Health Testing

We have done extensive research on the breed and know the standard. We consider the strengths and weaknesses of each potential pairing. We ensure that all breeding dogs are positively identifiable, and only breed dogs that are in good health. We do not breed dogs until they are physically and mentally mature enough. The typical age is around two years. All parent dogs are available for viewing to potential puppy buyers along with proper registration papers, pedigree, COI, and CHIC.

We provide clean, adequate, and safe housing and run areas specific to the nature and exercise requirements for the breed, which includes at a minimum:

• Preventative veterinary care for dogs and veterinary care when sick or injured.
• Indoor spaces with protection from extreme temperatures
• Outdoor access when temperatures are safe.
• Appropriate daily food and water (in accordance with age, reproductive status, and size)
• Regular interaction, exercise, socialization, environmental enrichment (e.g., toys), and outlets to engage in normal behavior such as chewing and digging.

Our breeding prospects skills are evaluated with trainers!

The AKC Temperament Test was developed to bring focus and provide a meaningful evaluation to assess the temperament of our canine companions. Each breed’s national parent club has a written breed standard that includes information on the breed’s temperament. Temperament is an important consideration for us as breeders and owners.

FAST CAT® stands for Coursing Ability Test – it is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. This is an excellent way for them to get exercise and have fun!

This program is pass or fail. To pass, the dog must complete a 300-yard (270 m) or 600-yard (550 m) course (determined by breed) with enthusiasm.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society. The 10 test items on the CGC test are practical, functional behaviors that every dog should have to be welcomed in the community.

AKC FIT DOG titles are noncompetitive, and dog owners may choose different activities to earn titles. These titles were designed to provide a structured, individualized fitness plan that you and your dog can do together. There are 3 levels of AKC fitness titles—Bronze (FITB), Silver (FITS), and Gold (FITG). Each title requires a specific number of activity points to be completed, which varies based on title level.

From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas in dog training today.

• Novice Trick Dog - The dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title.
• Advanced Trick Dog - The dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list.

Barn Hunt events include a pass/fail Instinct class for owners who want to familiarize their dog with the test.

Children have always been an important part of the future of canine sports, dating back to 1920 when the first competition for children's handlers was held. Think of Junior Showmanship (also called “Junior Handling”) as a training ground for a life-long journey in dog shows and sports. Children 9 to 18 years old learn basic handling abilities, and how to care for, and present, in a competition. While Juniors are judged by an official AKC Judge, it’s the quality of their presentation that is judged, not the dog.

Participating in Junior Showmanship teaches our children many important life lessons — how to be a good sport, how to put one’s mind to something and master it; and how training can lead to a very special bond with our dogs. And who knows? Our kids just might love Junior Showmanship so much it might eventually lead to a possible career path!

We provide the proper care and a clean, safe environment for a female and her litter, which includes the following:

• A quiet, non-stressful environment for nursing/whelping separate from other dogs.
• Enough space to move around alongside, and not on top of, puppies.
• The opportunity to rest away from puppies if she chooses.
• Whelping area cleaned frequently due to the extra waste from the puppies.

We do not breed a female before she is physically and mentally mature (18-24 months), and only if she has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and is in excellent health. CHIC and genetic testing will also be completed.

We do not breed a female beyond the appropriate age for her breed or as is advised by a licensed veterinarian.

We do not allow a female to rear more than the appropriate number of litters in her lifetime for her breed (which is generally no more than 6 litters) or as is advised by a licensed veterinarian.