Kraftwerk K9 - Page 1

First let me start by saying I'm not typically stupid or naive.  Had I not been heartbroken by the loss of my wonderful male to hemangiosarcoma I probably would have analyzed the purchase of of a new GSD to death and annoyed everyone around me like I usually do before any kind of purchase.  That said, I made a mistake and will now live with the effects of that mistake, but I do so with an open heart.

I contracted with Kraftwerk K9 to purchase a quality German Shepherd for a premium price, a price significantly higher than most breeders.  Wayne Curry (owner) posts an article from a German publication stating he is the best breeder in America, working to better the breed.  All of the marketing by Kraftwerk points to having best breeding practices, quality dogs and training.  

My puppy began showing symptoms of hip dysplasia early on and at 1 year of age we took her to one of only 3 board certified orthopaedic surgeons in my home state with this specialty.  The diagnosis came back; Severe Chronic Bi-Lateral Hip Dysplasia.  I contacted Kraftwerk and told them of the hip dysplasia and asked what they would do.  I also told them I noticed that both the sire and dam were still listed as breeders (now known produces of dysplastic puppies).

Their position was firm, send back the dog and we'll send another one.  I find this clause in the contract to be quite disingenuous as no caring pet owner would send back a dog 1 year after receiving the dog and everyone has bonded.  That would be cruel the new pup, the other dog in the household and the owners.  My point to Wayne was that I contracted to buy a quality dog and didn't receive one.  I asked for a partial rebate as he failed to provide what he advertised.  His response was curt and to the point; "No."

I understand the difference between the letter of the law and spirit of the law.  I was hopeful that Kraftwerk K9 would be cooperative given that an unhappy customer was willing to keep the dog, maintain a great quality of life for the dog and assume all financial responsibility for the continued care and surgery(s).  I was wrong.  Kraftwerk K9 exploits the love people have for their dogs to make a profit they don't deserve.  In reading another post I understand why Wayne Curry encouraged the owner to keep the dog for 9 more months to see how their disease progressed.  Time to bond and lessen the likelyhood of a return.  

I come away wiser and feeling a little foolish that I was suckered by a fancy puppy mill with no care for the customers, puppies or clearly their reputation.

Sorry to hear about your dog, K9Owner.

In response to them still using the same male and female for breeding, are there any other confirmed dogs with HD from those two?

From what I have seen, it is common practice to return the original dog to receive a replacement. With this case, if it were me personally, I would allow the dog to stay with you and still send you a replacement or refund. However, you did sign the contract with them, and returning the dog was part of the stipulation in the contract.

I hope you are able to find a happy medium, and that your dog does well with treatment and care.

That truly sucks and it happens a lot. Many breeders have a return the dog requirement for exactly the reason you figured out. No decent person is going to send their beloved GSD back to be killed by the breeder and the breeder knows it.

I'm not slamming all breeders. Many of them treat their dogs and dog buyers a whole lot better than this. Even good breeders can have dogs that produce a dysplastic pup but they do what they can to help the buyer. And Kraftwerk is notorious for producing dogs with problems and then screwing over the buyers.

It would be useful to know who the sire and dam of your dog are.

He is one lucky dog to have you. I don't know which hip surgery you're considering but I have seen total hip replacements work incredibly well.

I disagree - it is not common practice for a breeder to require the dog is returned before making compensation. I know of very few breeders who do that.  Returning the dog may be offered as an either/or option to neutering. Requiring the return of the dog benefits no one but the breeder and is a good way to be sure that one seldom makes restitution on a sale. Any buyer who agrees to return a dog he or she has had for longer that a few months wouldn't get another dog from me anyway.

 

K9Owner, if you do a search on this site, you will find quite a few stories about Kraftwerk and dissatisfied puppy buyers.

Sorry to hear that you're the latest addition to the list! 

k9, firstly condolences on yr pup's condition, heartbreaking stuff.

secondly thank you so much for standing by the pup to give it quality of life at your own significant expense, if the costs get unsustainable for you consider what you must for the dignity of the dog.

lastly yes most dog breeders are scum, some are more sophisticated scum than others.

I am very sorry to hear of your situation also.  I have encountered many breeders who have similar contracts for their puppies.  Please do be careful when signing these kinds of puppy contracts in the future . . . but also, as a warning to other buyers out there who might be considering a pup from the same pairing and same breeder, I would encourage you to list not only his name, but also the names of the sire and dam so that other potential buyers are aware!!   He may now advertise and sell them to other people as potential breeding dogs, and continue the cycle . . .