S'pore man paid S$3,888 for mini goldendoodle, DNA test reveals it's not that breed, takes pet store to small claims court

When Oh (not his real name) and his girlfriend swabbed their supposedly mini goldendoodle puppy, Ollie, during a DNA test, they were shocked to learn that the pup's top two genetic compositions were neither golden retriever nor miniature poodle.

Instead, the couple discovered that the pup was 52 per cent labrador retriever and 14 per cent Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The dog only had 13 per cent miniature poodle DNA.

But it should not have come as a complete shock, as there was an inkling the couple's dog had very little resemblance to a mini goldendoodle, known for its fluffy looks.

More labrador retriever

Oh and his girlfriend purchased the puppy from Bow Wow Pets for S$3,888 on Nov. 13, 2023,

However, as time passed, the puppy's coat remained flat, as the signature curls of a mini goldendoodle never materialised on their dog.

The couple decided to get a DNA test for their pup after numerous people pointed out that it looked more like a labrador.

They then performed a cheek swab on their pup on Jan. 9, 2024, to determine its genetic makeup.

When they received the results on Feb. 7, Oh and his girlfriend discovered that the pup's dominant gene was labrador retriever.

The pup had no golden retriever blood, and the miniature poodle only comprised a fraction — 13 per cent — of the DNA.

Contacted retailer

Oh's girlfriend contacted Bow Wow Pets on the same day, noting the "misrepresentation" of their pup's breed at the point of sale.

"It appears that the breed of [the pup] totally differs from what was communicated during the sale. Which also explains why he looks distinctively different from the previous batches of mini goldendoodles," Oh's girlfriend wrote to the store.

She then asked to discuss the matter so as to come to a fair and mutually satisfactory resolution.

However, the store responded that it did not think the breeder used a labrador, and the pup was just a flat coat type of goldendoodle.

Tested again

On Feb. 15, Bow Wow Pets suggested conducting another DNA test as Oh carried out a home kit test.

A blood test done by a more "qualified" personnel would have been better, it was suggested.

Oh and his girlfriend agreed to another DNA test and said Bow Wow Pets should select the test and pay for it.

If there were discrepancies between the DNA results yielded at home and by the professional, the couple offered to reimburse the cost of the second test, drop the matter immediately, and draft a note of apology to the pet store.

Refund offered

However, on Feb. 19, Bow Wow Pets responded that they would refund Oh and his girlfriend as a way of offering their "sincerest apologies".

Offered to take the dog back

On Feb. 22, Bow Wow Pets told Oh and his girlfriend that a second DNA test was unnecessary.

The store then offered to take the pup back and make a refund, leaving the couple confused as it was something the store had apparently not mentioned before.

At this point, Oh took over the conversation with Bow Wow Pets.

He told the store that when the refund was first offered, there was no mention of taking the dog back.

In response, the store stated that they did not expect the couple to want to keep the dog as they "both seemed so unhappy about the DNA results".

The store added that the pup was "not a commodity", so there was "nothing to 'negotiate'" as they offered the refund out of goodwill for the pup's sake.

However, the store then offered the couple a refund and allowed them to keep the pup, which Oh accepted.

Refund option

On Mar. 13, Oh followed up with the store, requesting an update on the refund.

On Mar. 15, the store offered two options: Either the store would refund S$1,944, and Oh would get to keep the pup, or return the dog and receive a refund of S$3,888.

When Oh pointed out that they agreed to a refund and to keep the pup, the store rebutted by asking if it was fair that they "get a free dog".

"[The pup] is unlike some cake that you buy off the shelf. He is a pet, a family member," the store responded.

If "his DNA bother you guys" so much, the store added, the business was "more than glad to take him back" and return the money "in full".

"What you offered us today is an option between a rebate and a refund," Oh pointed out.

After that message, Bow Wow Pets apparently did not reply to Oh, who sent numerous follow-up texts.

Ordered to make compensation

On Apr. 4, Oh sent Bow Wow Pets a letter of demand to get the store to honour the previous agreement of refunding S$3,888.

However, Bow Wow Pets replied on Apr. 24 that they denied offering a refund without taking back the dog.

After further exchanges of messages, Oh decided to bring the matter before the Small Claims Tribunals that handles low-value disputes in Singapore.

On Nov. 5, 2024, the Small Claims Tribunals ordered Bow Wow Pets to pay Oh's girlfriend S$1,116.40.

Speaking to Mothership, Oh said he was disappointed with the business and the service provided.

"Ultimately, we're happy that Ollie is able to stay with us, and the court awarded damages to us. Looking at the bigger picture, that is a win for us," he added.

Mothership has reached out to Bow Wow Pets for their comments.

Top photo via Pexel & Oh