What are your prices?
Puppies are priced at $1000 - $1800. This depends on the litter. Dogs sold into pet companion homes with limited papers are typically $1000 - $1200.
Why is there such a variety of prices in German Shepherd puppies with other breeders?
You see some advertised for $250 and some advertised for $5000 for a puppy. Price can not guarantee quality. Most of the time back yard breeders breed anything with AKC papers and try to make some money. They know nothing about the temperament of the dog and do not hip certify the dogs. It's a crap shoot when dealing with these types of breeders; people often experience severe health and/or temperament problems with these cheaper dogs. They also promise the gimmick of "first pick." If a problem arises later, you are out of luck.
I have to laugh at some of the prices for puppies. We deal with so many great families that simply can't afford dogs higher than our pet companion prices. I would much rather have our dogs with great families and working homes than only place dogs with the wealthy. It's true that our dogs have incredible pedigrees and have many accomplishments, but we still feel our puppies are priced with working people and families in mind.
A word of warning - don't buy from a breeder that is breeding their dog right a one year of age (or younger). This is absolutely the wrong thing to do. It's like a 13 year old girl giving birth. Yes, it can happen, but is it good at such a young age physically and mentally? Don't let them tell you it's because the bitch will show better after a young litter. This is a falsehood to cover the fact they are poor breeders.
Why are pet companions sold with limited AKC papers?
Most our of puppies are sold on limited papers. Not every dog should be bred, nor every owner should be a breeder. Hip & health clearances are important as well as temperament tests for the potential breeding prospects. You also need to have a basic understanding of the dog's pedigree and other lines to use or stay away from altogether. I am by no means the know-all-end-all in the dog world, but have worked hard to build a program with stable, gorgeous, healthy, driven, and intelligent dogs. If I allowed all of my puppies to be bred, I would be doing each puppy, as well as my program a disservice. Most back-yard breeders sell all of their puppies with full breeding rights, as they don't care what happens after the money is exchanged. I care a great deal about what happens to my dogs.
Why do you recommend spaying or neutering wait until after one year of age?
The secondary sex characteristics have been allowed to develop yet. Many vets scare owners into this too soon. Trust me when I say that males will look like its and females will look masculine if done too soon. I am all for spaying and neutering, but please, wait until one year of age. You will not regret this decision.
Why don't you have puppies available at all times?
We're a small kennel and want to stay that way. The dogs are part of the family. In order to stay that way, we stay small.
Why can't I just pick my own puppy?
Not every pup is for every person or family. We puppy test to ensure we're placing the right puppy with the right home. I've spent the time with them as they grow to see their temperament and drives. You can't determine that from a picture or from five minutes with the litter. I have lost several sales due to this policy, but I remain firm. You'll find good breeders do the same thing.
Also, watch for the "pick" puppy advertised by some. Most of the time this term is used to lure people into buying. When someone claims to have a pick puppy, ask what it was picked for. I select or pick a puppy for people based on their needs and wants in a puppy. So, if done correctly, each person feels like they got the "pick" of the litter for them.
Why can't I select the name?
We've adopted the German custom of naming each litter with the same letter, then our kennel name. We're proud of our kennel and our reputation, so we ask that each of our puppies carry the name. This is a very common practice in the German Shepherd world.
Why do I need to keep in contact with you and send picture updates?
I'm constanting evaluating my program. I can't fully assess a breeding if I can't see the dogs and hear from the owners. I try to help if problems arise and love hear the funny stories about our kids.
Why do you recommend obedience classes when I just want a pet?
Going through with at least one course really helps your dog socialize with other dogs and people, builds a stronger bond as handler and dog, and makes your dog a much better dog to be around. At the vet's office, I am appalled at how many ill-mannered dogs are dragging their owners or knocking down others. Who wants to be around that type of dog? Basic obedience training makes a better pet.
Why is your $400 deposit non-refundable?
A deposit is a committment to one of our puppies. After receiving the deposit, we hold a puppy in that litter. I have found that some people place several deposits with several breeders, wanting the first available puppy anywhere, then calling in the other deposits. This wastes lots of time and energy for the breeders. Please, make sure you are serious about a puppy before you place a deposit.
Why are more breedes claiming to be trainers?
Unfortunately, some people lie in the dog world. I have to laugh at some sites that claim they are dog trainers and give lessons, but most of their dogs are untitled. If most of their dogs are untitled, ask them specifically why. If they are titled, as Schutzhund scores, ask about their performances under pressure, and so on.
I work with my own dogs in obedience. I enjoy competing and practicing. For the Schutzhund titles, I have hired top notch trainers to complete the titles. Next year Corida and I will compete on the Schutzhund field, too, and she will be teaching me. I look forward to the challenge. We also plan to finish her prestigious RAE title. Also, look for Venice and I in the obedience ring to work towards her CDX.
Remember, you are always welcome to come visit our kids and meet each one. Meeting the dogs tells you more about a breeder and their program than pictures or write-ups on a website. Feel free to ask lots of questions before you make a decision to bring a new family member into your family or new working partner into your life.
