This breeder took my $3000 and gave me two puppies who both had to be euthanized close to their third birthdays due to neurological issues.
I purchased a Belgian Malinois named Vedic for $3,000 on April 3, 2021. I selected Ruidoso Malinois based on its representations regarding the health, quality, temperament, and working ability of its dogs. Vedic was visibly underweight when I received him. Despite following the breeder’s feeding instructions and providing frequent exercise, he failed to develop expected muscle mass. I documented these concerns in an email to the breeder on June 27, 2022. He later developed severe seizures, and despite extensive veterinary evaluations, no underlying disease was identified to explain them. He died before his third birthday. Under the contract, the breeder provided a replacement puppy on January 4, 2024. This dog also developed serious neurological and behavioral problems, including escalating aggression. I was attacked on three occasions, and the dog ultimately had to be euthanized for safety reasons. Veterinary evaluations did not identify an underlying disease explaining his problems. I am a disabled combat veteran and intended to train these dogs as therapy and personal protection dogs. I spent approximately $9,000 on professional training for both dogs, in addition to thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses. The breeder requested MRI examinations estimated to cost $15,000–$20,000 for both dogs but declined to agree to reimburse me if the results implicated breeding-related problems. No MRI diagnosis established a genetic cause. After both dogs were euthanized following serious health and behavioral problems, the breeder offered a third puppy. I declined because another replacement was not an acceptable resolution. The two puppies obtained from this breeder developed severe neurological problems. Although I cannot conclusively establish a genetic cause, SNAP 4Dx Plus tests ruled out environmental factors like tick-borne diseases. I seek accountability and an appropriate resolution for my financial losses and experience.
By Arthur B. J.