Buyer Beware: My Experience with Watchman German Shepherds
If you are considering purchasing a puppy from Watchman German Shepherds, read this first. What started as an exciting journey to bring home a well-bred, healthy German Shepherd ended in heartbreak, medical uncertainty, and a breeder who refused to take responsibility for a likely genetic issue in his breeding program.
A Puppy Expected to Be Healthy
In February 2024, I purchased Charlie, a German Shepherd from Watchman German Shepherds, believing I was getting a healthy, well-bred dog.
Despite proper care, routine vet visits, high nutrition diet, and safe environment, her body failed at just 11 months old.
A Rapid Health Decline With No Explanation
Charlie was diagnosed with panosteitis (growing pains), but her condition rapidly worsened. She lost energy, stopped eating, and dropped from 70 lbs to 49 lbs. Her spleen became inflamed, and her bloodwork was critically low.
I consulted multiple veterinarians and specialists, running dozens of tests.
What the Specialists Found:
* All infections, bacterial diseases, and illnesses were ruled out.
* She was tested for cancer three times--each was negative.
* No environmental cause was found--no toxins, food issues, or hazards.
The overwhelming medical consensus was that Charlie suffered from a congenital autoimmune disorder--a genetic defect that caused her body to attack itself and organs to fail. Despite aggressive medical care, Charlie passed away at just one year old.
The Breeder's Response: Denial & No Accountability
When I contacted George, the breeder, he:
* Denied responsibility, claiming none of his puppies had health issues.
* Disregarded medical findings, despite multiple specialists saying this was likely genetic.
* Blamed my home, yard, or vet, despite all environmental causes being ruled out.
* Refused a refund, even with documented proof of a genetic defect.
* Retracted his offer of a free puppy when I mentioned informing others. This shows he is far more interested in keeping his reputation than caring and understanding for the well being of his dogs.
Several of Charlie's littermates did not survive past eight weeks, which George originally confirmed, then later denied.
A Breeder Who Prioritizes Reputation Over Responsibility
I did not write this review lightly. I lost my dog too soon, and I want others to know the risks.
If you buy from Watchman German Shepherds, be prepared for zero support if your puppy develops serious health issues. If you want a breeder who stands behind their breeding program, look elsewhere.
P.S. google did not let me leave my full review. If you want to see this in more detail please go to his facebook page. I left a full review there read more