Mi Pao Kennels
reviews and complaints

Minnie, the main lady in charge is very inconsistent. She tells us to email and creates a mail list but then when a new litter arrives, they are accounted for. She contradicts what she says and then argues even when she is wrong

After months and more than a year tough days/road with my Chow named Toby, I finally find time to share my true story and experience with all pet lovers. Be prepared to love and never give up with your dogs despite health or sickness. And for those who consider to get their Chows from the renowned chows' breeder, Mi-Pao's in Waterdown Canada. PLEASE RECONSIDER. Mi-Pao's Chows have a web page: (http://www.mipao.com/).

Our story dated back in 2015 when both my mom and big brother passed away unexpectedly and accidentally. My other brother and I moved back to live with my father to keep him company. While we both need to go to work, my brother thinks a puppy will certainly help to brighten up and motivate everyone. My brother then starts his research on Chows breeder as we used to have a Chows and we particularly enjoy the companionship of this breed. He then comes to a conclusion that Mi-Pao seems to be a reliable and reputable Chows breeder in Ontario so he contacted the owner, Mi-Pao and waited for months to get to our turn. We were told there are 2 categories (e.g. Show & Pet Dog) in terms of the pricing for a Chow and not a surprise to the pet lovers, Show dog despite higher cost are considered with better genes, quality and discipline. We paid for the top show dog at premier price and were told by Minnie, one of the owners at Mi Pao Kennel that all Chows are healthy.

We took our Chow home on Apr 05, 2016, the puppy was doing fine until the 1st episode occurred in Jan 2017. It was from this time onward, our life turns upside down with the seizures/epilepsy attack gets more frequent and out of control. Throughout year 2017 & 2018, we have consulted numerous veterinary, specialists, MRI exam. As the causes of seizures remain unknown, it is categorized as Idiopathic epilepsy.

The shocking news came from our first visit to the neurologist, Drs. Susan Cochrane at The Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre located at 920 Yonge Street in Apr, 2018, we discovered siblings of our puppy from the same Kennel, also diagnosed of epilepsy and happened to seek consultation from Dr. Cochrane. This finding raises concerns from both Dr. Cochrane and ourselves in terms of the honesty, professional knowledge and practices of the breeder. As suggested by Dr. Cochrane, we contacted Minnie shortly to find out causes of seizures and asked them to stop breeding to avoid similar situation. At one point the owner of Mi Pao denied the inherited disorder of the breeds and refused to have further conversation with us. Minnie emphasized all their dogs are sickness free and they will not stop breeding. We also contacted and had a long chat with the owner of the sibling of my dog who visited Dr. Cochrane, her dog had encountered and diagnosed similar genetic seizure issues and fortunately the seizure of her dog is under control. As with our dog, the causes of the seizures seem a lot more complicated which resolution is still in the works. My dog has tried different anticonvulsant drugs and at this point to no avail. Due to the unstable pattern of the epilepsy attacks, to prevent my dog from being alone and hurt himself during the attacks, I have to quit my job to monitor and take care of him. This consequence is truly unexpected and I want to share my lessons learned on this breeder. Do consider to get CHOWS from a Kennel who really cares about their dogs.

I would also like to file a complaint to BBB on Mi Pao Kennel who simply shares NO sympathy and take NO responsibility other than making money from their breeding business. Minnie called us back in May and suggested us to put down our dog. I find it unbelievable from the mouth of a breeder who supposed to love and passionate about their dogs. I also made it VERY CLEAR to Minnie we love our dog very, very much, despite it may still be a long road we will do whatever we can to seek the right medication and put his seizure under control. Putting him down is a NO NO.