​Stellamontis Harmat: The story of a misbehaving breeder

When is a Mudi not a Mudi?  Strange question but here is the stranger answer.  If you import a dog and they have an import pedigree, they will be registered as that breed.  The foreign pedigree is used to register the animal, regardless of any DNA results.

First, we have differing documents and DNA test, which was a big indicator that things are not on the up and up.

The Passport that arrived with Stella said "Stellamoutis", Pedigree certificate says "Stellamontis"

​​Stella's published DNA report can be viewed here at embarkvet.com, this is different than the pages shown here, which was published 28-Jul-2018.

How does this affect the breeding pool? Well, if a person breeds that dog, they have now introduced those mixed genetics into a line with no official record of the crossbreeding.  Only a smart owner will look deeper and discover the dogs' hidden past.  And if they thought they bought a pure breed, they might be in for a nasty surprise.  Here is Stella's story...

Stella at 8 months, mid-June 2018

Stella at 7 months

Stella at 11 months

Stella at 11 months

Stella at 18 Months - Mudi or GSD?

Some things that I found out after purchasing Stella:

1. Multiple buyers paid the breeder to have the puppies tested for Merle, but no paperwork was ever provided showing the results of that testing. In addition, more than one person was charged to test the same dog.
2. The puppy sent to me was originally supposed to go to someone in Indiana. Because I only wanted a non-merle, the other buyer was told she would have to take another pup, which she declined as she felt that was not ethical. So, it was more important to the breeder to sell puppies then to keep their word.
3. Stella's DNA was tested three times. All three tests showed the same result -- Stella is a Mudi mix who is a carrier for DM. I find it hard to believe that this was a mistake when all 3 independent companies concluded that this dog was a mix.
4. The breeder has refused to provide DNA samples of Stella’s sire/dam that would disprove the claims of this puppy being a mix breed (even after offering to pay all costs for the tests including any international shipping charges).
5. There are 2 other dogs from the same breeding/litter in the US who have not had any DNA testing currently done but have received their paperwork. These dogs will be registered as Mudi in the US. This is concerning because, if they are the siblings to my dog and are used for breeding, they are introducing improper bloodlines into the Mudi.
6. I have never received a refund, discount, or future puppy for Stella’s purchase price. I have paid for Stella; yet the breeder has kept Stella’s paperwork (her export pedigree) and has refused to answer my emails.
7. The Breeder’s agent, Viki of Köves-bérci Betyár (KBB) kennel (who has a puppy from the same breeding/litter), wrote to me to say that other buyers had received their export pedigrees, but I would not. Viki also said that Stella couldn’t be a mix because her parents were show-winners, and that DM was not a problem in Mudi.
8. The owners of the other puppies (who are Mudi Club America members) were notified of the impure breeding but stated that the AKC will register them as purebred due to the import paperwork.  I am hoping they will reconsider this as the offspring will be mixed and this will be mixing improper bloodlines into the Mudi.
9. In addition to the mixed bloodlines, information was made public that this kennel was raided due to the abuse and neglectful way the animals were kept and also the mixed breeding's that were being registered as purebreds.  Please be aware that the photos of​ ​the rescue of abused dogs this web page pictures are very graphic.
10. I have been scammed and I put my story out to help others. I hope you will look into the matter and ensure that the other littermates here in the states are not registered as Mudi due to the mixed heritage. 

​​Stella has been spayed. It was a very expensive lesson, but I will continue to educate everyone who asks about the Mudi regarding paperwork, genetics, and who should be trusted when obtaining a puppy from another country. I will also continue to make all this information public to allow others to be fully informed before getting a puppy. I have printed up material regarding this debacle and will provide it to anyone who inquiries about this dog and her breeding.