Why buy from a show breeder if I don’t want a show dog?

Although competition may be of little importance to the pet family, prospective pet owners are wise to seek out a reputable show breeder—one who breeds for good temperament, performs recommended health screening, and is likely to produce healthy dogs. Reputable breeders strive for the betterment of the breed. When a reputable show breeder has a litter, usually one or two puppies in a litter may go on to compete. All of the remaining puppies will be place in companion homes, to become wonderful family pets. That means that most puppies from a show breeder are placed in companion homes where they will be loved family members and likely never see the inside of a show ring. Normally puppies from show litters (where the parents have been carefully selected) are healthier, sounder in both movement and structure, and more typical in appearance, size, and temperament. Most people looking for a particular breed care about whether their dog looks and acts like that respective breed. Breeding to standard results in more predictable, consistent results. Every puppy in that litter, whether destined to be a show or competition prospect or a companion puppy, benefits greatly from the careful breeding, loving care, health screening, socialization and background research that the responsible breeder puts into every litter.

Can I pick my puppy from the litter?

To the greatest of my ability I evaluate each puppy’s temperament by observing him or her during their development. The litter is also formally assessed by fellow breeders and trainers following a structured evaluation and temperament test, The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. The entire purpose is to select the right puppy for the right home.

While the idea of “picking a puppy” is appealing, it does not often result in the best fit for all. Visiting a litter provides a brief snapshot, whereas a breeder has spent 8 weeks with these puppies. The quiet, calm puppy that you see may have the highest drive of all, but just be waking from a nap. The most active puppy may have been playing all morning and is sleeping when you visit the litter. Some puppies may show more aptitude than others for specific sports. For this reason, I do not allow buyers to pick their own puppy, and ask that they trust my judgment in matchmaking puppies and families. I want you to receive the right puppy.

Will you ship a puppy?

I will not ship a puppy in airline cargo. There are various options for long-distance transportation including flying with the puppy as carry-on, or hiring a flight nanny.