Complaint Review: Bannfy Haus German Shepherds - Ostrander Ohio

We purchased a puppy GSD of high quality from Banfy in the fall of 2010. The puppy could have been show but we just wanted a pet. Two of his siblings are in show and doing very well.Our dog is more than guaranteed. Peter Banfe has been helpful in our journey and even agreed to take him back when we thought we would not be able to keep our dog at a year. Things chnaged and we were able to keep our dog who is so awesome in everyway.

We highly recommend banfyhaus. What an incredbly beautiful animal.

It's always best to move forward if you feel wronged. Life is short.

We are a previous customer of Banffy Haus and purchased a beautiful male German Shepherd from them. Would never use this breeder again and would not recommend him to our friends, family, or anyone else for that matter. As others have said and from our first hand experience, he is more concerned about breeding to receive payment over customer satisfaction. Our dog is attractive, but plagued by health issues. Unfortunately, he is not the World Class German Shepherd promised. A substantial amount of money was paid for our dog, we love him, but the owner of Banffy Haus was less than truthful in at least three specific areas in acquiring our dog. Would say four, but could not expect them to predict certain future health issues. They did not seek to resolve the issues raised by us. Consider yourself warned, and do your homework on this breeder very carefully if you are thinking of using Banffy Haus German Shepherds.   

Breeding and or show quality dog for $900. If that is what you have and are willing to spend on your breeding dogs it doesn't bode well for your breeding program AT ALL. How would someone who could barely afford the dog afford ALL the other things that come along with breeding even somewhat responsibly? Not to mention showing. Did I read right that the OP first complains about the quality of the dog but then complains that the breeder wants to evaluate the dog when it will be more apparent what the outcome will be and for any changes in the initial indications before deciding whether to leave them limited or not? A breeder sold you a pet quality dog at a pet quality price and with pet registration? If you have aspirations to breed/show you should be at LEAST far enough along in your knowledge to know what you are looking for, and that if you want a better chance to buy an older puppy. And so many other things. I'm not defending or commenting on the breeder here, but someone with aspirations to breed really should be more informed. Any buyer should, though it can be very difficult for many buyer's now to decipher and sift through all the do's and don'ts and what's realistic and what's not. Joe: I agree people should do their homework. Especially with aspirations to breed or breeding. You bred a crypt (yes, technically it's mon but it doesn't roll off the tounge as well I guess, LOL)? I thought your dog was show quality? I thought you said he had good CONFORMATION (I think you've said he was perfect except that pertains to the whole dog)? Did you say a vet recommended taking the sample for the AI (I think this was a crested report)? Or am I remembering it wrong, or was it a different dog or something and if it was the vet how long ago was that? On the one hand, not really a big deal for a pet who will be better off neutered anyway(which will be a bit more complicated and also a bit more money like a spay since it's not all right out there), but definantly not considered breeding or show material either. Yes, it happens and yes they COULD still breed but usually with much lower sperm count and possibility of passing it on from a breeding perspective. Not recommended. The retained t******e can also drop a little later. My little yorkie waited quite awhile and dropped at 7 months, but my I.G.'s never did. I've seen it go both ways plenty of times. It is however not common practice to breed a crypt as it is unknown whether it will occur in any pups which would be ineligible for show ect. They can definantly play peek-a-boo' sometimes before deciding whether to stay up or go down. There is also a question of whether a vet actually examined a dog within that time frame if it's not noticed until later (which will usually violate and void most purchase contracts if the pup does not see a vet within a specific time frame). WHAT YOU GOT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A PUREBRED DOG TO ME. How so? I think I have also read you have had GSD's as well as other similar dogs. So how would this dog sound like a mix to you specifically? Was it the coat? Or the ears? It quite often takes much longer for the ears to stay up than those who unfamiliar think or are aware of. They can need a bit of help' as well. What makes you think lab, the fence thing? Do you like white shepherds Joe? They are similar to coated's in a key way aside from the fact that there are plenty of people that actually prefer them. Those are really the only things mentioned except for the fact the puppy was limited. LIMITED REGISTRATION IS LIKE BEING A LITTLE BIT PREGNANT --YOU ARE OR YOU AREN'T AND THE DOGS IS EITHER THE PUREBRED HE PURPORTS TO BE OR HE IS NOT! - I NEVER HEARD OF LIMITED REGISTRATION PAPERS! WHEN I WAS BREEDING MY DOGS, I ALWAYS GOT THE PAPERS IMMEDIATELY ON PURPOSE AND THEN IT WAS UP TO ME TO SUBMIT THE REGISTRATION FEE AND THE PAPERWORK TO THE AKC. Um, okay. LIMITED REGISTRATION = LIMITED RIGHTS (and quite often comes along with a spay/neuter contract). Not a lack of application papers. Quite simply the dog WAS registered (or they were at least provided the application). Limited registration is when the puppy is registerable with the kennel club but the rights to show the dog in certain sanctioned events (such as conformation) and to register any offspring of the puppy have not been given or purchased along with the pup. There are a whole host of reasons for this. Among them are to help ensure that a puppy whom is not considered to be breeding quality is not bred and to prevent people who probably should NOT be breeding quite yet or ever from breeding as well. If they have the rights on your dog they benefit from all the work, knowledge and blood, sweat and tears as well as all the money you have poured into your program. YOUR dogs and YOUR name are in THEIR line. It is a way to help protect the integrity of the breed as well as the puppies you brought into the world. Some take it VERY seriously Joe. You sold all your pups on unlimited rights? It costs one fee to register the litter and then there are fees for each individual dog when and if the buyer chooses to pay them and register the pup with the kennel club. That's more than enough for now I think :-). *just my opinions*

WHAT YOU GOT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A PUREBRED DOG TO ME. IT SOUNDS LIKE A MUTT THAT IS PREDOMINANTLY SHEPHERD AND G*D KNOWS WHAT...FROM TIME TO TIME, EVEN IN THE BEST OF KENNELS ( WHICH THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE IT IS) A "TRAVELING SALESDOG" COMES CALLING AND SCALES THE FENCE--- AND LABRADOR RETRIEVERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS FENCE CLIMBING AND JUMPING! THEIR EARS DON'T STAND UP EITHER. MAYBE THE OTHER PARENT WAS A BORDER COLLIE, THEY LIKE TO CLIMB TOO. $900 IS MORE MONEY THAN I COULD AFFORD TO SPEND FOR A PUPPY! IT WOULD BE TWO MONTHS RENT AROUND HERE IN NOT A VERY NICE HOUSE OR APARTMENT! NOT AN EXPENSIVE DOG, MY ***! IT IS PLENTY EXPENSIVE ---FOR A MUTT OF QUESTIONABLE PEDIGREE. SO IT ONLY HAD ONE t******e. THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT CAN'T REPRODUCE! I HAD A TERRIFIC LITTLE MALE CHIHUAHUA WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE HAD SOME AMAZING LITTERS ( HE ALSO HAD LEGITIMATE AKC REGISTRATION BECAUSE I DID MY HOMEWORK, CHECKED HIS CONFIRMATION AND BOUGHT HIM FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER)NONE OF HIS PUPS HAD THE PROBLEM. HERIDITARY OR DEVELOPMENTAL ANOMALITY? I WAS A DOG BREEDER FOR SEVERAL YEARS UNTIL I GOT SO WORRIED ABOUT THE SORT OF WORLD I WOULD BE BRINGING THESE BEAUTIFUL PUPPIES IN SO I NO LONGER BREED THEM. SOUNDS LIKE TO ME THIS OLD BOY PULLED A FAST ONE ON SOME PEOPLE WHO HAD MORE MONEY THAN DOG SENSE... Peter Banfe was informed that the puppy was needed for show/breeding. THERE ARE ENOUGH DOGS IN THE WORLD, MANY ARE EUTHANIZED WHEN THEY SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO BE BORN IN THE FIRST PLACE! THIS IS NOT A WORLD TO BRING PRECIOUS PUPPIES INTO! When we arrived to pick up the puppy he gave us a coated puppy (we were relatively new to GSD's and did not know the pup was a long coat) and insisted we take limited registration. LIMITED REGISTRATION IS LIKE BEING A LITTLE BIT PREGNANT --YOU ARE OR YOU AREN'T AND THE DOGS IS EITHER THE PUREBRED HE PURPORTS TO BE OR HE IS NOT! AND IF THIS "WORLD CLASS DOG BREEDER" COMMITS TO REGISTER A MUTT AS A PUREBREAD. HE COULD LOSE HIS ABILITY TO HAVE HIS LITTERS REGISTERED WITH ANY REPUTABLE KENNEL ASSOCIATION AND FACE CIVIL DAMAGES FOR FRAUD AND CRIMINAL CHARGES OF THEFT. YOU PAID $900 FOR WHAT TO ME SOUNDS LIKE A MUTT. NOT EVEN A PURE SHEPHERD! MAYBE A LAB-SHEPHERD MIX. VERY EXPENSIVE MUTT. THE DOG'S t******e PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPARENT FROM THE GET-GO! YOU DIDN'T CHECK AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE?I WOULD BE LAUGHING EXCEPT I AM TOO MAD AT THIS GUY WHO APPARENTLY SHARKED YOU GUYS! THIS GUY KNOWS DOGS AND IF YOU HAD DONE YOUR HOMEWORK, YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN THIS CON ARTIST COMING... HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF YOU AND SOLD YOU WHAT SOUNDS LIKE TO ME AN UNREGISTERABLE AND UNSHOWABLE DOG AND HE KNEW IT FROM THE START! HE SAW YOU COMING AND APPARENTLY FIGURED YOU DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT DOGS. I MIGHT HAVE BOUGHT THE DOG FOR $150 OR SO IS I HAD LIKED THE DOG. DOGS ARE NOT JUST GIST GOT PUPPY MILLS OR INANIMATE STATUS SYMBOLS -- THEY ARE LIVING, FEELING, THINKING BEINGS WITH A SOUL --JUST LIKE YOU AND ME! THEY ARE AFFECTIONATE LITTLE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE LOVED AND CARED FOR AND THEY LOVE YOU BEYOND MEASURE. SO MAYBE YOU OUGHT TO THINK ABOUT YOUR REASON FOR BUYING A DOG IN THE FIRST PLACE. IF YOU HAD TO WORK SO HARD AND SAVE SO LONG TO AFFORD THIS DOG, MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE IN THE DOG BUSINESS TO START WITH. IT COSTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO BREED AND SHOW WORLD-CLASS DOGS AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT UP FRONT. DOESN'T SOUND LIKE YOU GUYS KNEW WHAT YOU WERE DOING. When we asked for our money back he refused and said the dogs full registration would cost more but he would make us a "deal". SOME DEAL. HE KNEW d**n GOOD AND WELL THAT HE COULDN'T REGISTER THAT MUTT! His deal was to evaluate the dog at 6 or 8 months then he would give us the full registration at NO Additional Cost! THAT IS BECAUSE THE "WORLD CLASS DOG BREEDER" AND APPARENT CON ARTIST FROM THIS ACCOUNT WANTED TO SEE IF HIS MUTT WOULD BE ABLE TO "PASS" FOR THE PUREBRED DOG THAT HE WAS REPRESENTED TO YOU TO BE. AND THEN HE WOULD "FIND" SOME PAPERS FOR YOU. THE CROOKS IN THE BUSINESS USUALLY WILL REGISTER DECEASED PUPS FROM A LITTER AND THAT MAY BE WHERE THOSE PAPERS WOULD HAVE COME FROM. THIS WOULD HAVE COST HIM, AS I SAID, HIS CREDIBILITY IN THE DOG BREEDING BUSINESS AND HIS ABILITY TO REGISTER LITTERS WITH THE REPUTABLE KENNEL ASSOCIATIONS AND GOT HIM INTO ONE HELL OF A LAWSUIT. What a deal. So we were duped into taking the puppy and accepting his "deal" or losing our money. ACTUALLY, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE GIVEN HIM A DIME UNTIL YOU CHECKED THE DOG OUT FIRST AND IF YOU DIDN'T LIKE WHAT YOU FOUND,JUST WALKED AWAY AND LEFT THE PUP THERE. HE DID NOT GET A GUN AND MAKE YOU TAKE THE PUPPY WITH YOU. YOU HAD AMPLE TIME TO CHECK THAT PUPPY OUT AND SEE WHAT YOU WERE BUYING. ANDIF YOU DIDN'T DO YOUR HOMEWORK IN ADVANCE, YOU WERE ASKING TO BE RIPPED OFF. To make a long story short, first we had trouble with his ears standing, then at his 3 month vet check we discovered he had only one tecticle. (This is an inherited condition)We contacted Peter many times and asked for assistance. He kept putting us off by telling us that the dog was fine and his other t******e would drop. (Even though he had already sent us the limited registration papers!) I NEVER HEARD OF LIMITED REGISTRATION PAPERS! WHEN I WAS BREEDING MY DOGS, I ALWAYS GOT THE PAPERS IMMEDIATELY ON PURPOSE AND THEN IT WAS UP TO ME TO SUBMIT THE REGISTRATION FEE AND THE PAPERWORK TO THE AKC. Finally we asked for a refund or exchange and to return the pup when we realized we could never use him for either breeding or show. A LITTLE TOO LATE... YOU SHOULD HAVE FOUND OUT IF HE HAD A GUARANTEE--IN WRITING-- BEFORE YOU EVER PUT DOWN A PENNY! He refused, saying that we were "on our own!" (All we wanted was that he exchange the pup for one we could use.) We had saved up many months to purchase this "world class" puppy and spent hundreds of dollars in vet fees and not to mention the emotional distress. MONEY YOU DID NOT HAVE SPEND FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU ALL APPARENTLY HAD NO IDEA IN HADES OF WHAT YOU WERE BUYING AND THIS GUY, IF HE HAD BEEN REPUTABLE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU UP FRONT THAT YOU COULD NOT AFFORED ANY OF HIS DOGS AND SENT YOU TO SOMEONE WITH DOGS YOU COULD AFFORD, MORE IN YOUR PRIDE RANGE. WORLD-CLASS, CHAMPION DOGS COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS! In addition, there was a question on the dog's registration papers as the pedigree info we initially received on the dog was not correct. IT IS DIFFICULT TO REGISTER A MUTT OF DUB IOUS ANCESTRY. IF THIS GUY SENT YOU LIMITED PAPERS, YOU NEED TO TAKE THOSE PAPERS AND THE MUTT TO A VET WHO SPECIALIZES IN TREATING GERMAN SHEPHERDS AND HAVE YOUR DOG EVALUATED AND HAVE ANOTHER VET WHO IS A SPECIALIST IN THIS BREED EVALUATE HIM. GET THEM BOTH TO WRITE THEIR EVALUATIONS UP AND THEN GO AND FIND AN ATTORNEY. TAKE ALL OF THE PAPERWORK YOU RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR DOG AND SUE THIS BREEDER. NEXT TIME, IF THERE IS A NEXT TIME AND IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE THERE SHOULD BE TO ME, YOU NEED TO ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK SO YOU WILL KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING AND WHAT YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR AND SO YOU WON'T GET RIPPED OFF AGAIN.

I have been researching German Shepherd Breeders for several months. During that time I have been communicting frequently with Peter Banffy, among other breeders around the world. I am a business owner and also have a great deal of dog experience. I have owned 3 German Shepherds. It seems pretty obvious to me that this complaint was filed by someone who was either a backyard breeder or wanted to be one. Purchasing a "world class" German Shepherd for $900 doesn't happen, unless there is a genetic fault. A responsible breeder will not sell these dogs with a full registration. It is also very easy to research a pedigree on line, or even coat types. A novice on any topic can become an informed consumer on the internet. If you want to breed German Shepherds or any other breed of dog I suggest you get involved with the breed before you attempt to make a buck off of it.

Two weeks ago I contacted Dr. Peter Banfe and arranged to see his Kennel. When we arrived we were greeted at the door by Peter and his family. They invited us into there house which was very clean and well kept. Peter introduced us to each family member and then asked us about our family. Only after getting to meet us and observe our behavior, family structure and social interaction were we allowed to see his Shepherd's. He had one Female and one young male which had been sold. The female is carrying a litter which was due any day. The kennel condition was very clean and brand new looking. There was no sign of neglect or abuse on either dog and in fact they were very well behaved. My wife was worried that the dogs would be aggressive and she was not in favor of getting a German shepherd. Well that changed after meeting Hilary, the female, this dog was very kind calm and happy to see us. She let us pet her rub her ears head, tail stomach with no sign of aggression! She took food from our hand in a gentle manner and never growled or became scared. Then Peter informed me she was a fully trained police dog! Wow you would have thought this was the long time trusted family pet who loved everyone. Peter then took us to see the young male. He was beautiful and I fell in love with him immediately! He wanted to play and licked our hands; as soon as we stopped petting him he went over to his kennel area and sat down, crossed his front legs and quietly watched us. He never showed aggression or antisocial behavior the entire time. My children went back to look at Hilary again and Peter my wife and I talked about the dog we were looking for. After about 30 minutes we went back to find the kids and they were inside petting Hilary, talk about a good dog! That convinced me and my wife to put a deposit on one of her puppies. In conclusion I am very impressed with Peter Banfe and his family and his kennel. I would highly recommend buying a West German Shepherd from this breeder. I am very excited to get our puppy and have emailed Peter many times asking how they are doing. Peter always responds with a thoughtful email and good advice and articles to read in order to prepare for our new puppy. If you live in Central Ohio and you are looking for a German Shepherd this is the person to buy from. Ask to visit his kennel and you will see for yourself he is honest and not in it to just make money. He loves German Shepherds and his kennel is not a puppy mill. I know this complaint is very old and by the way the only one filed in many years. How many breeders can say that? This is an example of internet poaching in my opinion and I would disregard this old inaccurate complaint. Sincerely, Michael

Two weeks ago I contacted Dr. Peter Banfe and arranged to see his Kennel. When we arrived we were greeted at the door by Peter and his family. They invited us into there house which was very clean and well kept. Peter introduced us to each family member and then asked us about our family. Only after getting to meet us and observe our behavior, family structure and social interaction were we allowed to see his Shepherd's. He had one Female and one young male which had been sold. The female is carrying a litter which was due any day. The kennel condition was very clean and brand new looking. There was no sign of neglect or abuse on either dog and in fact they were very well behaved. My wife was worried that the dogs would be aggressive and she was not in favor of getting a German shepherd. Well that changed after meeting Hilary, the female, this dog was very kind calm and happy to see us. She let us pet her rub her ears head, tail stomach with no sign of aggression! She took food from our hand in a gentle manner and never growled or became scared. Then Peter informed me she was a fully trained police dog! Wow you would have thought this was the long time trusted family pet who loved everyone. Peter then took us to see the young male. He was beautiful and I fell in love with him immediately! He wanted to play and licked our hands; as soon as we stopped petting him he went over to his kennel area and sat down, crossed his front legs and quietly watched us. He never showed aggression or antisocial behavior the entire time. My children went back to look at Hilary again and Peter my wife and I talked about the dog we were looking for. After about 30 minutes we went back to find the kids and they were inside petting Hilary, talk about a good dog! That convinced me and my wife to put a deposit on one of her puppies. In conclusion I am very impressed with Peter Banfe and his family and his kennel. I would highly recommend buying a West German Shepherd from this breeder. I am very excited to get our puppy and have emailed Peter many times asking how they are doing. Peter always responds with a thoughtful email and good advice and articles to read in order to prepare for our new puppy. If you live in Central Ohio and you are looking for a German Shepherd this is the person to buy from. Ask to visit his kennel and you will see for yourself he is honest and not in it to just make money. He loves German Shepherds and his kennel is not a puppy mill. I know this complaint is very old and by the way the only one filed in many years. How many breeders can say that? This is an example of internet poaching in my opinion and I would disregard this old inaccurate complaint. Sincerely, Michael

$900 is extremely cheap assuming this was even a remotely well-bred Shepherd. In my area they typically go for $1500 for american lines and $3000 for german lines. The fact that you thought $900 would get you a breed-standard breedable pup proves that you only had 1 thing in mind - "backyard breeding." Secondly, it is obvious that Dr. Banfe is more interested in making a buck. I don't at all agree with people who view animals this way - however, I realize it is not uncommon amongst true breeders. Nonetheless, after carefully perusing his website there was no doubt in my mind as to what type of breeder he was and there should not have been in yours either. Lastly, you admitted he told you the pup was a long coat. The internet didn't come to be the day you posted your complaint. Caveat Emptor. It was your responsibility to research any terms prior to leaving a deposit and that could have easily been done via Google. Again, I do not agree with the way Dr. Banfe operates as a breeder. However, from a business standpoint I think it is the complaining consumer that is at fault and I don't believe your complaint here is at all justified.

To Anyone who reads this: Take the time in doing your research before buying a dog of any breed. Make sure you know the breed standards through and through before you go to someones place to look at a dog. Then you will know if what you are getting could be a breeding dog. Call around to different breeders homes and just look. Go to show kennels and see the chamion dogs and their puppies. If you do not know what you are looking for as far as breed standard then people will take advantage of your lack of experiance. Also get refrences from that breeder. Dont just get the names and numbers, go home and call these people and see if they are happy with their puppies/dogs before you give a breeder any money. Most breeders will not refund a deposit. That is just the way it works. Go see the puppy before you place any money on the line, if that is not possible make sure to get the breeder to send MANY pictures of the puppy.

To Anyone who reads this: Take the time in doing your research before buying a dog of any breed. Make sure you know the breed standards through and through before you go to someones place to look at a dog. Then you will know if what you are getting could be a breeding dog. Call around to different breeders homes and just look. Go to show kennels and see the chamion dogs and their puppies. If you do not know what you are looking for as far as breed standard then people will take advantage of your lack of experiance. Also get refrences from that breeder. Dont just get the names and numbers, go home and call these people and see if they are happy with their puppies/dogs before you give a breeder any money. Most breeders will not refund a deposit. That is just the way it works. Go see the puppy before you place any money on the line, if that is not possible make sure to get the breeder to send MANY pictures of the puppy.

To Anyone who reads this: Take the time in doing your research before buying a dog of any breed. Make sure you know the breed standards through and through before you go to someones place to look at a dog. Then you will know if what you are getting could be a breeding dog. Call around to different breeders homes and just look. Go to show kennels and see the chamion dogs and their puppies. If you do not know what you are looking for as far as breed standard then people will take advantage of your lack of experiance. Also get refrences from that breeder. Dont just get the names and numbers, go home and call these people and see if they are happy with their puppies/dogs before you give a breeder any money. Most breeders will not refund a deposit. That is just the way it works. Go see the puppy before you place any money on the line, if that is not possible make sure to get the breeder to send MANY pictures of the puppy.

To Anyone who reads this: Take the time in doing your research before buying a dog of any breed. Make sure you know the breed standards through and through before you go to someones place to look at a dog. Then you will know if what you are getting could be a breeding dog. Call around to different breeders homes and just look. Go to show kennels and see the chamion dogs and their puppies. If you do not know what you are looking for as far as breed standard then people will take advantage of your lack of experiance. Also get refrences from that breeder. Dont just get the names and numbers, go home and call these people and see if they are happy with their puppies/dogs before you give a breeder any money. Most breeders will not refund a deposit. That is just the way it works. Go see the puppy before you place any money on the line, if that is not possible make sure to get the breeder to send MANY pictures of the puppy.

on what I have read. But a couple of things pop out to me. One, to most people $900 IS a lot of money for a pet. Another thing is I have read numerous times that a "reputable" breeder does not advertise in the local paper but has a waiting list before the pups are even born. I myself have always taken that "fact" with a grain of salt, as sales fall thru, etc. But if you had 2 coated pups advertised at 8 weeks, why couldnt you tell about this pup? You should have worked with these people to satisify them. This was obviously a huge investment for them. As for why the posting now, maybe they just learned about the site and their signature says it all, Still Bitter even after three years.

11/15/06 I only have a few comments regardig Mr. Banfe's response. First of all, we were not told the dog was being sold on limited registration for $900 until we came to pick him up. Of course by then Mr. Banfe already had a sizeable deposit from us to secure the dog which he then informed us he would not return. He knew right then and there we were unhappy with the situation and could have easily resolved the problem by giving us our deposit back which he would not do. As for him not knowing that the puppy was coated, I do not believe that for a minute. When we initially contacted Peter it was to inquire about a newspaper ad in the Columbus dispatch advertising two coated imported 8 week old pups for sale. I did not know what coated meant and after I talked with him that very first time about those particular pups he explained what it meant and since I was interested in possibly showing the puppy he told me they were not a good choice and then told me about his own dogs and an upcoming litter. I find it hard to believe that he could see and advertise those two 8 week old pups as being coated, and with all his expertise as a breeder could not tell if his own 8 week old puppies were coated or not! Finally, we did not sell the dog, as he claims. It was given to a family member and as such was a complete and total loss for us! What it all boils down to is that we were sold a defective puppy that in no way matched our needs/wants. He had many opportunities as a responsible breeder to correct the situation but did not. I have contacted him to see if he was indeed interested in resolving the situation like he says he is. His only offer to me is on the condition that I make these reports go away, which I can and will not do. Obviously he is not truly interested in a resolution at this time.

My name is Dr. Peter L. Banfe. I will not hide behind anonymity. The puppy was only $900! This is not an expensive puppy. The puppy, as with many breeders, was sold as a pet dog with limited AKC registration. I said that we would look at the dog in a couple of months to see if the dog had what it takes to be bred. This is pretty much normal practice. These people seemed very nice, just inexperienced. Clearly there was some miscommunication. The dog was monorchid, so it couldn't breed. This is a not uncommon condition that shows up in GSDs. It does not affect their livelihood but the dog should not be bred. But with limited registration the dog cannot be bred anyway and should be neutered. It can be hard to identify pups as coats at 8 weeks. Certainly this can happen. But this is not what they raised as an issue, so I am abit confused. They said they loved him and that he was beautiful but they couldn't breed him, because of having only one t******e. I offered to find them another pup, of higher quality (which they wanted) for a very reasonable price, one more likely to be worthy of breeding. As for the ears, puppy's ears can go down and up with teething. I believe they had bred other dogs, I believe dobermans(?), but Shepherd ears are different. Obviously the ears did stand eventually. Sometimes it can take a bit longer. But then there was no guarantee for a pet puppy that they would. And I have no idea what initial "question on the dog's registration" and initially what ped info was wrong. But obviously it was cleared up and they received their papers. I had absolutely no complaints from any other client in the litter. Not to be insulting but this sounds like searching for something to complain about. I told them that they could sell the dog and I would help them and they did. We communicated for awhile and I gave them some options, but the correspondence stopped. I believe that the cost of the higher quality imported pups with shipping included, even at the cut-rate price, was just too much for them. They believed they could get a top stud for $900. This is very very unlikely. If this happened in 2003 why did this get posted now? And why have I heard nothing from them for almost 3 years? I still would be happy to work with them to help them find a solution at a reasonable price. They can always go to my website and call me there. It would be a pleasure to try to help them get what they want.

The correct name of the breeder is Banffy Haus German shepherds.

Please see the report as to why buyers should use caution when dealing with this breeder! make sure you get everything in writing and don't be fooled into trusting his promises.

Once you have the dog you are on your own! He does not care if you are a happy client or not!
Note: There are many good breeders out there who are concerned with both the quality of their dogs and in your satisfaction with your purchase. Ask for references and letters from clients. Also ask about negative experiences and how the breeder resolved complaints. Find out and get in writing what your exact compensation will be if you are unsatisfied or the dog is not the promised quality. If the breeder will not put it in writing, FIND ANOTHER BREEDER! You are most likely dealing with someone like Banffy Haus... Good Luck!