The Parents
Breeding does not simply start at birth, but begins way before during the selection of the parents. Not every dog qualifies as a good breeder and not every male dog has what it takes to be a stud!
Firstly, the dog(s) chosen for breeding have to fit the correct Standard. Subsequently, they have to be expertly evaluated at dog shows by international judges and receive a good evaluation. Here he will be checked for disease (unfortunately checkups are not mandatory for Miniature Pinschers, but a good owner will consider regular checkups a matter of course!!!)
Only after all that and following a successful completion of a pre-breeding exam can a dog be used for breeding.
Now the breeder faces the problem of finding a suitable and healthy stud for his bitch (who has fulfilled all the above-mentioned criteria as well).
A good breeder does not settle for the first best male dog. Rather, ample time should be taken to view a number of dogs in order to ensure the best-fitting one is selected. A good breeder may even choose to spent some leisure time with his new partner, dropping by for coffee to get the best impression possible (no photo in the world provides a substitute for personal experience). In this way the one will get the best possible insight into the breeding partners attitude and knowledge towards breeding.
Make sure you take a good look at the parents of your prospective puppy, along with their environment, before you decide on buying one. Whether they live together with your family, or merely "next" to it, e.g. in a boarding kennel.
Ensure that you are shown all legally required approval and evaluation documents as these will contain relevant PL, HD, OCD, ED, PRA, etc. scores according to breed. Reassure yourself of the "quality" of your new addition, by asking any questions you deem necessary, just as you would do with the purchase of a new car. A good and honest breeder will not have any problems with this, in fact, they will welcome it.
I am always asked if the constitution of the dog is hereditary. The answer is yes, and any deficiencies and defects are usually genetic.
The Puppy Corner
I have an extra room (exclusively for the dogs) next to the living room, which will serve as the sleeping quarters shortly and during the subsequent weeks following birth. This provides a familiar environment for the female dog and ensures that she doesn't feel neglected by and separated from me once her litter is born. I can see the dog and its puppies anytime and take action if and whenever necessary.
The puppies spend the first three to four weeks of their life at home with me.
Of course the litter box stays at home as well (where it is bright, warm and dry) so that the mother can be with its offspring whenever it chooses. The mother can also choose whether she wants to spend time outside the litter box where her offspring are or whether she wants to stay near the puppies. she also has the chance to withdraw if the the "wild bunch" proves too much to handle on occasion.
Later, when the weather improves, the puppies are allowed into the garden where there are plenty of opportunities for them to play and hide. Here they can discover their "new" world and soon their individual characters and personalities will come to light.
One is more adventurous and the other more of a sniveller, one is courageous and another more cheeky. These diverse temperaments also become an important consideration later on when it comes time for a new family to choose its puppy. For example a more adventurous puppy will be more suitable for a family which enjoys engaging in a lot of activities.
The hand-over and the new family
I assume and consider it a must, that the new owner has read up on and informed himself comprehensively about the breed!
A good general knowledge is a prerequisite when considering acquiring and keeping a dog as a pet.
The entire family should not choose a dog on the basis of how cute it looks as a puppy, but rather, should consider the temperament and character of the particular breed when making their decision.
For example, it would not be wise for a very active person to opt for a Basset or a British Bulldog. More often than not, such a relationship would end in misery - not only for the dog, but for the owner as well.
Visiting the puppy before it is handed over to its "new parents" is desireable!
I place great value on my puppies being placed with owners who are very loving and considerate.
Contact bewteen me and the puppy's the new owners is a given.
Of course, I will be available - even after the hand over - to advise and provide guidance in all aspects of dog keeping.
I will, to the extent that it is possible, always try to see and perhaps visit the puppies' new environment before the hand-over.
My puppies will not be given up before the 8th week following birth!
The puppies will be have been de-wormed and vaccinated several times before they are handed over.
You will receive an EU vaccination pass, micro chip and of course, all relevant papers.
In addition, you will receive a starter kit for the first few days, which includes feed, toys, etc. and a DVD with pictures of the parents and several pictures of her puppies (from birth until hand over).
