In March I spoke with the owner of Miles River Kennel about purchasing a dog from them. Explained that I had had 3 other GSDs that turned out to have hip and joint problems and wanted to avoid that happening again. Was taken in by their website which states that they "breed dogs for the best possible qualities such as temperament, health and structure." The dog I purchased was touted as being "perfect". I paid $2000 for him and let them know he was for future breeding. When x-rays were taken of his hips and elbows and sent to OFA the report came back that he has "severe hip dysplasia, subluxation, remodeling of the femoral head/neck and osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease".
I reported this to the owner and was told "you can't guarantee hips". I purchased a female from another breeder and the hips are guaranteed. I was offered NO compensation for the fact that male cannot be used for breeding and was in fact told that she would use him for at least one litter with a female that has normal to good hips to see what happens. Breeders like this keep perpetuating the genetic flaw that causes dysplasia.
I even emailed the owner/partner who owns the dam in question to tell her she might want to reconsider breeding to the same male that produced my dog. Got NO response. Because I have no written contract or guarantee I probably have no recourse. Be very careful not to get taken by a kennel such as this. Demand a contract and guarantee.
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