An Excellent Breeder! Linda Wendel
I hope this helps someone. I know it's pretty scary ordering a puppy on line, but I WOULD TRUST LINDA WENDEL. Sandi Brown |
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| Hmmm... She and her puppies have been the subject of several threads here: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=36821&p=496961&hilit=linda+wendel#p496961 viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20292&hilit=linda+wendel |
| Yeah, when I searched, the two threads that Nita pointed out came up... Doesn't exactly scream trustworthy breeder to me. |
| I think it must be hard for breeders as most try there best & they get some bad press from owners so I would not put out alarm bells |
| I would just like to say that my wonderful, sweet Wendel came from Linda Wendel. Originally, he was purchased by my breeder to be used in her program, however, Wendel ended up with a testicular malformation that caused him to not be a suitable breeding dog. However, a neuter corrected this issue. My Wendel recently passed away nearly a month ago owing to liver cancer. Liver cancer is a crap shoot and effects middle aged dogs in every breed and is not due to bad breeding. I am not interested in falling into a 'this breeder' 'that breeder' discussion. The only thing I will say is that Wendel was a dog who was very special and the most amazing personality I ever knew. In his eyes, there was NO ONE other than me that he loved so much. When I'd take him anywhere, he was showered with affection, attention, and he loved every second of it. But he loved nothing so much as being snuggled into my arms. I wouldn't change a single day that I had with Wendel, even the last few seconds I felt his warm breath on my arms as he passed away into them. If there really is justice in this world, Wendel will be reincarnated and I can love him longer than the short time I had him. As far as I'm concerned (and I cannot be dissuaded from this) if it wasn't for Linda Wendel, my heart NEVER would have known what true love and devotion really is.  |
| I just spoke to Linda W. Just three weeks ago about a pup she had. After 40 minutes on the phone, I decided she was not the breeder for me. Two many strange and unanswered questions. |
| Out of interest-what were the "strange and unanswered questions"? Am being nosey but it could be helpful for the novice pup owner to ask them.x |
| I think this is an interesting discussion. We got our Wendell from Linda W. I found her to be friendly, thorough, and easy to work with. She followed up with us several times after we brought our puppy home and we were planning to talk with her again this coming year about adding another puppy to our home. We haven't had any serious health issues, but our Wendell is only about a year old (next week!). We were concerned to have found her online, but I liked her better than some of the other breeders within driving distance of my location. A few breeders I had a hard time making contact with and a couple others were charging exorbitant "extra fees" for blue eyes (which I understand is a breed standard?). Before we brought our puppy home she asked us lots of questions about ourselves and I think I probably spent several 1/2 hour long phone conversations with her. I will be interested to see what else is said here and whether I should be looking for another breeder for the little girl we'd like to bring home next summer. |
akbuffington wrote: We were concerned to have found her online, but I liked her better than some of the other breeders within driving distance of my location. I have no comment either way on this breeder, just responding to this. In this day and age, what ISN'T online? I'd be more concerned about a breeder who had no online presence. |
akbuffington wrote: A few breeders I had a hard time making contact with and a couple others were charging exorbitant "extra fees" for blue eyes (which I understand is a breed standard?). No. OES eyes MAY be blue. But it's not required, nor particularly desirable, except among under-educated puppy buyers, which is how less scrupulous breeders get away with charging more for puppies with blue eyes. According to the American breed standard (see http://www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamer ... andard.php) : Eyes: Brown, blue or one of each. If brown, very dark is preferred. If blue, a pearl, china or wall-eye is considered typical. An amber or yellow eye is most objectionable. One thing to note is that blue eyed dogs tend to have a higher risk of deafness. This is because deafness in the breed is tied to a lack of pigment in an important area of the ear. Blue eyes lack pigment. White also lacks pigment. The more white on the dog, the higher the risk of deafness (also). Though in the end the only way to know for sure is to BAER test, especially since many dogs may be unilaterally deaf, which is harder to detect just by observing the dog. The most important thing for any breeder to talk about regardless of where you found them is the health testing behind the puppies. In the US (again), these are the main health issues which breeders tend to test the puppies parents for (before they breed them, ideally  ): Hip dysplasia (some also screen for elbow dysplasia while they're at it) Eye diseases (PRA and juvenile cataracts, especially) Autoimmune Thyroiditis (a major problem in the breed) Hearing/Deafness (see above) Cardiac problems In addition, some test for: the MDR1 mutation (MDR1 stands for multi-drug sensitivites, dogs that carry this mutation tend to not tolerate certain drugs) Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) and, much more recently (the genetic test has only been available for a little over a month) Cerebellar Degeneration (formerly referred to cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar abiotrophy) Puppies can also be tested for deafness when they are very young. Breeders ideally test the entire litter before puppies go anywhere. Some breeders also do preliminary eye and heart checks on litters to catch early onset/certain congenital issues. For a list of health concerns that affect the Old English Sheepdog and has some form of test which breeders can use to screen for these issues (sans PCD, which has yet to be added) see http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=SD I'd be more concerned with how well versed a breeder is on what health testing they've done than how you located them. Most BYBs will reveal themselves when you start talking health testing ("oh, my dogs are all healthy, I don't have to test" to "oh, sure, they're tested", but then they can't produce documentation to "my vet says they're wonderfully healthy!" - a lot of this testing cannot be done by a regular vet) Just some things to keep in mind. Kristine |
 Once again, good post Kristine. It clearly shows how breeders differ.....those who want to produce healthy pups that are a credit to the gene pool and those who want to produce apparently healthy puppies. |
| A Breed Standard is the guideline which identifies the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed which ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should always be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of the breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations have the potential to adversely affect the health of dogs. Judges and breeders should refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. General Appearance Strong, square-looking dog with great symmetry and overall soundness. Absolutely free from legginess, profusely coated all over. A thick-set muscular, able-bodied dog with a most intelligent expression. The natural outline should not be artificially changed by scissoring or clipping. Characteristics Of great stamina, exhibiting a gently rising topline, and a pear-shaped body when viewed from above. The gait has a typical roll when ambling or walking. Bark has a distinctive toned quality. Temperament A biddable dog of even disposition. Bold, faithful and trustworthy, with no suggestion of nervousness or unprovoked aggression. Head and Skull In proportion to the size of the body. Skull capacious, rather square. Well arched above eyes, stop well defined. Muzzle strong, square and truncated, measuring approximately half of the total head length. Nose large and black. Nostrils wide. Eyes Set well apart. Dark or wall eyes. Two blue eyes acceptable. Light eyes undesirable. Pigmentation on the eye rim is preferred. Ears Small and carried flat to side of head. Mouth Teeth strong, large, and evenly placed. Scissor bite – jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Pincer tolerated but undesirable. Neck Fairly long, strong, arched gracefully. Forequarters Forelegs perfectly straight, with plenty of bone, holding body well from ground. Elbows fitting close to brisket. Shoulders should be well laid back, being narrower at the point of withers than at the point of shoulder. Loaded shoulders undesirable. Dog standing lower at withers than loin. Body Rather short, and compact, with well sprung ribs, and deep capacious brisket. Hindquarters Loin very sturdy, broad and gently arched, quarters well covered round and muscular, the second thigh is long and well developed, the stifle well turned but not exaggerated, and the hocks set low. When viewed from behind, the rear pasterns should be parallel, with the feet turning neither in nor out. Feet Small, round and tight, toes well arched, pads thick and hard. Tail Previously customarily docked or natural bobtail. Docked: Customarily completely docked. Undocked: Natural carriage. Well feathered with abundant, hard-textured coat. Gait/Movement When walking, exhibits a bear-like roll from the rear. When trotting, shows effortless extension and strong driving rear action, with legs moving straight along line of travel. Very elastic at the gallop. At slow speeds, some dogs may tend to pace. When moving, the head carriage may adopt a naturally lower position. Coat Of good harsh texture, not straight, but shaggy and free from curl. Undercoat of waterproof pile. Head and skull well covered with hair, ears moderately coated, neck well coated, forelegs well coated all round, hindquarters more heavily coated than rest of body. Quality, texture, and profusion to be considered above length & profusion. Colour Any shade of grey, grizzle or blue. Body and hindquarters of solid colour with or without white socks. White patches in the solid area to be discouraged. Head, neck, forequarters and under belly to be white with or without markings. Any shade of brown undesirable. Size Height: dogs: 61 cms (24 ins) and upwards; bitches: 56 cms (22 ins) and upwards. Type and symmetry of greatest importance, and on no account to be sacrificed to size alone. ~~~ Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. |
| I called Linda Windel twice on two different days about a puppy she advertised on PuppyFind and I left messages both times. When she finally called me back she was rude from the first HELLO. All she wanted to talk about was herself and how over qualified she was to breed oes's. The first chance I had to ask about the puppy she started questioning me about MY qualifications to be a pet owner. I've had 2 oes's, each lived to 13 yrs old and were spoiled rotten as they are our children. But then when I asked about the puppy''s parents she got mad and refused to answer. Much like another post I read on here. Not a person I would want to deal with or give any of my money to. Beware - something shady if she gets that irate over questions about puppies or their parents! |
| Bought my OES from Linda 3 years ago, nothing but issues. The dog has been very skittish and anxious from the beginning, has a huge dislike of men, and has nipped without being provoked. Oh and she barks at everything, have had the dog warden visit on more than one occasion. I've been told she behaves as though she was abused in some way. She's been nothing but loved in our home. And today we received the diagnosis of PRA, the pup is only 3 years old and blind!!! I will admit I was quite naive when I entered into this. I didn't know anything about OES and Linda was very convincing. She swore her dogs were all top notch healthy, told me this can be seen by the nose being completely black and to be wary of any discoloration on the nose. She made me believe if I got an OES from anyone else I would be taking a large risk in getting a defective dog. Then she hounded me for a good review on the puppyfind site, I barely even had the dog for a day. Unfortunately I was snowed and gave that good review and now in hindsight I feel awful and wish I could revoke it, but can't figure out how to do it, so I'm writing here. All I can say is buyer beware! |
| I highly endorse Linda Wendel. I was looking for an OES for my wife for our anniversary and I began working with Linda. Our conversations were long and at times wandering and after a few weeks of back-and-forth, I wondered if I would ever get a dog. In the end, what I found is that Linda was particular because she wanted to be sure to deliver exactly what she promised. In our instance, what was delivered was a beautiful male with an ever-so-small herniated belly button and a disposition for laying in his water dish - exactly what Linda described. Often times, breeders and buyers don't get a chance to personally meet. In my case, I lived close enough to drive a few hours to meet Linda and take possession of the dog. Linda and her husband were genuine and warm - simply lovely people. We love our sheepdog! |
| I have a OES I bought from linda three years ago, Bubba is the best OES out of the four over 25 years that I have owned. Linda was great to deal with. I would buy again in a heartbeat from her, in fact I am looking for another male now and I am disappointed that she doesn't have any. |
| Approx. 10 months ago we purchased a male OES puppy from Linda Wendel. I had not read the posts here regarding Linda as a breeder prior to my purchase but probably did so a month afterward & it caused me some concern. When dealing with Linda, I found myself having long conversations with her about the breed and their standards. I learned Linda can be particular about who she sells her puppies to which is why some people might be turned off by her attitude & numerous questions. In addition to breeding only OES puppies, she informed me she works as a Veterinary Tech and assists during surgeries for a local veterinarian with whom she has been a long term employee. When Linda began breeding OES, she also showed them but no longer does so. My husband & I were concerned about purchasing a puppy from out of state based on a photo from a breeder we had no prior dealings with. We had been fortunate to have been able to purchase our 3 prior sheepdogs locally. However, Linda was true to her word. She made all of the airline arrangements & the puppy arrived safely & on time. Linda called us a couple times afterwards to make sure everything was working out which it was. At 10 months old, Wilby is the sweetest, and most importantly, the friendliest OES we have ever owned. He loves everyone, including strangers. She had told me Wilby's father was a big old teddy bear & now I've got a young adorable teddy bear. Needless to say, I would definitely purchase another puppy from Linda. However, I would urge anyone interested in purchasing an OES to first research the breed, be willing to obedience train the puppy & to carry health insurance on them. The OES breed can easily grow to 100 lbs. & they are very strong physically & can have a headstrong personality. They often exhibit herding traits by nipping, trying to herd you when you walk them & by chasing cars which are just oversized sheep to them. By obedience training your puppy, you ensure that you will be able to control them inside & outside of your home and prevent them from developing an unruly, domineering personality. The OES is a wonderful, fun loving breed who will keep you laughing non-stop as long as they have been taught to be obedient. Most are born with an obedient personality but not all. Also, please purchase some type of health insurance for your OES. This breed is not immune from health problems including cancer. I lost my first OES to kidney failure & the 2nd & 3rd to liver cancer. Fortunately, if diagnosed early, cancer can be treated in your dog as long as you can financially afford it or you have health insurance on them. They tolerate chemotherapy better than humans. All purebred dog breeds are increasingly diagnosed with different types of cancer. It is thought cancer is on the uprise because the purebred gene pool is shrinking and cell mutations are accumulating. Mutts have much lower cancer rates because their gene pool is not limited. Health problems are not necessarily the breeder's fault unless she continues breeding with the knowledge that there is a hereditary disease running in the genes. I can tell you this from personal experience. We had an accidental mating between our AKC registered male & female OES' who were from different breeders. Of the four puppies, we kept a male. By the time our male puppy reached 8 yrs. old, he had been diagnosed with diabetes & needed insulin injections twice a day. By the time he was 9 1/2, his health had deteriorated to such a degree because of the difficulty we had controlling his diabetes that we had to euthanize him. The sad part for us was that his three siblings were alive with no health problems. They are still alive & well at age 11 and our beloved Toby has been gone for a year & a half. There is always the possibility that one puppy in the litter will have inherited some bad genes but a breeder will not know that. So buy health insurance if you love your OES. Be prepared for diseases that often develop when they are older. You will be glad that you did. |
| Sorry to read about Toby's diabetes. It's a tough disease. |
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