Early this year I was researching the web and newspapers as I was interested in buying two Shih Tzu puppies to breed. I found an ad in my local newspaper that was from a breeder (Debbie and Tom Rondeau of Fourpaws Shih Tzu) in nearby Oregon.
A friend of mine made the initial call for me as she was more experienced with this breed. The breeder (Debbie) stated she did have male pups available now, females in the near future, and to view them on her website. She told me prices were $500.00 for males, and $600.00 for females. Both with unlimited registrations. (breedings rights)
Her husband (Tom) was planning a trip to Tacoma so she said he would bring the male that was available and if I wanted him I could buy him. Tom brought the pup on 2/13/03 and I purchsed him for $500.00. Cash.
Before receiving the puppy Debbie and I agreed I would leave a $300.00 deposit check with her husband for a female puppy that would be coming available in a month. Which I did give Tom that day.
When I was given the males papers my friend noticed Debbie
had marked limited regitration so that I would not be able to breed him and register any future puppies from the litters. When I brought it to Debbie's attention by phone she said it was a mistake and to have her husband initial it.
I later contacted the AKC which luckily okay'd it.
After leaving the $300.00 deposit check (she required 1/2 to hold the pup) with the Rondeaus for the future female I was later informed by phone that the puppy was NOT to be $600 but $800.
After some thought I emailed Debbie to let her know that I was quoted $600 and would not be willing to pay $800. Since she changed the agreement I felt she didn't have a right to keep my deposit and let her know ahead of time her I was cancelling the check. I agreed that I would pay any bank service fees.
Debbie informed me she would NOT honor my unlimited registration on my previous male until I paid any such fees.
She was obviously not happy, and said, "If that's how you handle your business"... I said no I don't but it seems you do as you are the one who did not stand by her original price agreement. Which would mean the agreement was void.
After this was said and done she of course said she did not want to do future business with me... Nor did I with her. But as my male grew older I realized he was not the quality and standard that she advertises. He was already past the AKC standard for weight at 8 months, had a rough coat, and most of all missing and crooked front teeth. (and bad bite)
When I wrote to Debbie about this she asked me to wait a while longer in case his teeth just hadn't come in. I agreed, and proceeded to get witnesses who had seen his growth.
The next time I wrote Debbie I let her know that the teeth were permanent ones and that under the circumstances with all his faults he would need to be neutered. I only want to improve on the breed. He was neutered... August 5.
I asked Debbie what she could offer me as the dog was now going on 9 months old and a loved member of our family. But that we couldn't breed him as was planned so could she compensate us or even discount another pup for a family member.
Well surprise!!! I haven't heard from her since. I feel I was ripped off and misled by this breeder who obviously doesn't breed ONLY standard quality dogs as she states. And failed to professionally stand up to her so called satisfaction guarenteed statement. I would not recommend this breeder for pet or breeding dogs. And warn against any breeder who MUST have the pet back in order to compensate you. That my friends... Is about money... Not about what's best for the animal.
Since this experience I have learned a lot (you get what you pay for) and have met some very awesome honest Shu breeders. I now own my one neutered boy, two great females for my breeding program, and a male and female that will be shown in the ring.
In the future you will be able to see what quality Shih Tzu puppies are, with a great guarentee and breeder who will always be honestt and open. That breeder will be me... And my dear new friends as well
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