We responded to ad in the paper for Bull Terrier puppies (NEVER buy from sellers who advertise in newspapers!!!) and later paid Heather Collins of Rather Bull Terriers $1000 for a 6 week old Bull Terrier puppy.
Sadly, our dog had to be put down for SEVERE aggression/RAGE before he was even 6 months old! From 3 months to 6 months, the dog's mental health deteriorated rapidly. He was constantly snarling, lunging and snapping at us. He was volatile and unpredictable, flying into sudden rages without any provocation or warning. At just 5 months old, our dog exhibited the kind of aggression rarely seen in puppies so young: hard eyes, a deep belly growl, stiff body, curled lip. We always tried to avoid a confrontation with the dog, which was probably why we were never bitten ourselves. We called Ms. Collins MULTIPLE times throughout this ordeal and every time she was rude, dismissive, defensive and blamed us for the dog's aggression! She was of ZERO help.
Our dog was diagnosed with anxiety and aggression that was most likely GENETIC. The doctor said our dog had "a few screws loose" and advised us to return him to the breeder. Finally, after I was almost bitten twice in the face, we again called the breeder a final time and asked that she take the dog back. Instead, she told us to send our dog to another family who was "experienced" with Bull Terriers (and who were aware of the troubles we were having with our dog.) Desparate for the possibility of a good life for our dog, we agreed. Unfortunately, the dog soon went on a rampage and repeatedly attacked and bit the family. They told us that the dog would be playing and wagging his tail one minute then suddenly turn and attack anyone near him the next second. His aggression was just too severe and he could not be saved. He was put down shortly thereafter.
Contrary to what the breeder believes, we WERE familiar with the breed and had met many people with Bull Terriers that were nothing but sweet-natured clowns. In 6 months, we spent well over $3000 on the dog. Ms. Collins never called to find out how the transition went. A registered letter was sent to her to tell her about what happened and in it we asked for a refund of our purchase price ($1000) for the dog. She has never acknowledged or responded to the letter. We are heartbroken and outraged that this woman can continue to breed and sell puppies with poor temperaments while offering nothing in the way of support once she has the money in her hands. We have heard that many of her dogs have been surrendered for temperament problems so this is not the first time she's had an unhappy customer. She advertises and sells to US customers, which is more profitable for her! Her ad in Dog Fancy magazine reads:
Rather Bull Terriers Registered Exceptional puppies home-raised. Bred for type and temperament. Shipping available. Inquiries welcome. Heather Collins. P.O. Box 13, Goderich, ON N7A 3Y5 Canada; (519) 524-9385.
This description is a blatant LIE. She does absolutely NOTHING, no tests of any kind to ensure that the dog and bitch are healthy before they are bred. She breeds MULTIPLE litters every year and only cares about money. The puppies are raised in a kennel, away from the house and are sold by the time they're 6 weeks old so they are not socialized. Their temperaments are UNRELIABLE AT BEST and she refuses to provide any guarantees IN WRITING or otherwise stand behind her claims. If anything is "exceptional, " it's Ms. Collins' ability to lie, cheat and take advantage of people. When you're talking about breeding a strong breed like Bull Terriers, you just can't afford to make these mistakes!
We do not believe that there are "bad breeds" of dogs, only greedy, unscrupulous "bad breeders" who knowingly breed dogs with unstable or less-than-stellar temperaments. We have learned our lesson and will be much more discriminating next time. We have not seen a cent of the $1000 we paid her for a puppy with RAGE who lived less than 6 months. We are utterly disgusted by Ms. Collins and feel terrible for all the poor people who will be swindled by her in the future. But we also believe in KARMA and Ms. Collins greed and unethical practices will catch up with her one day.
Disgusted
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
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