Kestler Kennels - Page 1

Has anyone here dealt with a German Shepherd breeder in Jenkins, Mo. named Denise Caster at Kestler Kennels?

Nope don't know them but did go to their site and look up each and every one of their dogs.

Multiple generations of backyard breding without any working titles, confirmation titles or health clearances. Structures of current dogs leave a lot o be desired. You would want this why?

Always a flag when a kennel maintains multiple sires and brood bitches and ONLY ever breeds between those. A stud fee is the cheapest way to find the best dog for your bitch and to improve the quality of your breeding. But that is presuming one cares about the quality of your breeding.

Steer clear...

Sent you a PM.

Unfortunatley I have become a casualty of this breeder before I knew better. I bought a puppy from them after they told me that the parents had OFA certifications and had sent in the paperwork, but they had yet to post on the pedigrees. ( Yes I know, DUMB move for me to believe it). Now I have a one year old with hip problems. I am not the only one who has been told the same thing and now has animals with hip problems. Trying to find other people who may have dogs from there as well as warn others to stay away!

Is there a signed contract and health warranty? 

Meiko, Was your pup xrayed because it was having difficulty moving or was this a screening xray? Just want you to know that a diagnosis of HD is not the end. Many dogs live healthy long lives with HD. Also please be aware that the quality of the x-ray can make a huge difference in correct diagnosis. While a dog with truly bad HD can not be made to look clear, a clear dog can be made to look like it has HD if not positioned right and poor quality of x-ray. Do not rely on you local vet alone as it is very very common for GSDs to be misdiagnosed simply because they are a GSD. Get a 2nd opinion from a board certifed radiologist or send in as a prelim to OFA IF the quality of xray is good enough. You may want to post a copy here and get folks opinions on the quality of the film before sending in because once OFA makes a determination it is highly unlikely they will reverse themselves later even if a better film showed a different story.

But the long and the short of it is you may not want to bother about xrays since the prime reason to care is to clear a dog for breeding and the reality is given the pictures and pedigrees from their site, these are not breeding quality dogs.

Love your dog. Choose a dog sport that you both enjoy -tracking, herding, agility, obedience, schutzhund, nosework even hunting is your dog has the inclination ( my Remy would point birds). Watch his or her eyes and body language - they will tell you what the dog can tolerate and what they love doing. Dogs don't read xrays, humans do so dogs don't know they shouldn't enjoy something. The best service you can give you dog is to keep him/her active with good musculature. Swimming is great if you have access to a pond or river.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Mein Gott in Himmel!!!!! Are there any trustworthy breeders, dealers or brokers left in this country.  Every day or so some one comes on here complaining about yet another dishonest breeder, broker or dealer. Seemingly, there are more scam artist than reputable breeders, dealers or brokers. A few years ago, we all had to fear the slease-bags running those puppy mills. Today, that seems to be changing. From my perspective any dog dealer, breeder or broker is severally  suspect and for good reason. Sadly and very regrettably, I have come to the place that my personal position is that if I don't know the person I am dealing with personally, I will not be dealing with him, them or her.