written health guarantees - Page 2

Hi Blitzen, I own Silbersee Kennels in Maryland , and we have bred 33 litters in 12 years (conformation lines). All of our litters were out of titled, surveyed and V- or VA-rated parents - pink papers. We have sold a few puppies to show and working homes, where they were shown and titled, but unfortunately, most go to pet homes. Over the years, we had to sell a lot of really nice puppies to private homes, since we cann't keep them all. But sometimes, they go to more loving homes, because people don't put all these expectations into them. Since puppies are a crapshot, I don't give any guarantees on show quality. I use the same written contract for all puppies, but would never sell any 8 week old puppy with "show disqualifying faults" to a person who intends to show. That pretty much would only be long coat and (if a male) non-descended testicles. I guarantee against severe hip dysplasia for a replacement and that the puppy is healthy and can be returned for a full refund. I do not sell my puppies for these phantasy prices like $ 3,000 since I do not believe that any puppy is worth that kind of money. An older dog starting at 4 or 5 months - yes, but not an 8 week old. In the past, I have sold my puppies from $600 to $1,800 depending on the quality or expenses.I am charging more if I took my female to Germany for a breeding, which I frequently do (my newest litter is out of VA-Erasmus, before was V-1 Fedor Gelingenstrasse and VA-Hill). And Dacotah, I would have replaced your dog, too. I am so sorry for him. My very first dog was a female vom Holtkaemper See, which I purchased as a 12 week old puppy directly from the breeder. Not only was she severely dysplastic, but she also developed the worst case of canine Leukemia my vet had ever seen. A friend of mine in Germany told the breeder, who supposedly only grinned and shook his shoulder. While I would never blame a reputable breeder for these kinds of problems, I do think it is their (moral) responsibility to replace a dog, not in monetary value but for a puppy (equal or lesser value - that is the term I use in my contract). Chris

All of this is why you have such an excellent reputation in the GSD world, Chris. I wish I had known about you 3 years ago.

Chris, when someone states that they are interested in a show quality puppy does a slight overbite at 13 weeks old rule out a puppy being show quality? I ask this because of just purchasing a pup with intent to show and stated my intent to the breeder. Purchased at 9 wks and arainged vet check up with in few day for general health, the vet made no comment on bite but on follow up vist diff vet from same office made comment on a slight overbite. So is the bite a show stopper ? By the why I`m new here, thought it would be great place to answer this question I just encountered. Thanks Carolyn

Thank you Chris, it is good to know there are some nice people out there :) I'm sorry to hear about your pup with Leukemia, that's just awful :( It's been a bad lesson learned for me with Nik. I saved $$ for six months to purchase him, thinking I was getting such a wonderful dog for that kind of money. Since this has happened, I have done extensive research on GSD's and was very careful in selecting the breeder of my new pup. I also got references from people who purchased pups from her. I believe she will stand behind this pup in the case something devastating happens to him at a young age, like poor Nik :(

I forgot to mention my new pup is Fimo von Schwartz, out of Superioue's Zathan and Gloriet van Contra. I think he's going to be a good little dog :)

Blitzen - Thank you very much. If we meet at some show, I hope that we can talk a bit about our breed. And yes, we like doing that without trying to sell dogs (this was in reference to another post - solo please reconsider). Dacotah - I wish you all the best with your new puppy, especially good health and a long life. Carolyn - as I mentioned before puppies are a crapshot. At 13 weeks of age, I would not worry about a slight overbite. Chances are that in 3 to 4 weeks that will be completely gone. Worry about that at 6 months and up. The most important thing about puppies' teeth are that they will all come in, especially these P1s. Good luck and please stop worrying. Chris

Dacotah, I live near the kennel where you purchased your pup and I've heard many horror stories about them as well and have seen some of their dogs in the flesh. Some looked nice and some I couldn't believe they get that kind of money for their dogs. My heart breaks to hear about your pup. I wish I had a pup to give you but I don't but I would. That is so sad and heartbreaking to watch a pup dying like you are. I'm sure there is a pup out there somewhere for you and when the time is right you'll be united. Dear Chris (Silbersee), You sound like such a great person, I went to your website and am truly impressed with your pups. You'll be hearing from me in the future I can say that with confidence. I wish the best to you Dacotah, Birdy... Springfield, MO

Thank you Birdy for the reply. I wish I would have known about these horror stories before I purchased Nik. If you get a chance, please email me at slmiller@socal.rr.com. I'd like to know what other people have experienced from this kennel. There's nothing legally I can do at this point, all I can do is warn potential buyers at what they might be getting for their hard earned money. Shelley

Hi Chris, I have a feeling we will be running into one another one of these days. I look forward to it.

Good luck with him, I too think he will be a good dog for you. What are your plans for him?