von-wilhendorf Reviews
Animal Services

Von Wilhendorf

2.8/5 - based on 23 reviews

Von Wilhendorf Overview

Von Wilhendorf has a 2.8-star rating, derived from feedback provided by 23 customers. In the Animal Services category, it secures the 15th position out of 269 companies.

Rating

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1 stars

Contact Information

Website

Phone
(203) 947-0264

Address
373 Kent Road, New Milford, Connecticut, 06776, New Milford

Contact Von Wilhendorf Customer Service

Von Wilhendorf Reviews

1/5

Buyer Beware and Do Your Research

BUYER BEWARE! We purchased 3 dogs from John Henkel within a year. (2016) All 3 dogs came with Giardia! We were NOT Allowed to pick a puppy. They were picked for us. When I asked if I could see the puppies I was told no and given an excuse why. The first dog (male) is cowhocked and would have been a better guard dog than a family one. She questioned why he was not active upon meeting him we were told he was just running around. The third dog (male) was very skittish upon meeting him. We were told he would grow out of it. He has not. He is afraid of everything! Mr. Henkel could also not tell me when he was born. He rambled off a couple different dates. The second dog (female) we purchased just passed away October 2, 2022. She turned 6 on September 15, 2022. When she was 4 she was diagnosed with genetic epilepsy. At approximately 5 yrs 8 months it was discovered her liver values were high and she lost 10 pounds at her yearly exam. We then went to an Internal doctor and we started some meds. In August 2022 we had a liver biopsy and intestinal biopsy done since nothing else was helping her. The results came back that she had IBD, PLE, Copper Storage Disease and a aggressive rare form of hepatitis. My girl only survived a month. I posted to Wilhendorf on FB the below screenshot and it was taken down and I was blocked. Its quite obvious that he does not care about the dogs he breeds or the families who are grieving for the loss of their family member who passed way to young. They only care about the money these dogs bring in just like a puppy mill. If he was an honest man he would have acknowledged my pain and thanked me for letting him know about the genetic problems. Please go elsewhere for your dog and make sure you research. There were red flags everywhere and thats on me for not researching. By the way Mr Henkel if you plan to respond with anything negative about my care for her lets get the facts straight! She had an Amazing and Knowledgeable Veterinarian. She had a Highly Knowledgeable and Respected Neurologist and Internal Doctor. We spent well over $30,000 making sure we did everything for her. For any of you who think we let her suffer all this time. She was not suffering or in pain until the day we had to say goodbye.

1/5

Reading Reviews

You call these " pissed" clients,the ones making negative comments of how you sell SICK dogs to customers, deworm the *** out of these sick dogs, *** their gutts for life, and they go into an early grave bc they cannot keep up w the constant diarrhea and vomiting, and u don't understand what your doing wrong? Or why these customers, who pay you top dollar bc they believed you knew your *** from your elbow, not even a professional veternarian, yet you kill off these dogs bc money rules your world. What a fckg shame. They should luck up your business, and throw you in the slammer!

5/5

Excellent

We have a ten year old female from the line of Teejay von Wilhendorf - althou in the first months she had worms she quickly recovered with good care and guidance from the breeder, John Henkel. He has been available to answer any questions I have had over the ten years. Our shepherd has been very healthy her entire life; one brand of dog food (different flavors) and a dollop of plain yogurt every eve. No major issues ever. Very energetic, very smart well behaved and well bred dog. I highly recommend Wilhendorf Kennels.

1/5

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!

We bought a female puppy from him 6 years ago. She was sick from the day we got her. He had dewormed her so many times ( And sent us home finishing a deworming) That he ruined her intestines. Our vet in NM said she wasn't going to make it even 2 weeks. we spent nights on end taking turns staying up with her all night to make sure she made it outside from her loose stool to vomit. but my baby girl was a fighter and pulled through. however she was on medicine her whole life. about 6 months ago she took a turn back for the worst suddenly and stopped responding to her medication. Yesterday we had to put her down. This man breeds sick dogs and by the looks of it we're not the only ones who got one. My poor girl is in a better place now no thanks to this wanna be "vet". Buyer BE WARE!!!! This man should be investigated !!!!!

5/5

Great Dog and ongoing support

Purchased a dog from Wilhendorf 5 years ago and he's just what I told John Henkle I was looking for. He is from a Rhett v Wilhendorf breeding. I especially appreciate John's expertise and the quick responses to All of my questions, even 5 years later - no matter how silly or serious. I am from out of state and he even did research for me on the best trainer in my area. I was so pleased that a year later I bought a female import and and am happy with the drive and beautiful movement. My female was injured and it was John's guidance and questions to ask the specialist that allow me to make a positive live altering decision for her. I am grateful to John for his support and would not hesitate to buy another dog or recommend Wilhendorf. (attached are my healthy well adjusted dogs from John)

1/5

Not an ethical breeder more a used salesman

mr. henckel was not an ethical salesman. I described what I wanted and he wanted to know what I wanted to pay. I was interested in a larger puppy out of two playing in the yard and instead he steered me towards the smaller one. it was $3000 or $3500 at the time. Several times I asked Mr Henckel point blank what size the dog might be and he avoided direct response. he was a shy male, and on the small side. he was a brother to Teejay mr henckel's touted champion I believe. after his 7th year he developed severe spine issues and I had to put him down.

1/5

Von Wilhendorf - Dog Breeder Review

Maybe I can type better this time. Valen, purchased in September of 2010, sent to the rainbow bridge, December 08,2016. Dying from liver failure due to his intestines leaking into his body. If I ever come in contact with this ***, he will pay dearly for breeding and selling dogs that are sick and suffer their entire lives. I don't doubt he produces dogs that are fine, but there are so many complaints of dogs with digestive problems and yet he continues to lie and cheat people that buy into the *** of his many accomplishments. Totally dishonest and could care less that he produces dogs that suffer. Animal cruelty!

5/5

Von Wilhendorf German Shepherd Dog Review

We have owned Von Wilhendorfs puppies and our last we purchased in 2009 who is a sire of Teejay Von Wilhendorf. We would own no othet but this breed. We have been very blessed and continue to be.

1/5

Best German Shepards

In 2007 we got two puppies who's sire is Teejay Von Wilhendorf. They will be turning 10 this November. We have owned a lot of dogs over the years, these two are the best dogs we have ever owned. Our male looks just like his sire Teejay, and he is so smart it is incredible, he always tells us what he wants. The best dogs you can ever have with kids once they have been introduced to someone, they know it is ok. Our male had an operation last year and one of the staff said he changed his opinion of German Shepherds after he took care of ours.

5/5

Puppy Review

I love our German Shepard we got her from John ,tee Jay's daughter ,she is a cupcake ,sweet as can be , we have 5 daughters and our 6th is our beautiful German Shepard so proud to have her in our family life is truly better with her

1/5

Von Wilhendorf - Dog Review from Country Club Hills, Illinois

Purchased a puppy in Sept. 2010. A male, he has had diarreha all his life, never has an appetite, can't put on weight, weighs a whopping 65 lbs. Litter was from his prize dog, Tee-Jay, which i noticed he looked on the skinny side when we picked the puppy up. Dog has had various diet changes, vet visits and testing, and its obvious there is something wrong with his digestive system. EPI, or IBS, something wrong in the intestines. Failure to recognize thos problem and correct it makes you a bad breeder, Mr. Henkel. Destroying your fathers legacy.

1/5

Von Wilhendorf - Dog Review from Forest Hill, Texas

I too, purchased a male in September 2010. Son of his acclaimed Tee-Jay. Dog has never had a solid stool from day 1. Weighs in at a whopping 65 lbs., skinny because he cannot absorb nutrients. Major vet bills, probably wont live past 8 yrs. John, you probably have sold quality dogs in the past, but you have a genetic problem going on with your stock and are failing to admit it. Yiu need to clean out and start over with healthy dogs. I live in Illinois last name Nie so you can verify.

1/5

Great dog great experience

Bought my female now 2 there at 8 weeks old very smart and full of drive as john had indicated. Worked with her and also had her in his puppy school for 2 weeks at four months old was great base for me and her. Always had a good experience and always get a return message when I contact him. Have also visited for once every few months training class and that has also been no issue. My girl came over from Germany from his partner there and was outgoing and playfull right out of the box....she continues to be the smartest shep I have had ( two males prior ) and a key part of the family. Westport CT

1/5

JOHN HENKLE WHAT TYPE A MAN IS HE ???

Well for one he is not compasonite.my lady friend is 70yo and on 11-18-15 bought a Shepard from john [3yo] for a whopping $5000.00. the dog was in need of food,bath,and 2 rear legs sad to say.for a man to rape a senior tells you what type a man he is.i'm thinking of posting pics when i find out how to do it.the dog can't really sit because they are deformed, i'm not a doc and can not explain his situation.he took advantage of my friend as he saw her coming looking for a friend and companion, i do not know of any legal recourse my friend can take but please post any suggestions you might have. tyvm d

1/5

Worst breeder to get a dog from, can't believe the man got best kennel but then again he is a brilliant business man and poor GSD producer!

I agree that John is a puppy mill. I also have a sick dog from John Henkle - Von Wilendorf Shepherds that has issues with a deficient pancreas. This make the dog nit absorb the nutrients in food so the dog has lose stools, grayish hello stools and since the dog can't absorb food the dog is very thin. This can be treated w enzymes that are very very costly. My dog has this and is very sick. John claims the vet is wrong. I have spent thousands on vet bills and these enzymes. A dog with this issues has to be on the enzymes for life at around 200.00 per month plus. My dog is doing well on the costly treatment. John knows he has this issue in his line and after finding thus out about my dog John John took no responsibility and became very nasty with me. What is also sad is John actually has his customers sign a contract at purchase of a pup or dog and while doing so this makes it been harder to take legal action because of his wording in this contract. John does nit stands behind his dogs because he knows they are not healthy. Pretty yes- some.. Talented yes- some.. Sickly -yes MANY!!! John is the worst person to get a dog or puppy from. Please do not ever buy a dog from this man. I am just as sick as my dog but emotionally. I am also so sick that a man I thought loved these dogs and seemed so wonderful has hurt so many families and has created so many sick dogs. I hooe you are reading this and will stay away from this breeder. All the best- A very sad and worn out GSD lover.

3/5

Positive Experience Review

We have a great dog,rudy, from john. I cant tell you how great the dog is and the experience with jonh was great also. Tom

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