Got a Boxer Puppy but Have Another Issue!!!!

Maybe you could get advice from the American Kennel Club somehow. they would know if the breeder is liable

Unfortunately this is very common with white boxers and white german shephards. They are white which is a recessive trait which makes them more prone to being deaf and having heart problems. Usually white boxers do not sell for as much and regular boxers. I don't know if by paying full price you paid the same as a regular boxer, if so then I would definately ask for money back.

C., if she is registered, please report this breeder to the association she is registered through. There is no acceptable reason for a breeder to neglect such information, especially with that breed and the fact that you have a young family.

Debbi

Hi, I am a very big animal lover and I definitely realize that once you have one in your home it's part of the family. But I happen to agree with your husband because a deaf dog is absolutely more work and possibly more money to maintain. The breeder should have given you the choice upfront to determine if you wanted to deal with a dog with a disability. Even though you don't want to give the dog back the breeder should give you a portion of your money back, because you did not receive a 100% healthy animal. It also may be a little harder to train a puppy that is hard of hearing so get ready because it definitely will take some patience.

We had the same thing happen to us, but the problem was not deafness. The dog we purchased at full price was epileptic and the owner had to be aware of this problem. We did demand some of the money back, and if the dog is an AKC dog, you can go through them with complaints. We got the money back . . . although the breeders wanted the dog back and were going to give us a new dog. Problem was that we had already gotten attached to the other dog and I learned how to care for an epileptic dog, so we kept the dog and got a portion of the money back. If the breeders had gotten our puppy back they would have destroyed her, and she was absolutely one of the best dogs we ever had. The dog also knew she depended upon us and was a better dog with us because of that.

I agree with your husband, she did not disclose the whole information even tho she knew. You should get reimbursed for some of the money you spent. It would be different if she had told you and you still decided to take the puppy.

You can talk to your vet to come up with a list of costs associated with the puppy being deaf (maybe medical costs or things you will end up having to do to the house/outside so she does not get hurt). Then ask for a refund of whatever that amount is. That way you have a basis for what you are asking for that is more likely to be perceived as legitimate and fair by the breeder. In the end I would definitely ask for some sort of refund.

I agree that you should ask for some money back. Breeder sounds definitely dishonest. In case you don't know, you can teach your pup sign language. I'd google "sign language for deaf dogs" or something of the sort. I would also never take the dog outside of the house or yard without a leash- if she's not on a leash, you can't exactly yell "COME!", now can ya. The chances of her looking at you are not great, so don't take any chances. I take my dog out all the time without a leash, but wouldn't do it with a deaf dog.

Yes you should get some $ back! I am assuming you paid a pretty penny for her--especially a female!! KEEP ALL EMAIL CORRESPONDANCE between the two of you. Just in case it turns into something bigger than you think! Good Luck!

First it is rare that a breeder would make you pay full-price for a white boxer, because breeders a lot of time won't even admit they get white one in their litters. While normally there is nothing wrong with white boxers any more than brindle (I have had 2 white ones with no problems) breeders don't breed white ones with other dogs.

She should have told you the dog was deaf and for sure not had you pay full price for a dog with hearing problems. I think there are 2 reasons why you should not have paid full price.

We also adopted a stray which turned out to be deaf. We would have not even realized but we have other dogs and her behavior was unexplainable. Our greatest saver has been that fact that we have other dogs as well. It is almost like the deaf dog needs a hearing ear dog to follow along and learn the proper behavior and what is expected of it.
Dogs generally behave better in packs of female dogs because that is their normal family structure. First you need to "figure out" what the dog can hear and respond to. I would also suggest adopting an older trained dog to show this one the ropes of life and keep it company. I would also be very careful when the kids play with the dog especially when it is sleeping or resting. Basically you still have great dog it just "speaks" another language. You as the owner need to learn how to speak back.

Yes, I think I would ask for some of the money back. Otherwise, by not telling you in the first place, she has committed fraud. She should have not asked for the full price on the dog either due to the deafness. I am sure she did not get full price for the runt of the litter. MMM wonder if they cochlear implants on animals too??

Anyway. I am sure you and your dog will do just fine.

It would not hurt to ask for a partial refund, but I don't know if it is worth a big hassle. If you ask and she agrees, fine. If she wants to argue, I would let it go. If you decide you don't want the puppy, that is a different story. But, you can have a very happy, loved puppy who has hearing problems.

Good luck!

I would ask her for at least half of your money back. She should have disclosed this in writing to you, if she refuses to give you any back take her to small claims court, I know boxers are not cheap, so you should get some compensation. Make sure you take her to the vet first so you have a leg to stand on.

C., i agree with your husband, I would demand most of my money b/c she mislead you. She should u have told you about the dogs "lack of hearing" and b/c she is a breeder I would report her. Licensed breeders have rules and regulations to follow and sounds like she isn't. We purchased a Rott about 4 yrs ago and she already administered the first set of shots. But the dog you guys have, the breeder knows she wouldn't have been able to sell her or would have had to sell her very cheap..But wish you well...

The breeders actions were unethical, but your family and the dog seem to be a good fit so let it go. Let it go that is right after you report the breeder to the better business bureau, and also report the breeder to the local chamber of commerce where the breeder is located. Also if this breeder is on a web site, you may be able to post comments regarding this incident. The breeder should refund at least some of your money but probably won't. Look at it this way, what would have become of this loveable animal if you hadn't ended up buying it? Good luck and God bless you and your family.

The dog is part of the family now. I recommend you move on and continue to love it. You can certainly ask for a partial refund but if you get anything other than a yes from the breeder move on. Don't waste energy on it. Per your message you have a great addition to your family and spending time on this trying to collect will just focus you on something negative. Congrats on a wonderful pet! I would imagine that another owner might not have taken it and seen it's value so there is a reason this happened I am certain!

Any reperatable breeder would have done their research and known that these issues can come up. That information should be given up front. White boxers also have the tendency to have skin issues as well as sensitive eyes and can also have more severe allergy problems. Not to drop it all in your lap because they need love to and being deaf or hard of hearing is not painful. Sounds like the dog is very lucky to have you. I manage an animal hospital and these these issues all the time. Breeders need to make amends for such. We get dogs all the time who breeders told buyers that they claimed to have been wormed 3-4x and come in ate up with worms.

I think a partial reimbursement in perfectly in order, however, more importantly I see this as a golden opportunity to teach your precious children about the hearing impaired, and other disabilaties and the unlimited potential of these wonderful pets and people. Many well known trainers use hand signal only !. Best of luck.

Well, I am a dog breeder but not of boxers. My question would be did you sign a bill of sale or contract stating what your breeder covered as far as refunds or discounts diseases or disabilities? It is common in white boxers for them to go deaf and I would think if she was an honest breeder she would have told you that or if she failed to do so offer some of your money back. I don't know if this will help or not. Good luck.

Keep the dog and give her the best care ever. Forget the breeder - she obviously did not care enough about the dog to tell you about her handicap. She's not going to care enough to give you money back. Consider the puppy and her handicap a blessing ~ she requires unconditional love, care and attention, and hopefully your family is the family to give that to her! Congrats on the new puppy. We have a Boxer and she is like one of the family :)

Absoulutely you should request some compensation! That is like buying a damaged good from a store. You may have chosen not to purchase the item had you known it was damaged. The biggest problem you will face is in training your puppy. She may not respond to your commands because she is hard of hearing. I highly recommend that you find a dog trainer that can teach her commands in signs to overcome this problem (I have a normal hearing dog who was taught visual commands).
Back to your question - your breeder should compensate you or take the dog back. No question about it.

Good luck!

i have a female boxer and i absolutly love her! she has partial hearing also and i had a hard time with her until i got a book at pets mart. its a boxer training book and it has a whole section about training deaf boxers. if you have time and patients i would def recommend getting it. it was well worth it and she is so good now it just took a little tlc. if you have ne questions just let me know

My sister had the same situation happen to her and their white female boxer. They consulted the Vet and he said the best thing you could do for her is to keep her and get another boxer from the same family. So the breeder gave them another boxer and the male boxer has become the female boxers "ears" . They are so good together and it has been the best thing they could have done for the deaf boxer. They always keep each other company. I hope this helps.

Just because a dog is deaf doesnt mean that she will not be a good dog. If your child is deaf, are you going to send her back where she comes from? What is important is that you find way to adapt from that and learn to communicate in other ways. Many people, even deaf people, have learn to communciate with their dogs whom are deaf too. They function just the same as other dogs except they cannot hear.

You can develop some kind of vibration that she can feel when you are calling her. Like bouncing a ball on the floor to tell her that you want to play. Or give her a toy that vibrate so she can tell the different in sounds. Also, teach her some because signs or gesture, it does not need to be perfect sign language, just home signs.

Just some ideas.

Hi C.,

It's very hard to find a trustworthy breeder. Is she a member of a breeder's association? If so, you should report her. Your husband's right; you should definitely ask for some compensation from her.

Boxers are the BEST dogs in the world, especially with kids, until they start aging, as any dog they can get a bit grouchy, but they're so sweet tempered. I think white or albino dogs of any breed are prone to issues such as being deaf and/or blind; at least that's what I've read and been told about purebred dogs.....unfortunately you may not have read up on the breed when you picked your puppy and the breeder may have assumed you would know that, sorry. Unless you were planning on "showing" the dog in competition you were just looking for a pet, right? And I'm sure you're already attached to your puppy as a pet and put in money, time, effort and love and couldn't think of giving it away right? Pets are like kids, some have "issues" from birth others don't; doesn't make you love them any less or make them have less value, it just makes them unique. I hope my perspective might help. Best Wishes with your new family member.

C., It seems to me that I've seen something similar to this situation on one of those court tv shows, & I might be wrong, but I'm almost certain that the seller HAS to disclose that kind of information, or you can get your $ back. You could call one of those free first consultation attornies & ask. Maybe animal control would know as well. I hope you get some answers! S.

I would definitely ask for some of your money back. White boxers are usually either deaf or blind and I have heard some breeders destroy them when they are born :-( My brother had one and I think the dog had some kind of skin problems also. His white boxer was also a lot more aggressive than his other boxer.

A lot of pure white dogs that aren't supposed to be pure white are deaf. I'm sure the breeder didn't tell you since I'm sure you would have remembered. A good breeder would have told you or not even sold the pup at all. Start talking to your vet now about what other potential health problems she will have. Sometimes a dog like that is considered "defective" because other health issues will be in it's future. Good luck!

I have two opinions on this issue---If I were in the same position, I would be livid! Either the breeder purposely didn't mention the puppy's hearing problem, or with a large litter, maybe she actually forgot she didn't tell you, but told another. Either way, you're talking money here. That's always a big issue.

On the other hand, having worked in rescue for a number of years, and quite a bit with boxers... Did you realize that white boxers have a high tendency towards deafness? It's a well known fact that is in almost all research you find on boxers. It's not a trait a reputable breeder would want passed down. White boxers should be sold with a spay/neuter contract. (Actually, I'm a firm believer that all pups should be sold that way. We have too many unwanted dogs as it is.)

You didn't say if she was bought with a spay contract, so I'm assuming she wasn't. Perhaps you can get some of your money back that way? Call the breeder and see what she says. If she won't agree to that, then you'll have to accept the fact that you have a deaf un-breedable pup, or return her and eat the vet costs you've incurred.
Her deafness won't affect the love she gives and receives as a pet. I'm sure it makes no difference to you as a whole either. She can and will adapt to learning signs, etc.

Unfortunately, we have alot of backyard breeders who are uneducated in the breed and just out to make a buck off every litter they can produce. They don't care one bit about the breed standard. My other worry would be that the breeder might be hiding something else if she neglected to tell you about the pup's deafness. You might ask to see a copy of the breeding pair's medical records...or lack thereof. If there is no history of regular vet care on the mother (2 to 3 times a year at least), then I would have a hard time purchasing (or keeping) one of her pups.

I wish you all the best. I am a boxer LOVER, and hope it works out for you. If you need a referral to a reputable breeder, I'd be happy to help you out.

It wouldn't hurt to ask her. Any reputable breeder would have given you a pet-marked price for the puppy since she is deaf. I am assuming she isn't a reputable breeder though, since she sold you a deaf puppy without telling you. (FYI, white dogs are usually deaf and some may have vision impairment as well...the more white on their head, the more problems with that sort of thing....in general...not in all breeds though) There are a lot of websites that will be great resources for you. Here are some of them:

www.deafdogs.org
http://www.clickandtreat.com/dfogb5.htm
http://www.deafk9.com/

Best of luck to you and congrats on your new puppy. I have fostered several deaf Great Danes (I volunteer with the Great Dane Rescue of North Texas) and the deafies are wonderful and have such great personalities...some of them you would never even know they were deaf, they look to their people for all their commands or stick with a hearing dog and follow them around. They make awesome pets. As long as you train them to look at you for direction and teach them hand signals, it will be fine. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Take care-
S. C.

I am so sorry for you! It's very common for white dogs to be deaf and she should have informed you as well as dropped the price but since the purchase has already been made I'm not there is too much you can do but I sure would contact her and tell her how you feel and what you would like to see happen (money back). You basically payed full price for a dog with a disability. Not that reflects on how much of a great dog she is and will be but that's not good business at all.
As for her being deaf (hard of hearing) I would suggest that you really work with having her put in a lot of different situations (car rides, parks, other dogs, cats etc...). Dogs that have a hard time hearing can become very spooky since they can not hear something or someone approaching. So a good saturation of socialization would be a great help while she is young. As for teaching her, all dogs are totally capable of learning with sign language and is preferred than yelling at them when they are at a distance. Show her what you want her to do and show her the command at the same time. She'll get it fine. The only thing that I have seen that might be of concern is having small children startle her when she is not aware of their presence by hearing them. You might want to teach you children and others that are around her to make sure that eye contact is made before approaching her (like an older snappy dog that can not hear as well could happen when she grows out of puppy hood). And of course she will not be able to be a very good watch dog because of her hearing loss but should not affect her being a great pet for your family.
C.

I'm a deaf ed teacher, & I have a friend who taught with me. She adopted a deaf dog several years ago, & she taught the dog sign language...well, some commands. So it's possible.

Legacy Boxer Rescue on-line has great info on white boxers. Approx 25% are deaf. I have a white male and he is one of the lucky ones that can hear. When we were getting 'approved' the home study was completed with a deaf white female. She was more attentive and alert than ANY dog because she had to be to make sure she didn't miss anything. They can be well trained with hand signals and children need to be taught how to approach so as not to startle the dog. Having a hearing boxer helps as well as they will use that dog to alert them to things. Good luck. I agree the breeder should have told you about the risks but those wanting to adopt any dog need to thouroughly research the breed, etc. I don't think it's worth it to bicker over the money. Just enjoy the little one because they are awesome.

i had a 1/2 boxer mix but he was white also and had a small hearing problem i was told by the vet white boxers have more health isues. i kept him till he bit my niece. he was a sweet thing. and if i didnt see the bite i would have said she bit herself first. she was ok after 8 stitches. but i had the dog put down. the vet said he probly bit because of the sound he hurd or "did't hear". she was singing and playing on the swingset. befor that he slept at the foot of the kids bed waiting for them to get up from a nap to play. i think you need talk with the vet see what u need to do to prevent him from being started and such. as far as the money back its something u can try maybe she will pay for the vist to the vet for his advise. but we think as mothers once love is involed e wouldnt give a kid back because it didnt hear. lol! my kids can hear its if they choose to listen to what they hear. lol! take care

I think it would be fair to ask for some money back - at least half of it! If she had been honest and repeatedly made sure you knew the puppy was deaf, then maybe not getting half off would be fine, but it seems like the breeder purposefully lied and should refund half of it. It is going to make a big difference in the dog that she hard of hearing (my daughter is too!). Anyway, you are definitely right in asking to get some money back.

I believe she owes you some money back because she did not disclose the information. Seems like she "conveniently" forgot to mention that little detail which is a BIG detail.

It sounds like the puppy has found a very loving home. GOod luck with her.

Susan

If you love the puppy and want her, then that's what really matters. But on the other hand, it's the principle of the thing. I would tell her to give me a partial refund or I would file a complaint or sue her! She should have made sure to tell you before charging you full price.

Hi C.!
I used to breed dogs, and honesty from the breeder is essential. I once gave away a pup I really wasn't sure was going to make it...he was weak, his eyes were not fully open at 8 weeks, etc. so in good conscience, I couldn't accept money for him. Come to find out sometime later, that he did really well and developed into a very healthy dog. Anyway, in your case, without getting some kind of guarantee in writing, you don't have much of a leg to stand on unfortunately. You can request a certain percentage of your money back, and if the breeder refuses to comply, your only recourse is to report them publicly to discourage people from using this Breeder. This is easy to do if the Breeder is registered AKC...you can just go directly to ATC and report her business practices. Ideally, with any breeder, getting guarantees in writing from the breeder is good, but more importantly, go by reputation. Just because they guarantee doesn't mean they'll honor it. Do research on a Breeder before buying in the future, and ask around. As for now, you may not get anywhere with this Breeder, but it can't hurt to ask. Most reputable breeders will refund your money and take the pup back, but if you choose to keep the pup, a partial refund sounds fair.

Maybe you could contact her in writing, and inform her how you felt she was unfair, and basically broke a law by not informing you of an important detail. Let her know that you love the dog, want to keep her, but feel it VERY unfair she charged you full price for a pup, instead of being honest. Also inform her that recommending her to others is not something you'll be doing, as you can not trust her to treat people you know properly.

Maybe that'll make a difference... if not, it depends on how far you and your hubby want to take it, but I would DEFFINATELY spread the word about her being dishonest no matter the outcome.

If she doesn't give you back any money, maybe you could write an article in the paper - just for your point to be proven.

Hi Chelsea! Yes you should absolutely ask for a portion of the money back. And the reason why is because if a breeder will do that (unscrupulous) to you she will do it to someone else. Sometimes our silence makes us part of the problem. I am an animal rescuer and have seen this type of behavior many times. I would be very kind about it and how you approuch her but you did not get what you were told you were getting nor expecting and that is not fair to you and misleading on her part. NO reputable breeder or rescuer would do that. Money is not the issue, honesty is! However it does sound to me as though your new puppy got a very good family and that is a new chance on life! May GOD Bless you for all you are doing for her!
Petuniapigsmommy

White boxers are almost always deaf AND get sunburnt--so make sure you don't leave it in the sun or use sunscreen. If they have the pink/very light eyes--those can get burnt to.
There's lots of info online--just google. Good luck! Even though deaf I'm sure he/she will make a wonderful pet--boxers truly are the best! They often do really well with another dog (male/female mix is the best, do not get 2 females they often fight), and then the other dog can help the deaf dog.

Did you get any kind of puppy guarantee from the breeder? I would definately try to get some of my money back if not all of it. She could not have adopted that puppy out if she would have been truthful You could probably report her to AKC if she is a registered member with them. It will not get your money back but, it might help the next person who chooses to get a puppy from her. She should have alresdy given the dog its first set of shots too. Good luck!

The dog breeder should honor her apology and give you at least half or the full price you paid for your dog. See if she's willing to work somthing out, after all she knew the dog was deaf. And you can see this as an opportunity to learn sign language for your dog and family. let me know how it goes.

Contact your local boxer rescue group. They could probably direct you to someone who could help you train her since she's hard of hearing. I have a dalmation who is hard of hearing and hard headed (common trait) and she benefitted enormously from training. Bark Busters is supposed to do a great job, but they're a little $$. Maybe ask the breeder to pay for the training since she "thought" she told you? Your local humane society may have some trainer names or Petsmart does a pretty good job. Everyone will be so much happier if she gets some training.

My first question to you is, if you had known the puppy was deaf up front would you still have purchased her? I doubt if I would have...this puppy will need special training in order for you and your family to communicate with her. Professional breeder's provide a purchase contract with their puppies, was there one with this dog. If not, I suggest 2 options. 1) If your planning on keeping the puppy and invest in the extra "time and training" that would be required for a deaf puppy then I would advise the breeder that you love the dog and that your family has bonded with her. However, since you were not told up front she had a hearing problem and will require special training that it is only fair that you receive half of your money back....your purchase was for a happy, healthy puppy and that is not what you received. 2) Really search your heart, is this puppy a right fit for your family. Her special needs will require time, patience, training and money to get her to fully develop to the best of her potential. If you decide its not the right fit, then contact the breeder and tell her that with the special needs of this puppy its not a good fit for your family and request you return the puppy and get a full refund.

That was unethical by the breeder, but don't be surprised if you don't get any of your money back. I was in the same situation many years ago with a miniature pincher that was sold to me as a registerable dog. After I found out that the breeder did not have that ability, I inquired about it only to be told that they would gladly refund my money if I gave the dog back. By the time all this had transpired we were very attached and there was no way I was going to give him back to be put to sleep. I don't know what market you live in but it might be but you might contact a local investigative reporter. Sorry I am not much help but good luck in your quest.