CNM question for Labradors. Parents untested, grandparent OK

[Ved]

We're currently looking for a puppy and one breeder appeared to have the perfect littler however there is an issue I'd like some advice with.

They are KC registered and seem quite genuine and informative but their CNM check is checkered. The mother of the puppies has not been checked for CNM and the father hasn't either, however the grandmother on the mothers side is CNM clear. When asking for confirmation of the CNM report on the mother I go this reply (I've removed dog's names just in case):

"MOTHER's mum is Clear for CNM but when I was looking for a suitable stud dog when I bred MOTHER all local reputable stud dog owners had not carried out the test so therefore MOTHER's CNM status is unknown unless I have her tested. Interestingly when I searched high and low for my present litters stud dog all reputable stud dog owners told me that as they had been breeding for such a long time they were adamant that their dogs were not carriers or affected by CNM or PRCD (this is what FATHER's owners have said as well)."

If I was buying a car this wouldn't fill me with confidence at all.


Thoughts?

[R300will]

I agree it doesn't fill you with much confidence and in my opinion i would walk away and find someone else. However one way to be more sure would be to contact people who have bought pups from that breeder and ask how they are getting on?

[Ved]

Ahh calling their bluff! Well that's certainly something to ask about, yes. Since they are a 14 hour round trip away and wanting top dollar I don't think it's too much to ask at all. CNM showing up in later life may not be possible for their more recent pup sales and even if they were ok they would be from different dogs potentially too.

I think you've talked me out of it but for all the right reasons. There is one more local so perhaps it's better to try that first as they are clear on the dad's side with almost perfect hips too.

[R300will]

I suppose it depends on how much you trust their claims regarding other breeders results etc but if there's a local one its certainly easier to go there and have a good long look and discussion rather than potentially waste a 14 hour trip.

[Jasandjules]

Sorry, I would not buy a dog from that litter.

ETA - I don't understand why any breeder wouldn't have both the sire and dam tested and ensure they were clear before breeding. To my mind that is a very straightforward issue.