Ratliff puppies?

[tehshi]

Hi, I'm new here and I was wondering what the deal was with the Ratliff Tamaskan breeder?
Initially, I had found some things online that said they were affiliated with RPK/fake-Blustag and that they were a puppy mill, but when I called Jonathan Ratliff, that did not seem like the case. I believe that RPK is an awful place with sick animals and disgusting breeding habits based off of all the evidence online. There seems to be little to nothing on Ratliff (except some good reviews about their past chihuahuas).

When I called him on the phone to ask about his puppies, we talked for at least an hour going over the parents and their temperaments, how the puppies are raised and socialized, and even just some fun/silly stories about the personalities of his dogs. He was very friendly, open to any questions I had and gave lengthy and in-depth answers. There was also a small comment about some distaste regarding the "head of the club" and decisions that were made by them (nothing specific was said), which I assumed he was referring to RPK and the fake tamaskan club (since he is the only listed breeder on RPK's website).

I guess I'm just confused on what to think? Does anyone have real life/personal experiences of this breeder? His pups look healthy and adorable, but I do not want to support bad breeding. Thanks for any info!

[Sylvaen]

Ratliff breeds from dogs with failing hip scores (hip dysplasia) and does not conduct eye exams, elbow scoring, DM testing nor DNA profiling... not a puppy mill, but definitely a backyard breeder! Just because puppies are cute, doesn't mean they will be healthy. No matter which breeder you choose, always be sure to get copies of all the relevant health certificates (hip/elbow scores, eye exam, DM test, etc) and DNA profiles before placing a deposit on a puppy!

[y2bo180]

I highly suggest going through a TDR registered breeder and not a breeder like the one you are describing! I purchased a Tamaskan pup from a breeder in North Carolina and had the same experience as you did! I thought the breeder was legit with the information she was giving me until I arrived at her house to pick up the pup and had the worst experience picking up my new puppy. Luckily he grew up to be a handsome man but like Sylvaen said you leave your pup at risk for hip and other medical issues by going through breeders like that! Wish I was in this forum to have all the knowledge I have now on all these breeders but none the less I still love my Jax man!

[HiTenshi16]

Ratliff has been known to lie. They are affiliated with RPK/Blustag, will even trade puppies with them, and that is also why they are listed on the fake club website. RPK/Blustag is the one who runs that "club". You can read more about Ratliff on this site: http://www.tamaskansagainstpuppymills.c ... list/c16bq

[firleymj]

Let me put this in more positive terms.

TDR registered breeders subject themselves to performing a number of mandatory tests for their dogs: much more than many other breeds require. These include but are not limited to hip (and now elbow) scoring, ophthalmological (eye) exams, DNA parentage tests, and more. In addition, many TDR breeders go above and beyond the minimums with their own unique regimens: nDNA, mtDNA, and cDNA testing, extensive placement testing (including aptitude testing), keeping the puppies for weeks longer than the recommended minimum, and/or conducting extensive socialization programs. Each breeder is free to do what they want to do beyond the minima established by the organization.

All TDR breeders love their dogs (sometimes so passionately it's easy to start an almost violent argument over what constitutes the "absolute best practice"), but I can attest that however difficult they can be, it's well worth your while to invest in a pup from a TDR member breeder.

If your potential breeder can't supply independently verifiable documentation of the above, I'd walk away.

Even if you can see independent verification of all these items from your breeder, you're not without risk - any dog carries some risk - no matter what people want to believe, we can't produce perfection - but at least you can rest knowing that what can reasonably be done has been done to make sure you get a healthy pup and the best possible start at a good relationship.

If it's at all possible, visit the breeder before you get in line for a pup - ask for a tour. My breeder actively encouraged (indeed required) participation and I'm ever so glad they did. My dog has been a blessing in my life and I will always be grateful for him.
The important thing is to investigate and be careful.

In the words of a famous quote from the 80s: "Trust, but Verify"

[kryptos1019]

The website tamaskansagainstpuppymills is a fake site. It hasn't been around long and is loaded with malware meant to damage your computer. I got my dog from Ratliff tamaskans and have had zero issues with them. They came with all the certified paperwork that showed all the proper tests that were conducted on the puppies. They are not TDR registered, but they do maintain a standard. They are also willing to do additional tests if you request them. If you live close by they are willing to do visitations so you can see what goes on and how things are done, as well as the living conditions. Obviously, no dog is absolutely perfect, but Ratliff isn't a mill and they do make sure they breed good dogs.

[Booma]

that website is NOT fake - hitenshi made it herself. Just because your dog so far has no issues does not mean they are good breeders.
People have emails where Ratcliff says he will do hip scores etc on his dogs and he hasn't- or he has and the dogs have failed and he's bred them anyway.
Ratcliff also has used a straw buyer to buy a Tamaskan from another breeder who was unable to get the dog back and is not part of his breeding pool.

[Katlin]

The website tamaskansagainstpuppymills is a fake site.

No it's not actually. Although I do agree that John is a very nice guy, he did knowingly breed both foundation bitches, one of which was confirmed to have moderate hip dysplasia. No TDR breeder should do that. I'm sure of at least one of their puppies who has had to have double hip surgery because of his terrible hips.

[Jadzia1313]

I haven't read all the comments, as I'm going into a scent work class and was asked to jump in here. Ratliff is a byb. His first two females were from a puppymill had heath issues, including hips. He kept breeding past when he said he would. Most, if not all, his current dogs are daughters of those two.

I have a Ratliff pup. Kevin was very nice, but that doesn't make his breeding morals good. My first pup selection ended up with a bad overview. He said it was the second litter like that and the dam would be donated, she wasn't. My second pup was shared in videos, but when I picked up my pup, it was a different one. Luckily, I ran into that pup. They mixed up the two coming to my city. Our boys hang out.

So, my pup. A loving and sweet boy. Severe hip dysplasia at 10 months old. I fought for a full refund on my boy. He needed bilateral hip surgeries asap. At 10 months old, my pup had to go through 2 surgeries, 3 months confinement, and a $6,400 Bill I'm still paying for 2 years later. He has 2 metal plates in both hips.

[HiTenshi16]

The website tamaskansagainstpuppymills is a fake site. It hasn't been around long and is loaded with malware meant to damage your computer. I got my dog from Ratliff tamaskans and have had zero issues with them. They came with all the certified paperwork that showed all the proper tests that were conducted on the puppies. They are not TDR registered, but they do maintain a standard. They are also willing to do additional tests if you request them. If you live close by they are willing to do visitations so you can see what goes on and how things are done, as well as the living conditions. Obviously, no dog is absolutely perfect, but Ratliff isn't a mill and they do make sure they breed good dogs.

The Tamaskans Against Puppy Mills website is not at all a fake website and is maintained through Wix.com which ensures that nothing like Malware can be used through it to infect anyone's computer. Googling the website, Google will also inform you if the website is safe or not. It has been around for a couple years now. Did you visit the website yourself and get Malware or was this something you heard from someone? If you read about Ratliff on that site, it will explain why they are unreputable breeders. If your puppy does not end up with any health issues, you are one of the lucky few.