Shiraz Farms German Shephards in Virginia - Page 2

I'm pretty sure that the OP was relating the information they got from their in-laws and didn't have the conversation themselves. So, we're hearing a story of a story, that's why key details have been left out.

I am glad to see I am not the only one who got burned by Shiraz Farms. About 5 years ago, I went to there ranch and looked at puppies. Leigh wasn't home that day so her husband showed me the dogs that were available. Now you must know I did look at the website and the dogs (no red flags). I didn't like any that were available but I really loved this one female GSD that was her hold back for her breeding program. After a long visit we were able to purchase this puppy her from the husband. Needless to say she was very upset about this sale of her puppy. I took the puppy to the vet within 3 days she was very very dirty but she got a bath the next day after we got her. My vet diagnosed her with mange and had to be treated for 30 days with medication I paid for and didn't ask for reimbursement. She also ended up with a growth on her rear foot that I had removed too. Prior to the dog turning two years of age I had her hips x rayed for OFA because I found a stunning male to breed her too. THEN… the results were in BOTH hips were bad didn't even rate plus she showed signs of having arthritis. These results were looked at by five different veterinarians. I was so taken back, I emailed her about what OFA had told me.. long story short it took at least 6 months of back and forth nonsense. She eventually gave me my money back. I had to mail her the registration back, have her spayed and show documentation. I did keep a copy of the registration just in case a day like this! She is in perfect health and still shows no symptoms, issues or concerns. She gets supplements and regular exercise. She wanted the dog back at first but why? Her breeding program? She was apart of our family and I wasn't' going to do that to her. She is a wonderful dog, excellent temperament and I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Hortonth would you please explain how you were burned by this breeder.

That would mean that they defrauded you, scamed you, or lied to you etc..

 

Sounds like the breeder is a liar after all.

Reliya why do you say that what information leads you to that conclusion

Oh, I was referencing the original post. The breeder claimed they'd never had HD in their lines, but the second person comes to say they also got a dysplastic dog.

Western Rider I was being very gentle on my original post. You have no idea what I went through with this breeder. To even get a refund and I get needing proof about the issue, but how much more does someone need? Not only did 5 vets see the x rays but she had me email another vet closer to her for a 3rd opinion? Then the circus of jumping through hoops to get her to send me the full refund. No excuse!! There was also a full sister to my dog (she was 2 years older from a previous litter) with the same exact issue. I saw the x rays and they were identical! So she is claiming she has no idea she has HD in her dogs? Really?
Personally, she needs to figure out which dog is throwing the bad hip gene and spay or neuter it. I had a dog that had one hip just slightly off and I did the right thing! Looks like from the other post she doesn't refund or help with medical costs at all now. SO to answer your question.. I feel I was originally defrauded and lied too…this is my take on my experience. I didn't receive a healthy puppy to start with and I didn't ask for one penny I paid for everything myself until I got OFA notification.

Hi guys,
As far as from what I can see on the photos of the puppies, on their site...the puppies are spending way too much time on hard surfaces, look at their little paws, toes are a bit splayed if I am seeing it correct. That will contribute to hip problems later on.

Reliya, I guess ( ! ) the breeder said he never saw hips without sockets and/or balls in his offspring - I don´t think he said he never had any HD in his pups - that´s a major difference...

I took a look at the website, not my cup of coffee, but way better than a lot of so called "breeders" - for "North American" standards above average, sorry.

Hortonth, mange happens ( often due to stress = new surrounding ), a growth on her rear foot - as long as it was no tumor, it may have been anything caused by everything...

The breeder gave you your money back, and you were allowed to keep the dog - you "only" had to spay her, go to a vet the breeder trusts for clarification, and send back the pedigree - sounds responsible to me.

Why didn´t you send the x-rays to OFA? In that case you´d have proof, no running around, no problems...

What I´d like to know - you have been there? Are there really as many dogs as listed on their website, or do they just list all dogs they ever had hands on? Are they living outside, in this case are the kennels clean, and the dogs well cared for?

I guess it can´t have been that bad, because you have been there and you bought a dog for a lot of money.

Maybe it´s my "German" genes that make me think about this breeder twice - in my country we ( German Shepherd Dog people ) don´t try to "get money back" - we just live with it. We buy a dog - we are responsible for that dog - but we don´t pay $ 2.500 for a puppy... ( times even change over here thanks to "International" entitlement mentality...).

Does the breeder in question have a written warranty, and what does this warranty say?
 

Susie…When I sell my puppies I give a health guarantee because my puppies are healthy at time of delivery, with documentation. You are right about her being responsible but that was not an easy task. I didn't send to OFA because it was sooo obvious and not necessary. Yes, I have been there and I saw a lot of her dogs some are inside and a lot outside (in barns) not left outside.
I have also bought dogs from Germany since you mention that too. Both beautiful great pedigrees only one that had a hip issue and I did live with it and dealt with it. I would have to see if I still have a copy of her warranty before I can comment. I haven't been on her website nor do I intend too so not sure what they say on their "health warranty" if they even offer one.