Starr Kennels

12/22/2009: We received an owner-surrendered dog that had come from Starr Kennels in Anderson, South Carolina. The dog was one year and 3 days old, and was suffering horribly from a terrible case of generalized demodectic mange coupled with a secondary skin infection. Please see s789.photobucket.com/albums/yy174/HVGSR/Zoey/ for pictures of the dog's condition. Warning, the pictures are graphic!

Generalized demodectic mange is caused by a weak immune system, which is passed on from parents to offspring. Females who produce puppies that develop generalized demodectic mange should be removed from a breeding program, and the offspring of that particular dam should not be bred, either, even if they appear healthy.

A responsible breeder would have no problem addressing this problem when contacted by a buyer whose puppy has developed the disease, because they would not want to continue to produce unhealthy puppies, but from what this dog's previous owner told us, he could care less. I'm betting he does not certify his breeding dogs' hips and elbows, either, which is the bare minimum that someone who is breeding German shepherd dogs should do, being that hip and elbow dysplasia is such a problem within the breed.

It will be a miracle if this dog survives.

We would strongly suggest against buying a dog from Starr Kennels, in Anderson, SC.

Pros: None

Cons: Employs disreputable breeding practices

The facilities are clean and well maintained. The dogs were healthy and appeared happy and well taken care of. All shots and preventative treatments were done on schedule. #1 Kennel in Starr, SC.

Pros: Clean and well maintained facilities, family oriented

Cons: People with pit bulls need not apply