IS BURKHART KENNELS IN ONTARIO A PUPPY MILL?

[Daina Kerbel]

I was doing some research into purchasing a labradodle or aussiedoodle and came across this information... does anyone have a comment about this?

"My partner and I just bought a dog from Burkhart Kennels in Wallenstein, ON and we would not recommend them at all!!! The pictures on the website were nothing like the real experience. Most importantly, we did buy a puppy from these people at a hot discount because we were going to walk away at a price of 1500 (800 instead of 1500). Our puppy came home with an awful PARASITE that had him severely ill (intestinal hemorrhaging, vomiting, losing weight) for over a week, and only after a few hundred dollars at the vet did we figure out what was wrong with him. Turns out this parasite is from CONTAMINATED WATER (fecal matter in water). It's no wonder the water was contaminated though given that high number of puppies in such a small area. When we called to let her know that at least one of her puppies were ill (and likely more) the best she could say was "good luck with that". We also had to treat our older dog for this. Despite spending a long time picking a "calm" puppy, our puppy cried and yelped when he was fed....which seemed to go away after a few days of being in our home (you can draw your own conclusion about what this was about).

While at the "Kennel" (aka puppy mill), puppies were being 'temporarily housed' on the lawn in an enclosure without ANY water. We felt pressured the entire time by this scam artist woman who always seemed to have a trick up her sleeve for getting rid of puppies fast (e.g., after being there for 15 mins, she said to us to hurry up and choose one because another family was waiting for us to leave so they could see the puppies at 9pm on a rainy monday night (yah right), etc.). There were probably 20 adult dogs, all of which were housed in this old barn with no room to run or play. As soon as the puppies or the adult dogs saw anyone, they freaked out with panic barking. When we finally agreed on a puppy and were ready to talk pricing, we said we wouldn't pay 1500 for him, she got very angry and left us to 'talk about it' slamming the door behind her.

This woman is very good at making a sale, she has to be because she has so many litters of pups at once. It's no wonder she didn't realize our little guy was so ill, how could you notice with so many dogs? If you want a golden or labradoodle, there are plenty of family homes who breed them. This is where we got our first goldendoodle from, and the experience was 100% better than this one. If you want an Aussiedoodle, there ARE other people who breed them in the area, they just don't advertise as much. Track them down, because this experience has made me wish we had!"

[Lorraine Bromley]

We did go to different breeders in Lucknow as well. If I could only remember the name a retired grand parent in the country is the one who I wanted to see the others I wouldn't go back to ever.

[Lorraine Bromley]

I meant to ask you if your first doodle was from there or was it just based on this other persons view of this particular breeder that prompted your concern.

Someone mentioned that there was to be an investigation into the kennel. How would you know that? We have had several mills busted recently and the dogs up for adoption through our OSPCA but no names are given out or kennel names which really disappoints me as they are obviously guilty at that point! If anyone has information re the investigation and when and what happened that would be great to know! If you don't have info on it for sure maybe we shouldn't mention it and tar their name just yet?

[Bella]

I have a new Doodle, my first of this breed, but I have had retrievers for years. For what it is worth, if you are buying a dog for your home and family my personal opinion is that ideally, they spend their earliest days in a home rather than a kennel.  Frankly, kennels can be cleaner than a home with a number of litters, you just hose the kennel down.  It doesn't mean there aren't lovely kennel pups but even if puppies are held frequently by visiting children or adults handling is not the only important consideration in socializing a dog - it is their adjustment to the strangeness that goes with a normal home and living every minute with people as well as dogs. But if you want a breeder who does this for a living, they will have dogs, depending on the time of year, alot of dogs. In examining a breeder, I would look at what's important, the puppies themselves. Are they well cared for, clean, happy, of a good weight. Do they respond to you, cower when a door bell rings, someone raises their voice or claps their hands. Does the breeder show and/or ensures you see or get the parent's CKC papers and proof/results of genetic testing and all the pup's vaccinations. Can they give you a list of references if you ask? It seems most reputable breeders are committed to one breed and will then explore complementary breeds. So Goldendoodle/Labradoodle breeders: Goldens/Labs and Poodles. More than that can be suspect. There are no guarantees with a dog, you can just try to find someone who is doing their best work.  But ultimately, if you are not happy with the feel of a place or the pups, walk away. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

[Lorraine Bromley]

I think you said it well.

[Alex Cohen]

I bought a labradoodle from Lovenia at burkhart kennel and she was so sick - she almost passed away 
she had gardia and could not gain weight

she was 7 pounds while her siblings were  17 - 25

She has now been medicated and  $4000 later with medical bills and now ongoing perscription medication for life she will be ok. 

I was able to get a full refund from Lovina - it is just not ok for water to be contaminated.

[Daina Kerbel]

You are not the first person I've heard this from. I went up to the kennel and I had a very bad feeling about that place. Lovina was very pushy and would not show papers or documentation of genetic testing that their website advertises. It was all so strange.... When I said I wouldn't be interested in purchasing a puppy that day, she tried to sell me fruits vegetables and pie.

I am not the expert in puppy mills but I do know that she is breeding the mothers more than once a year and even uses mothers of 9 years old..... Is this responsible breeding?

[F, Calla & Luca]

There are debates about back to back breedings and some advocate for it and retiring breeders young. But no 9 year old bitch should be bred IMHO.

[Daina Kerbel]

I was very suprised to hear this... regardless, if an interested family requests to see a copy of the CERF examination and hips/elbows documentation, i feel that a responsible breeder should be forthcoming with this information.. especially when the puppies are the price they are.

[Alex Cohen]

She asked us to buy pies as well..

[Daina Kerbel]

strange...  selling puppies, food... how did you hear about her

[shelly]

You are not the only one to mention the age of the mother.... can you private message me the name of the mother?  (Just for curiosity)  From what I have heard from another Burkhart aussiedoodle owner, I do think this was the case with the mother of Tori.

[Daina Kerbel]

she  said the name was princess...