beware
While there are many reputable companies in our industry that uphold high standards and consistently deliver quality products, it’s important to acknowledge that the industry itself remains largely unregulated, which introduces significant risks. Unfortunately, alongside these established companies, there has been an influx of less scrupulous businesses, particularly since the onset of COVID-19. Many of these operations are newer or transient, often presenting a polished online presence but lacking the substance and integrity to back up their claims—leaving customers disappointed, or worse.
It’s crucial to approach online reviews and social media with caution. Google reviews, Instagram likes, and Facebook follows can all be easily manipulated or purchased. Instead, ask for direct references and speak with real clients to verify their experiences. Additionally, it’s not enough for a company to claim years of “experience”—inquire about their actual time in business and request written guarantees of the quality they promise.
Be wary of companies that rely heavily on slick marketing tactics, such as hiring full-time videographers and editors to curate a perfect image. Ask yourself: Why is such meticulous control over their image necessary? Could it be to mask the shortcomings in their offerings?
Let’s start with EL Cheapo since he is the easiest to spot. Y
You must know that breeding, selecting, importing, raising, training, and delivering dogs suited for protection work—especially family protection—is a significant investment in both time and resources. It’s simply not feasible to provide a healthy, well-trained, and reliable protection dog at a low cost without cutting corners. And therein lies the risk.
Well trained, reliable and safe family protection dogs are not for everyone. While many desire them, not everyone is in a position to own one. If the cost is prohibitive, it’s wiser to reconsider, perhaps opting for a more manageable option like a Chihuahua, which, while smaller, will reliably alert you to intruders with its sharp bark.
The reality is, those of us committed to this work spend countless hours—literally hundreds—raising, socializing, and training these dogs to ensure they can perform their duties safely and effectively. Time, as we all know, is money.
Unfortunately, some less scrupulous companies shortcut this process, keeping dogs caged and provoking them to aggression, then showcasing their reactions in carefully edited videos. While these dogs may appear to be doing their job on camera, their mental state is often overlooked.
Now consider: what happens when you bring one of these improperly trained dogs home and, for example, your child accidentally steps on it? The dog has learned that aggression makes the “bother” disappear. It’s a dangerous and deeply irresponsible method of training, one that could have serious consequences for your family.
Let’s talk about “El Lobo”.
Most of our clients are sophisticated enough to see a wolf from miles away and run but can you detect a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Be cautious of companies encouraging you to join their so-called “waiting list.” They are brokers and this tactic is often misleading, as it typically indicates they don’t have any suitable dogs available. In reality, their “waiting list” is more of a trap for uninformed buyers. Once you’re on it, they scramble to find a dog, often knowing little about it beyond what the seller claims.
Many of these companies boast about having longstanding relationships with European breeders, claiming they source only the finest dogs. Let me share some insight: After years of importing dogs from Europe, even we occasionally encounter issues, which is precisely why we now insist on personally assessing each dog before importing and why we established our own breeding program. The idea that Europe is sending their best dogs overseas is outdated—perhaps true 50 years ago, but not today. In fact, the U.S. military, who used to import dogs from Europe all the time has created its own breeding program in San Antonio, Texas, specifically to ensure quality control.
We’ve seen numerous clients purchase dogs direct from Europe based solely on pictures and videos, only to receive a dog that was nothing like what they expected. The truth is, it’s impossible for these brokers to accurately assess or match a dog to your unique needs and lifestyle from afar.
In contrast, we know our dogs intimately. We raise them, care for them daily, feed them, and train them ourselves. Unless these jokers—excuse me, “brokers”—are doing the same, they cannot possibly know the dog well enough to recommend it to you, let alone claim it’s a perfect match.
“Ah, the Allure of Europe and All Things European”
We understand the irresistible charm of sourcing a purebred dog from Europe, where prestigious breeders and iconic bloodlines have flourished for centuries. Europe is often seen as a haven of top-tier genetics, craftsmanship, and heritage, and this allure can be powerful. Whether it’s the appeal of exclusive pedigrees, the romantic notion of a dog raised in the heart of its breed’s origin, or simply the prestige of saying, “My dog comes from Europe,” many are drawn to the prospect. However, with that allure comes significant risks, particularly when purchasing a dog from overseas where they perceive Americans as uneducated on the subject. Here’s why you should approach with caution:
-
Limited Legal Recourse
When buying directly from a European breeder or seller, you are subject to the laws of that country. If a transaction goes wrong, or if you receive a dog that does not meet your expectations, good luck. -
Fraudulent Breeders and Brokers
The demand for European-bred dogs has, unfortunately, attracted fraudsters. While there are many reputable breeders in Europe, there are also those who misrepresent their dogs, falsify pedigrees, DNA test reports and X-rays of the hips and elbows, or even disappear once the payment is made. The slick websites and compelling stories can mask unscrupulous practices, leaving buyers with either no dog at all or a dog that doesn’t meet the promised standards. -
Unseen Health and Behavioral Issues
When you buy a dog overseas, you often don’t have the opportunity to meet the dog in person, assess its temperament, or verify the living conditions of the breeding facility. Without these assurances, you risk purchasing a dog that may have underlying health or behavioral issues, which could lead to significant emotional and financial costs down the road.
In conclusion, consider working with reputable, local breeders or organizations that already have European bloodlines here in the states and can offer both transparency and peace of mind, ensuring your investment leads to a healthy and happy companion that compliments your lifestyle.
Lastly, let’s address the “Big Guy” who claims to be the best and largest provider in the world. According to them, their dogs are miraculous creatures that don’t shed, don’t poop, and can even play the piano or violin—hence the astronomical price tags, sometimes reaching $350,000.
They overcompensate with fancy facilities, polished concrete floors, posters of themselves like tyrants, highly edited photos and videos showing you only what they want you to see and telling you only what you want to hear. They frequently downplay other companies and criticize their videos to make themselves look better. After all, weapons of dictatorship are terror and propaganda.
It’s clear that their pricing and overall strategy is aimed at flattering the egos of certain buyers. The reality is we have worked with several dogs that some of this companies have sold to clients in our area, mostly black German Shepherds, who were chasing and nipping at children on bicycles and scooters. Just because someone claims to be the best it doesn’t mean that they are folks.
If overpaying for a dog makes you feel more important, by all means, go ahead and write that check big boy. Beat your chest, feel proud. But at the end of the day, you’ve been taken advantage of. Do your due diligence, compare options, and save yourself a small fortune. You’ll be better off investing the difference elsewhere—perhaps in a thoughtful gift for your partner.