LoFranco Kennels review: kuvasz dogs 4

In ‘97 I purchased a kuvasz dog from lofranco kennels in canada. We didn't visit the kennel and the puppy was flown to me in dc. The puppy was ill early on; vomiting/diarrhea. Tests run by my vet concluded the dog had addison's; a genetic disorder. I immediately contacted darla lofranco who suggested we ship the puppy back and she would replace it. (this process is known as ‘culling' in dog breeding.)

Knowing the puppy would be put down, we declined. Lofranco then went on to suggest that addison's was environmentally caused. She claimed no negligence whatsoever, despite my vet supplying her with bloodwork data.

Lofranco is one of the oldest kuvasz breeeders in north america and her bloodlines run through many kuvasz in the usa. Their claim to fame was the kuvasz, deliah in disney's "homeward bound 2". My dog shared the same parents.

Ironically, this was my second kuvasz; my first had cushing's (also a genetic disorder) and her bloodlines traced back to lofranco kennels also.

Lofranco is no stranger to controversy and unethical breeding practices having been sued before by other owners of sick dogs. My kuvasz from her led a life riddled with medical problems endemic to addison's.in her life, she racked up $35k in vet bills which was a lot in the 90's. But the vet bills were nothing compared to watching my kuvasz suffer.

Here's the issue. I will never buy another pedigree ever and of course this dog has long passed. But lofranco continues to breed. She also has set about writing a smear campaign on social media against anyone who questions her ethics.

Lofranco kennels defends their practices by saying all clients have signed a disclaimer upon receipt of dogs. True but the disclaimer covers ofa clearances not genetic inbreeding. Small gene pools of rare breeds leads to limited dna. She further protects herself legally by employing her own vet who only works for lofranco and signs off on the bill of sale.

Don't look for the kuvasz club of america to protect you, they protect their own and it's not always about healthy dogs.

So to lofranco, if you should read this your attacks on social media border on slander of myself and other owners of your dog's I still have my dog's records. I would be more than happy to provide them as documentation of what the ravages of addison's can do to a canine. It still haunts me, heartbreaking.