Fred N

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Verified Reviewer

Cautionary Tale

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I purchased a male Rottie from this breeder 4 1/2 years ago. He was a beautiful dog with some serious genetic health problems that finally took his sweet life. He came to me with osteosarcoma, diabetes and entropian. I watched this brave puppy suffer in spite of the best veterinary care I could find. He died of a combination of causes with his head in my wifes lap. We paid $3000 for him and an untold amount on veterinary care. P
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Cons:
  • Genetic disqualification

Preferred solution: The AKC to stop registering her dogs

User's recommendation: Keep looking. This woman is not to be trusted.

Anonymous
map-marker Ocean View, Delaware

Kai is 10 yrs 1 month old looks & acts like he's 5.

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Our only negative is that we never received AKC papers for Kai. We believe that Kai is the most perfect Rottweiler who has ever lived. Azzo is his father. My regret is that we did not freeze his sperm.
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1 comment
Yvetta Tgs

Azzo was born in 2007 so your pups heritage is completely up in the air. Of which I'm not surprised

Anonymous
map-marker New Castle, Delaware

Any other Kennel but

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Bought a 6 month old full tail import lines. Paid 3500 for. At that stage slinky stage couldnt really tell. But i sware she was mixed with a coondog. The neighbors near them had black and tans and I think one got to this female or whatever and this rottie was always very skinny smallest head ever. Howled. Nothing like a rottie at all. I bred for many years and this place was a total joke and dogs are not titling and showing and doing all this. She just breeds. It's sad. I took the dog back and have her back..maybe once in a while someone might have half a good experience no way could be
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Anonymous

BEWARE

Muzzle was left on my dog that suffocated and died.
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Pros:
  • Disgusting
Rayquan Xfg

Terrible experience

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Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Terrible experience

We bought a wonderful pup from Linda. But at the age of 8 months she was diagnosed with “the worse hip dysphasia I have ever seen in a pup” , the words from the surgeon.

It took over two years to get any papers on the pup. Linda had us initial several areas on the contract and in the contract it said if we didn’t get the AKC papers within a certain time we would get money back. We called her several times but she would not call back. We ended up taking her to court and the judge said she was to pay us a small amount each month and in one year we all were supposed to go back to court.

She signed papers agreeing to this but NEVER paid us a dime. After a year my husband and myself went back to court and Linda never showed up so the judge awarded us the maximum amount because she never paid us a dime after signing papers saying she would and never showed up to court.

After a few years our beautiful dog started having seizures.

We spent thousands on her trying to get to the bottom of it and she was on so many medications. Unfortunately we had to put her down at the age of 9.

I would never recommend doing any business with Big Dog Kennel and Linda

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2 comments
Jamia Soc

We got Max from Linda and after receiving him in Washington State we have never been able to contact her again! This has been since 2016!

We just found out yesterday he will need surgery on both shoulders due to severe bone spurs and loss of cartilage! THE sweetest dog!

Linda also has never sent the AKC paperwork! I wouldn't ever give up Max but that woman has no business breeding these wonderful animals!!!!

Guest

Sorry to hear about the loss of you're dog. Seems to me, these big kennels care less about the animal's health, and the heart ache they put the new owner through.

They need to be shut down. Sorry again.

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Rayquan Xfg
map-marker California, Maryland

Response to a post about Kia

Well, you were lucky you had no problems with Linda. Our dog was a wonderful dog.

I put in the time to train her. We were just about to start therapy dog training when she started having seizures.

She has been sued a few times. We sued her because she owed us money back because she didn’t owned up to the contract she had us initial and sign. After 2 years we still didn’t get AKC papers.

You should walk out with paperwork in hand the day you buy your dog.

The judge awarded us payment from Linda but she has never paid.

She is actually trying to change the breed standards by breeding larger dogs.

I won’t deny our dog was the best rottie we ever had but she had many, many health issues and Linda was the worst to deal with. After she got her money you could not reach her.

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Anonymous
map-marker Chelan, Washington

Thor my rottie.

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I bought Thor back in 2008. It’s been very interesting reading these reviews. I’ve been thinking about another rottie pup. We never got papers on Thor. Didn’t need them. We were not going to show or breed. I loved that dog. One of the best I’ve ever had but he died unexpectedly at 6 years old. Interesting. I paid 3500.00 for that dog. She tried to get more by saying there was a mix up. Didn’t work. But I paid ALOT. I still loved that dog.
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Soo Sez

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Glen Allen, Virginia

Excellent Experience @ BDK b/c we chose our perfect dog wisely, trained him extensively & have loved him unconditionally & Kai is best dog in world

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Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Excellent Experience @ BDK b/c we chose our perfect dog...
Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Excellent Experience @ BDK b/c we chose our perfect... - Image 2
Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Excellent Experience @ BDK b/c we chose our perfect... - Image 3

Excellent Experience @ BDK b/c we chose our perfect dog wisely, trained him extensively & have loved him unconditionally & Kai is best dog in world. Kai flies on airplanes in coach.

Kai is my wife's trained Mobility Service Dog. Melanie has had MS for 7 yrs. We looked at 5 different Rottie litters & hated the dogs w/ the smushed faces. Kai was a Service Dog in classroom with Elementary age children for 4 yrs.

At age 7.5 my wife is retired from teaching but Kai still provides mobility support helping Melanie walk, etc. BDK had 23 puppies. We quickly looked at best 3 male pups. We tested the pups for 5 hrs to find the dog best suited for 2 years of Service Dog training.

We spent $24,000 training Kai. Money well spent. Most people have no business owning a Rottweiler. Kai is incredibly socialized.

He is examined & prodded by TSA agents checking for bombs, etc. everytime goes thru airport security. Never an issue. He swims everywhere.

We're in Costa Rica the next 3 months. He's good w/other dogs, kids, adults. He is highly protective of our property and his parents. We've owned many dogs.

The picture on the site of dog that someone is pissed with looks like Kai's brother. Loved up, cared for & constant attention & trained properly & all of these dogs can be exceptional. Kai can also determine bad people instantly & they do not bother us. He gives them his "I don't trust you look" & they move.

We have been to Urban Hospitals all over U.S. seeking care for my sick wife. We didn't take him w/ us to the inauguration b/c I didn't trust Democrat protesters & Antifa protesters threatened to beat us up while I was pushing Melanie's wheelchair. If Kai would have been with us, he & I together may have caused National News but all the murderous threats those filthy Antifa *** said to me & my disabled wife would never have happened had Kai been with us.

He parts the sea period. You confront us & he makes you back off. We love Rottweilers. We love Rottweilers that don't have smushed in faces.

We love Giant Rottweilers that run like the wind, have great hips, bones, muscles, etc. Kai is 7 1/2 and he ran on the beach & swam in the ocean today in Costa Rica like he was 6 months old. Now we love him like he is our 3rd son. BDK is far from perfect.

We never perseverated on AKC. We wanted super healthy, smart dog that lives to do work to help my wife. Kai is perfect for his job. My only regret is that we didn't freeze Kai's semen.

And we fear that we will never be able to find another dog as perfect as he is. He played today with a 14 week old Lab puppy & a 12 yr old Lab. I've talked to several people upset with their dogs. Kai started training 16 weeks.

Every month for the next 2 yrs Kai lived w/ us 2 weeks then lived w/trainer for 2 weeks. Our trainer also trained dogs for Drug sniffing dogs for DEA & bomb sniffing dogs for TSA. Training was intense, challenging & tough. He hasn't been trained for 5 1/2 yrs.

He hasn't flown in plane for 3 1/2 yrs d/t my wife's declining health. We flew to Costa Rica 3 days ago. He was perfect. United sucked but Kai was perfect.

Because United had broken plane @ gate + snow & ice our 4 1/2 non stop flight turned into a 14 hr nightmare. Boarding - Deplaning - Waiting 3 hrs for Plane to be fixed - Re boarding - 1 1/2 hr waiting for De Icing - Waiting additional 1 hr for takeoff. No place in inside Newark Security for Pet Relief, Kai was forced to hold his bladder for 14 hrs. He did an amazing job.

Flight attendants said he was the best behaved living creature on the flight. When I ask other Breeders if they have a Rottweilers that look & act like Kai, they generally respond that they've never had a single dog that has worked daily in an Elementary classroom & traveled in plane w/ over 30 flights w/ not one issue. When it's time to get another Rottweiler we will likely see Linda first. I want to meet Father & Mother & test all the pups.

We have our big dogs for 10-15 yrs. We select the pup that we know will be perfect for us. Then we make ourselves accountability to invest in the education & parenting of that dog that he understands that Melanie & I are ALPHA. Kai is huge but he has never questioned a single command that we've given him in 7 1/2 years.

Sorry for bragging about Kai but when I read all the complaints I can't help but feel that many people have no business ever owning a Rottweiler. Sincerely, ike

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Pros:
  • Love our dogs beauty
  • Loved the quality of the dogs
  • Love our dogs bravery
Cons:
  • Quality of the facilities the dogs were held in
Reason of review:
Good quality
Mylin Pan
map-marker Glen Allen, Virginia

Good dog!!

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Updated by user Dec 28, 2017

I canot locate any other breeders of Rotties nearer than Lynchburg. We got a wonderful dog from Linda Howard, but price and her tactics were terrible.

We will probably have to contact her if we get another Rottie, but will Not pay 1500.00. Negotiate, Linda!

Original review Nov 22, 2017
I bought a beautiful Rottie in July of 2012 from Linda Howard. Paid 1500.00 for him, 500.00 cash and two checks for 500.00 each. Linda said I still owed 500.00 but I did not! A couple she had taking care of dogs while she was in hospital kept the cash and lied to Linda. Never got registration papers. Axel died September 9, 2017, from cancer. My dog was beautiful, smart, very affectionate with me and my grandchildren, and protective of us. I have tried to contact Linda, but have had no luck. She does raise excellent dogs, but 1500.00 each is now beyond my reach, as I am retired and on Social Security, which is much less than 1500.00 per month.
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Loss:
$1500
Pros:
  • Dogs
Cons:
  • Cost of puppy
  • People caring for the dogs
Reason of review:
Problems with payment
Anonymous

Not that bad of a company

I am a big Dog Kennel Dog owner! I know this breeder has a bad Rap but I have to say in her defense that my rottie I purchased in 2006 is still alive and well. He is still as handsome as when I purchased him back then. he has grown with our family and we love him so much! He is a lot older now and moving a lot slower but I keep him in good health with good vatimins and glucosamine for his joints. The one thing I keep reading in the reviews is how much cheaper she is charging for her dogs. I paid $3,500 for my pup but was worth every penny to me and my family!
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Pros:
  • Dogs
  • Dog
Cons:
  • Cost of puppy
Reason of review:
I did get a quality dog and the best family member ever!
Anonymous
map-marker Glen Allen, Virginia

In response to Linda's excuse

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"I do remember the people, my question is why didn't they express their concerns at the time with me ?" Do you know how many times I have messaged you since I purchased my dog from you in 2010? You even blocked me from sending you messages because you ran out of excuses. Your son did not run your business when I purchased my pup, because YOU sold her to us! YOUR name and signature is on all of the paperwork. You are a complete crook! I have been asking you for the past 7 years for my AKC paperwork and you have YET to rectify the situation. I completely understand your health issues, but you have had time in the past 7 years to get my dogs paperwork in and certified. You are honestly leaving my family with no other option than to take this issue to court. I hate to do it, but you have given us no other option.
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Loss:
$1800
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

Featured
Anonymous
map-marker Glen Allen, Virginia

Misrepresented the puppy as a BDK puppy, Never provided AKC papers, Puppy dies at 7 months old from Genetic Defect

Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Misrepresented the puppy as a BDK puppy, Never provided AKC...

On feb 10,2016 I purchased a male from her. She showed me the parents suggesting the size he could be.

I left with her promising to send me his AKC papers. The next day I took him to the vet (as she recommended)  and he was diagnosed with parasites. When I called and told her this, she then informs me that her kennels are clean and that she was selling my puppy for someone else. Linda said let her know what the vet cost and she would reimburse me. Haven't seen a dime.   Soas it turns out  I did not see the parents and I did not purchase a BDK puppy.

That was what I paid for, the reputation of her kennel producing Pure Breed High Quality Rotties. Last month, I had him neutered and he has seen a vet every month for check ups and all his shot. Yesterday I buried my beautiful puppy only 7 months old. the vet said he has only seen this twice in his twenty years, that a well nourished puppy drops dead.

He informed me that it was a heart or brain defect from birth. I purchased my puppy with my heart not my head.

Now I am doing this for Rufus (my rottie) by the way if she gave you the NOTICE-TEN DAY GUARANTEE by her own signature and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act she has 120 days to get you the paperwork or you can return the dog for full refund or receive a 50% refund and keep the dog. (wonder where I fit in my dog ony lasted the 120 days)l I would love to find anyone else interested in a Class Action Lawsuit....Theresa theresamhs1985@***.com

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Loss:
$2300
Reason of review:
She misrepresented the puppy never followed through on the paperwork quaranteed in the contract She lied about anything and everything during the sale of the puppy!!

Preferred solution: I want $750 for not providing AKCD papers on my puppy as per the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and for her to give me what I paid for AKC Rottie!! The thousand

3 comments
Guest

Do your research! Her kennel was shut down in another Va county (possibly Fairfax) years ago for poor conditions/sanitation violations.

There was also a class action lawsuit against Linda Howard for basically not abiding by HER own contract and misrepresenting the breed. One buyer had her Rottie's (purchased from Linda) DNA tested and results showed a mix of Mastiff in the bloodline...Linda advertises breeding the largest Rotties, her company mascot "COURAGIOUS CUZ - FOUNDING STUD OF BDK - THE BIGGEST ROTTWEILER THAT EVER LIVED!" that she still uses many years after his death, reportedly weighed 185+ lbs!...now we know why they were so large! Linda was also withholding AKC papers from those owners. Beware of other breeders who may have a "Linda Rottie" in their family line.

I purchased a Rottie in 2015 from a self-designated breeder in Ruther-Glenn, Va. The pup grew to be extremely high strung and larger than any Rottie I've had; I've owned 6 over the past 19 years. I was able to get his full registration papers that showed he had great-great-great grandparents on both the sire and dam's side from BDK! I couldn't believe it!

Unfortunately he grew too large and aggressive to have around my toddler grandson so I surrendered him to a Rottie rescue. It's unfortunate that some breed for $$$ without consideration for the pups or the owners.

Guest

This did happen to me in 2012 with my Female Rotty as well. I did not get the papers and her hips were OFA certified by her. She had severe hip displasia and when I called she sadi she would offer me a discount on the next puppy?

She needs to be closed down

Guest

I feel sad for you and your pup.

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Dany Abg

Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler Rottweiler Dog Review

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Some of the best rotties I've found. Papers for what family pets and needs no papers. These dogs are the real deal. Will always get my rotties from her. Keep up the good work your dog's are awesome
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Reason of review:
Good quality
Anonymous
map-marker George Town, Cayman Islands

Review in Animal Services category

I paid Linda 1250.00 gor and adult female named gi gi. This was six months ago. I paid for her rabies shot because she was not sure when she was last vaccinated. I paid 250.00 for a titre shot because I live out of the usa this is required. When I call or text her all she says Is I need more money. I told her that I was not sending her a penny more until I get confirmation of my titre shot. Now she is not communicating. She is a *** artist & should be shut down. She talks about having no staff to secretary not doing her job etc. She even says she can fool the vets by switching papers because they are not thourough. I am not losing my money I am contacting the akc with my text messages from her. Don't trust Linda Howard of BDK rottweilers she is an old thief that knows her way around this business.
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Reason of review:
Order processing issue
Anonymous
map-marker Montpelier, Virginia

Big Dog Kennel - Dog Review from Montpelier, Virginia

Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Big Dog Kennel - Dog Review from Montpelier, Virginia
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Big Dog Kennel Virginia Rottweiler - Big Dog Kennel - Dog Review from Montpelier, Virginia - Image 6

Hello...I'm the owner of Big dog kennel

I have been in business raising only full reg AKC Rottweilers since 1999

And am in good standing with AKC, they do an inspection of my kennel, dogs, microchips and DNA yearly

They have no complaints since I started up again

I also have current state and county inspections that comply with all codes, and humane care beyond what's called for, never in 20 yrs getting a citation

I could not have maintained my biz this long by doing what this lady said

I do remember the people, my question is why didn't they express their concerns at the time with me ?

They gave a good report of my dogs quality, and care, which was nice of them:)

Had they looked into it further, they would have found that I registered the two litters, born 4 days apart at 4 weeks old,

I am a little slow filling out online forms ( I have been timed out or put names where numbers belong etc) I'm 71 now, not an excuse, however I mixed up the father of each litter, realized it soon after

I called AKC, they were nice and had me fill out a correction form...

It takes about 15 days to process a correction due to it all being done by snail mail

The original papers were here and I WAS waiting for the new ones

I wish I still knew her name as I would like to try to explain to her that all pups or dogs leave with their papers with no exceptions since I took my biz back from my son Eric in 2012 who ran it for 5 yrs

(I wanted to retire )

In 2010-12 I lost my 22 Ac kennel/farm due to overextending for new kennels and septics I moved to a 1 1/2 Ac place and built 6 kennels and built an 80 ft roofed kennel on a neighbors farm

with my 2 full offices thrown into boxes, it was almost impossible to catch up

I had to have 3 hip operations 2011-12, almost died, went to a nursing home followed by 2 yrs of deep depression ..,

Since then I have kept back pups from my line so all my 15 dogs now are from my own foundation stock with cert OFA hips and elbows since 2004 ( I give a written 5 yr guarantee to replace a pup in the event of joint issues,but have not had to give one for many years )

My dogs, loyal repeat customers, 2/3 of my sales, have helped me live life with joy again

I would like to continue showing people how sweet Rotties can be, as was my goal that built my solid reputation

I'm now am training and certifying a few miniature horses and Rotts to visit the children's hospital and maybe underprivileged urban kids groups

If there is any one out there that wants to talk to me I urge u to contact me so I can try to correct any problems currently

Thank u for reading this message, God offers second chances, why can't people

Yours truly,

Linda Howard

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4 comments
Guest

My husband and I returned a pup that was supposedly "16 weeks" old because the vet said the dog had fear aggression (The vet said the dog was at LEAST 20 weeks old). The one week we had him, he growled and snapped at 2 different people.

We didn't really have a choice being this dog would have been a huge liability. She refused to refund our money and we took her to court in 2007. Here it is 2018 and still have not seen the money we won back in court. This lady is a JOKE!

and rude and unprofessional just as the other comments say. Stay away from this business!

You do not deserve a second chance what so ever! Maybe a second chance to take you back to court for our money!!!!!

Guest

Type your message here

Guest

I wish we had done our research before buying from this lady. When we purchased our rottweiler in May 2016 we were promised papers within 120 days.

It is now May 2017. THE BREEDER MAKES SO MANY EXCUSES!!!

We even threatened with court and she said "go ahead I have nothing and I wont show up". She is incredibly rude and unprofessional.

Guest

Make amends and pay me for the loss of King and remove his photo from your site you have never had my permission to use it.

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Anonymous
map-marker Boston, Massachusetts

Review in Animal Services category from Boston, Massachusetts

I love the new post Linda did. She has had A plethora of complaints since she moved to Hanover. She was kicked out of Verina for dog abuse. She went to Charles city where she was shut down. Then she came to Hanover and runs a horrible business once again. I have numerous other breeders and cops tell me how awful she is and I have had a very very very bad experience with her for which I have recordings and a file on her. She had managed to find away around legitimate in good standing laws which is brilliant on her part. I can't tell my personal story because she would know exactly who I am because the situation was just so heartbreaking and awful. I have never seen a "breeder" like her. She can post fake picture that seem like she is in good standing but the rotti community absolutely hates her. People have to experience things on their own and learn but please please please do your research and do not let her fool you. Her dogs are unstable and she is dishonest in every sense of the word. So many people have tried to get out of breeding contracts with her because they realize their mistake. Please find good reputable breeders. Don't make an emotional choice because a dog is cute in the moment.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service

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