is a minimum of 2 yrs old except for prelims which are "official" as OFA will rate them but not official as it is not a permanent reading.

Hi Helen, I can see I have a bit to learn. I'll try and find out if the dog is even microchipped and then what kind. The dog was 2 years 2 months old when it was screened.

Where on the OFA form will I see the microchip? I'm looking at the form online and don't know what to look for.

Thank you very much for your help.

Heck,
Just get a dog from Helene and you don't have to worry about any of this..
Vince

thank you Vince

on the Chip - it wont be listed online - it will be listed on the form the person has from OFA and if turned into AKC on the AKC site when you are the registered owner. OFA uses the tattoo number and/or microchip number as a form of permanent identification - but doesnt necessarily make it public.