Merckels Hilltop Mastiffs BAD Puppy Farm.For the love of money,not for the breed Moxahala, Ohio

I've seen mixed reviews on here and thought I would add my recent experience with this breeder.  I bought a male brindle from Barb in May 2018.  I bought the pup sight unseen other than a few pictures; I am in Tampa.  Barb arranged for the pup to be delivered by ground.  The pup wasn't put in a crate and shipped via FedEx or anything like that, it road in the back of an SUV with someone that played with him and kept him company.  My pup is almost seven months old, and I cannot say enough good things about him!  His disposition is incredible.  I live in the city, so socializing him has not been an issue, and Tampa is also very dog friendly.  I take him to bars (no, not out clubbing on a Friday/Saturday night), restaurants, etc... and everybody loves him, and he loves everyone!  I exchanged e-mails with Barb, paid via PayPal, and my pup cam delivered as promised. I could NOT be happier with how everything turned out.  I would highly recommend purchasing an English Mastiff from this breeder, and would not hesitate to do so in the future.

I am currently looking into breeders for a Mastiff that I would like to purchase for our family. Every Ohio breeder that I am interested in, I am looking further into on sites such as this to see if there have been any issues. When I came across this initial post, I was open minded and wanted to read each review/comment in order to see if it was just one isolated issue or a variety of complaints. I was understanding of all involved until I came to this particular post that states it is from the owner not only verbally bashing a past purchaser, but posting personal information about that person. I am apauled that a professional person would put someones personal information on a site for all the world to see. I don't understand what you claimed to accomplish by doing this, but as a person looking into using you for a service this shows very poorly on you. This is shameful and for no other reason other than your carelessness of personal and private information based on what looks to be a passive agressive stance to a less than glowing review, I will be choosing not to look into using you for our breeder. It's a shame because you really do have some adorable dogs. 

I am a proud owner of one of Barbs pups name DUKE.  I couldn't ask for a better best friend. I don't have any kids of my own so Duke is my baby, he is spoiled and he knows it too. The first time I was around a English Mastiff I fell in love with these gentle giants and I knew one day I would get one of my own and I couldn't of went to a better place to get my baby, Merckles Hilltop Mastiffs. Barbs puppies and dogs are very well taken care of and her facilities are very clean. She was great about answering questions and knows a lot about this breed. Barb and her family takes pride in what they do and love these dogs like they are their own children. When Duke and I visit she is happy to see how well he has been doing. Duke is going to be 3 years old in February. I also use the same Vet as Barb an each checkup he hasn't had any health problems or concerns, they just commit on what a handsome boy he is. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have Duke in my life. Thanks Barb

Merckels Hilltop Mastiff  is  wonderful place.Its beautiful, clean and most of all so much loving care is noted. We bought our little big Grizzy from Barbara and what a great dog. Our Vet said he is perfect and so very healthy. Great blood line. Thank You Barbara for the best dog i could ever wish for. My husband and I are so in love with him and Grizzy loves us . God Bless You. your the best breeder ever.

we had the best time visiting Barbara and her mastiffs, her place is beautiful. her dogs are more then well cared for they all appear so happy and healthy. we purchased a mastiff puppy our vet stated he is perfect and was impressed. he is the best dog we ever had. we love the Merckels and we will only deal with them.

  Lance and Farrah Smith of (((REDCTED))) Perryburg Ohio (((REDCTED))),Came to my home and purchased a puppy from my daughter, It states in our guarantee that you are to take the puppy to your vet.within 3 days, We did not hear anything from the Smiths until 10 months later, If the puppy was so ill when they purchased him why did they wait for 10 months, I told them when they called 10 months later they needed to take the puppy to the Vet. and see what was wrong with him that they could not bring a puppy back with those symptoms after having him from 10 months he was not throwing up and did not have diarrhea when he left our home,Not once did I tell them I would take the dog back to resell him I gave Lance and Farrah my daughters phone number.Instead of taking him to the Vet. to see what was wrong with him, they harassed my daughter that was 9 months pregnant with a high risk pregnancy saying that they were going to sue her if she didn't take the dog back because the dog was ruining their carpet what type of people would do something like that, When my daughter told them she could not take the dog back instead of taking the dog to the vet. to see what was wrong with him they took him and and him put to sleep,My daughter talked with their vet. and the vet. told my daughter they just didn't have the money to take care of him and putting him to sleep was cheaper, I have never dealt with anyone so cold and uncaring as the Smith's of Perryburg Ohio.I would never do any type of business with them.

I'm writing in response to the previous complaint againt Barbara Merckle and Merckle's Hilltop Mastiffs. Although I cannot respond to the particular dog in question from the Perrysburg complaint, I have purchased a mastiff from Barbara, bred her, sold her pups, and I have never had a single complaint or issue with health in terms of my dog or any of the pups. I know Barbara personally and I have never known anyone to be so thorough in the health maintenance of her dogs.

The problem described by the complaintant sounds like parvo, which is a serious, life threatening illness for any puppy. A descritpion of parvo is also readily available to anyone with a Merck Manual or internet. However, every dog that is born at Merckles Hilltop gets innoculated right on schedule. I have seen it first hand. No dog leaves without innoculation for this and other canine illnesses. This is documented and these records are available and inspected by the AKC. 

Merckles Hilltop is visited by the American Kennel Club just like any breeder or kennel. I have also been at the kennel when the AKC rep has been present. The records for inspection are available for anyone who cares to take the time to contact the AKC instead of simply filing insinuating reports of wrong-doing. Merckles Hilltop Kennel is in good standing with the AKC, and always has been.

There are many people who decide to get in the "business" of breeding, only to find the workload and money isn't what they thought it would be, primarily because breeding is so much work and so expensive to do right. I am one of those people. I intended to breed my dog with champion bloodlines several times, but one litter was all it took for me to realize that breeding should be left to the professionals. Perhaps the complaintant also found this to be true, and just wanted to get his/her money back. Barbara Merckle is very clear, and very fair, when she states, in writing, that any dog with health problems may be exchanged, but she does not refund your money.

Many people also buy a large breed dog not thoroughly thinking their purchase through. All dog purchases should be thoroughly contemplated before they are made. Everyone, breeders and rescuers alike, are trying to reduce the number of dogs who end up in pounds and shelters. Be an intelligent and informed dog owner!

Barbara and I use the same vet, so I know her vetting is solid. She would never sell or resell a sick animal.  My suggestion to the complaintant is to think very carefully about posting slanderous or insinuating information again. Carefully check your motives.