I will start this by saying my previous review was for some reason deleted. Since anyone looking to purchase a dog is going to be living with their choice of breeder for the next 14-18 years, I feel it is important that my experience is heard. My two stars are based on the fact that I was sold a dog in 2007 and told that she was genetically healthy and sound, when in fact she was not (developed cataracts in both eyes at 3 years old) and because when I have contacted or responded to Berniece and later Craig, I got no answers.
For full transparency, after my first review, Craig (who took over for his mother Berniece) contacted me:
"I am so sorry to hear about the health issues your dog has had. I wonder why you waited 9 years to complain about it. Had you made the problems know too my mother I'm sure she would have helped. Since I don't know who the parents of your dog are it is difficult for me to qualify your remarks. None of my dogs have food allergies or health issues of any kind. I am a responsible breeder, in good standing with AKC. My mother left me some wonderful dogs, and they meet all standards for purebred Shiba Inu. My puppies are very social and often can be off leash dogs.
I'm very sorry Kelsey was unhappy and waited so long to mention it."
I responded telling him I had in fact contacted Berniece about the issues and never heard anything back from her. I also told him who her parents were. He never responded after that, and I now see my initial review was deleted. I never asked for or expected any kind of refund, all I wanted was to make her aware of the potential health problems in her dogs so she could test her dogs and avoid producing more dogs with health problems.
I did tell him that if I had seen that they were doing OFA testing I would have reconsidered my review. Now looking at his website, I see that he mentions OFA certifications on his website, so he at the very least acknowledges it and mentions that information on health testing can be given if you contact him. I would strongly advise anyone that is considering purchasing a puppy from him to ask to see those.
For reference, OFA recommends the following tests for Shibas:
Hip Dysplasia (One of the following- OFA Evaluation, OVC Evaluation, PennHIP Evaluation)
Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist (Results registered with OFA)
Patellar Luxation (OFA Evaluation)
https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=SHU&var=
Also be aware that you should be able to look up these results as they are registered with OFA.
I would be happy to alter my review if Craig posts his dog's pedigrees on his website with details on specifically what OFA testing he has done, or if he wants to contact me and email me those. I absolutely believe that he loves his dogs, and I believe that people can work to improve their breeding practices. But I need to see proof because anyone can say they health test their dogs. read more