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Puppy & Dog Purchase Guidelines & Other Items
We try to stay basic and use the KISS principle in managing puppy or dog availability and sales. KISS - Keep It Simple Silly (or whichever "S" word you like). Therefore some details are lacking. Be free to ask questions, too.
Reservations, Payments & Pricing
Many of our pups leave us by reservation. We sometimes have pups available on call. Please check with us to determine if your dog is available. Our little critters have very much sold themselves. We think that is a testimony for them.
We basically handle reservations on chronological order, i.e., first date of reservation equals first served, etc. Reservations are then sorted out by the weaker of the reserves. Deposit for a reservation is only $50.00 and a brief note of wishes. If we do not come up with the desired pup, the reservee can roll ahead to another litter, or request a refund. If the reservee changes their mind and backs out, we have the option to retain the deposit. If they choose to pass a pup when we have one that fits their description, we have the option to roll the reservation to the last reservation date.
Copies of pedigrees, photos of adult dogs and hip displasia test results are shown on the web as available. Or if not shown, we can provide information on request.
When making reservations by e-mail, or when simply e-mailing for information, please also leave a phone number and address. We do a lot of off-premises follow-up by phone, remote e-mail, and land mail, and that will help us both.
Most puppy selections for distant reservees are simply done over the phone. We inspect the puppies within our capability. Buyers are welcome to come and select their pup when their order comes up if it is done immediately, at pups availability. We can sometimes provide a hard copy photograph. We do not do e-mail photos at this time.
Pup pricing and payments will be provided by phone or mail.
Started Pups & Dogs
A started pup or dog, for us, is a pup or young dog that has a proven good hunting instinct; hunts the training area well, points quail; is staunch (holds) to point to allow the hunter to walk in, flush, and shoot; and is not bothered by the gun report. It may or may not retrieve to hand. Most Epagneul Breton pups are "natural" retrievers, especially when "play retrieved" when young. Some develop retrieving more with real hunting experience in the field.
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If you are interested in a started pup or dog please inquire. We are agreeable to starting a pup for you if the pup is from our breedings and is purchased from us. We know their capability. Terms can be discussed in private.
We do "not train" dogs other than our own breeding. But, we may help you locate a good trainer. Ask, if you wish.
Warranty
We warrant the pup's disease health and general health for two weeks after delivery or pickup. It is imperative that the new owner keep vaccinations and general health in order during that time. That is the reason for such a short time frame on their part. We can provide a record of veterinary medicine practices done up to delivery or pickup of the pup or dog.
We warrant genetic health of pups for one year. If something judged to be a potential genetic problem occurs, we would ask for a veterinarian exam and copy of the record at the owner's expense. We reserve the right to re-examine and decide or agree to the final outcome. If a problem is verified, which has been exceedingly rare, we have the option to have the dog returned to us at the new owner's expense and arrangement. We will then make a judgment and act accordingly. If a problem is verified, the puppy (dog) owner has the choice of getting another pup, or getting a refund on the purchase price. If the owner chooses to get another pup, or dog, or a refund, they cannot keep the dog in question. The dog must be returned to us.
Our pups come from some of the best lineage's in France. But, we do not warrant that a pup will make a good bird dog. The reason is that anyone can mess up a good dog. We cannot be responsible for that. Our 22 plus years (22 in 2006) of experience and feedback from new owners of our French Brittanys indicates a high rate of success. Past records and surveys to puppy buyers have indicated 97% of our pups make good birddogs. Sure, there were variations in capability and behavior, but we cannot expect a better record than that. Starting dogs is not our first specialty, but we have never retained a pup of ours, that did not make a walking hunter bird dog and companion.
Registration Papers
We provide registration applications from the litter registration after all payments are made, shipping kennels are paid or returned, and other business is concluded. We provide the United Kennel Club (UKC) registration certificate which is the single major registration for the Epagnaul Breton French Brittany in the USA. We also provide American Kennel Club (AKC) registration certificates.
The UKC became the main registration organization for the French Brittany Gun Dog Association of America in September, 2002. UKC registers the French Brittany properly as an "Epagneul Breton," while the AKC registers the dogs as "Brittany." The new owner pays for final registration papers.
We are often asked about the differences, and pros and cons, of UKC and AKC registrations.Ê This is our view and summary.
I consider the UKC the parent registration body for the Epagneul Breton (EB) in the U.S. of A. The EB in reality, gave the UKC the gift of starting the UKC gun dog program. They have meetings and cooperate in sanctioned meetings, (show), T.A.N. testing, and field trialing. This is in place and will surely increase with time, as it is a young program. Various functions are scheduled "nation wide" to achieve these things. Check with UKC for scheduling, etc. Ratings and accumulated scores are used to place winning dogs at ever increasing levels. So, for anyone interested in shows, and trialing, as well as proper registry and personal hunting as an EB, the UKC is best.
The AKC registers the EB as a "Brittany" only. This registration qualifies the dog to take part in AKC sanctioned events, as appropriate, as a Brittany.ÊPlacings and ratings proceed, more or less, as stated in the UKC registry.
Earnings of the dog in UKC do not transfer to AKC records, and vice versa.
We register all pups and dogs in both UKC and AKC. This is done so all puppy, or dog buyers, can enjoy both UKC and AKC events as they wish when they own the dogs and transfer ownership.
If you, as an owner of one of our pups and dogs, DO NOT show or trial in AKC events, there is little reason to register in AKC or any other registration. In this case it is satisfactory to register in UKC only and what I consider the parent registry. Your choice.
There are yet other registries in the U. S. of A.ÊFor the Epagneul Breton, I consider them of much less importance to the breed than the UKC. But, inspect them and do you as you wish.
As time passes, we plan to develop pedigrees for our dogs that show much of the French winnings information of our dog's ancestors. This information will be as accurate as we can do. Some dogs on the pedigrees have too many earnings to list them all. But, the appropriate listings will attest to the hunting and conformation (show) quality of the dog and ancestors. The reason we need to do this is because the UKC papers do not illustrate French winnings & placings.
Unfortunately, neither the UKC or AKC provide French winnings, placings and titles on dogs from France.
Naming
The registered name of all our pups must contain our Kennel Family Name. This is the same as ones personal family name in comparison. The new owner can assist us in giving the dog it's first name. That is their choice. The first name is usually the call name, but many dogs have a "nick-name" or other "call name" that is used in daily activities. Some of mine are that way.
For example:
Our kennel is the "Rolling Red Prairie Kennel." In French it is "Elevage de la Savane Rouge Ondulante." so, prior to 2005 a dogs name will be: "Dol's de la Savane Rouge Ondulante." In 2005, the UKC required a shorter name. So now, a dog's name will be: "XXXX de la Savane Rouge."
We much prefer and recommend using the French system of selecting the first name by the letter of the alphabet designated for that given year. 2005 is a "A" year. 2006 is a "B" year. So, the complete name for a 2006 pup might be "Bayou de la Savane Rouge."
Thus, "A" for 2005 = Apache, and the rest is our kennel family name. The years and alphabet letter for each year are as follows:Ê 2005-A; 2006-B; 2007-C; 2008-D; 2009-E; 2010-F; and 2011-G.
On Receiving a Pup or Dog
Pups may be picked up at our location, or we arrange shipping by air freight from Oklahoma City. Pups ship very well and bounce back from the unusual activity very quickly. There are some things that may be helpful to pup and new owner. Some of those are as follows.
We have regular caring for and socializing activity with our pups and dogs. They are accustomed to us, but they will be a bit anxious when they leave and try to establish themselves in the new environment and get acquainted with new space new people and their actions, scents, voices, etc.
As soon as possible after getting the pup take pup out of the crate, install a pup collar and leash, if it does not have one, pet and make a happy fuss over pup, let it walk around a little, and feed pup a few tasty tidbits. The collar and leash is very important — one can get very anxious chasing a just escaped pup around the roadside, or elsewhere. Cuddle it, hold it on your lap. They usually snuggle and settle in very quickly.
Pup may be messy on arrival. They have naturally been a bit anxious. The day has been long, whether it is 2 hours or 12 hours. The bathroom 35,000 feet below. So, take towels, and baby wipes, a pan, and a mild shampoo to the airport when you go to get pup. Then if you wish, stop by a service station, get some warm (not hot) water in the pan, gently sit pup into the pan and give it a gentle bath. They enjoy it. Rinse with clean water, pat dry, and hold pup on the way home. They smell better that way. And, they figure these folks are OK.
Give them time. Socializing with pups is very important. It takes a few minutes, hours, days, or couple weeks depending on the sensitivity of the individual dog. Pet and caress a lot. Caress it on the shoulder and under the chin and on the neck under the chin. Do not pat hard! Bath gently in warm water. Kennel it in a cozy house with good fresh bedding. Put in a piece of your "dirty" clothing worn a day or so. It contains your scent. Take pup on a "happy time" walk with an adult dog under full control if possible. Caress pup for any good deed done. Let it be free in a contained yard area.
When you get your pup, very soon, feed it tidbits of "Original Vienna Sausage." They love it! And they will love you for it. Nothing bonds a pup to you greater than loving care and Vienna Sausage treats. Just little pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. A few at a time. Do not over do it.Ê Pup says these folks are fine. Periodically the first hour, periodically the first few days. Then occasionally until the pup is well settled and at home. Then as you wish.
This is the Vienna Sausage we write about above. Drain off the "gravy." Discard it, or pour it onto some dog food in a pan. Remove the sausages. Pat dry with a towel, if you wish to reduce the messy part. Then, cut up into about 1/4 inch pieces for pup treats. Put them in a zip lock plastic bag. Of all the gobs of things we have tried, these sausages are the best for getting pups attention, having them "go nuts" over the treat, and causing them to "fall in love" with you.
The Vienna Sausages drained, dried, and cut up and ready to store and treat pup.
After pup is well tuned to the Vienna Sausage treats and us (or you), we switch to Wal-Mart "Ol' Roy Snack Sticks." These treats are soft and dry, but very tasty to pup, too. The sticks are about 6 inches long. We cut or break them into about 1 inch pieces to feed.
Ol' Roy Snack Sticks in the 6" long stick right out of the container, and the 1" pieces ready to treat pups. There are gobs of tasty treats available in commercial stores. Liver flavored treats work well too.
We often mix a bit of canned dog food into the dry feed for the new pup and the just weaned pup to encourage more eating etc.Ê We have tried many kinds. We like the "Pedigree® Healthy Start For Puppies" best. It is very tasty, soft, very small ground, economical and easy to mix with dry pup pelleted foods.
The "Pedigree® Healthy Start For Puppies" just out of the container and some mixed with dry puppy food pellets (below).
| Another thing that works well in feeding the young pup is to add warm liquid to the dry dog feed. This liquid should be very warm, NOT HOT, to the touch of the hand. Just cover the dry food with the liquid, let it set about 5 minutes, stir it, and feed it. We use warm milk, lamb milk replacer, or just warm water. |
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These are things that work for us. There are many good feeds and good ways to feed.
On Payment and Shipment
Final payment is due at or prior to pickup of the pup or shipping it.
The puppy buyer can provide a shipping crate, or we will provide it at cost.
We ship out of Oklahoma City Airport and almost exclusively on Continental Airlines and Delta Airlines. We can ship on Northwest Airlines if needed. A typical small puppy shipment is about $175.00 (2006) for air ticket anywhere in the contiguous United States. We deliver to the airport free of cost, when the delivery can be made without special travel.ÊWe are frequently in the airport region anyway. The purchaser may request special delivery to the airport. This cost is $100.00 per trip. It is a minimum of 5 hour round trip for us. The purchaser may request ground transportation at their arrangement and expense. Puppies must be 8 weeks old or older to ship by airplane. This is a USDA regulation.
Feeding & Veterinarian Practices
We feed all our dogs an upper level high quality dry dog food. These feeds are considered "high protein" and "high fat." The adult dog chow we feed is 28% CP and 15% fat. We hand feed daily. The amount per dog is judged by trial and error over time. Then it is fairly consistent. We presently feed a high quality food only regionally available. DO NOT feed a "high fiber" food (over 4% fiber).
Puppies are fed a higher quality feed as the other dogs. The puppy chow we feed is 30 to 31% CP, and 18 to 20% fat. That is ok. The KISS principle. There are many good ways to feed a dog.
Other puppy foods we have tried and suggest to new owners are listed below. It is wise to feed the puppy feed grade until about 6 months old. Check with your veterinarian or animal nutritionist for specific recommendations as need be.
Good puppy foods (dry pellets):
- Diamond Puppy Chow (our choice for high quality and economics)
- Science Diet Tiny Bites (Growth to Puppy Ration)
- Eukanuba Puppy Chow
- Bil Jac Puppy Chow
- Pro Plan Puppy Chow
When pup is home, inspect him. We recommend taking pup to the veterinarian. Ask for a general inspection to get advice for pup or your area for health management.
It is not our intent to provide specific recommendations. The pup and adult dog buyer must follow their own veterinarian's advice.
However, we do remove dew-claws, bob tails to leave about a 3 inch tail at maturity, deworm pups mostly with Nemex as stated in the Nemex label or Panacur by the label, and we give the puppy vaccinations for pups. We start at 4 weeks old, boost 2 weeks later, then boost every 3 weeks until a series of 5 vaccinations are done. We use only the Ft. Dodge Laboratory vaccine. Our veterinarians consider that source among the best. The first puppy vaccination is with their "Special Puppy Vaccine" that over-rides the maternal antibodies and more assures the puppy is immunized. For puppies that stay with us past about 8 weeks, we continue Nemex and Panacur dewormings, and Ft. Dodge Laboratory "Puppy Booster" vaccines per our veterarian's recommendation, and we monitor the dogs for anything. All dogs are treated for prevention and control of external and internal parasites. We can provide a listing of veterinarian practices done to the pup.
Be sure to have the veterinarian practices in order immediately upon receiving the puppy or dog.
According to our veterinarian consultants, concrete and earth floor kenneled puppies have regular "opportunity" to be in contact with coccidis (causes coccidioris) and organisms that cause Gerardia. Realistically, there is no way to keep kenneled dogs and pups from contacting the organisms. There is no practical way the kennels can be washed and kept clean enough to eliminate all the organisms. So, the management scheme is one of preventative maintenance and treatment at the same time. We do the things below and it seems to be working satisfactory in our case.
• Wash pens daily or more often than daily.
• We clean the puppy pens periodically with a 10% solution of Clorox in water.
• We provide fresh pup water in a Chicken Waterer. (See pictures below.) These feeders help prevent pups from stepping into the drinking water or playing in it or sunbathing in it. We set the waterers on blocks to elevate it as much as possible and still have it low enough for easy drinking access. This is just below backline on the pup. This also helps prevent pups from sticking their feet in it. Dirty pup feet and dirty pup feet in drinking water are major sources of transferring Coccidia & Gerardia organisms.
• We vaccinate with Gerandia vaccine. One initial shot, and one booster shot.
• We deworm young pups after weaning with Panacur about every 2 weeks. Panacur helps control Gerardia also. Read the label.
• We use Corid (trade name) for coccidiosis prevention and treatment. This is put in the drinking water in the chicken waterer pictured. It is easy. This is done every 2 to 4 weeks to about 4 months of age. Read the label.
Possible Stud Dog Service
We will consider any of our males for stud services. The cost is a cash fee or share of the litter – our choice. We strongly prefer to breed only guaranteed virgin females with a veterinarian record of all proper shots, including prevention of any venerially transmitted diseases. But, we will consider breeding multi-litter dams. The dam can be delivered to our place, or if shipped, it must be shipped to Oklahoma City. If we have to make a special trip, the cost is $100.00 per trip. The female must be of very high quality, French import or first generation past that. We know our males are fertile. If a female does not conceive, we offer one free return service. All of this is subject to change. Breeding outside dogs is very risky. We could consider doing "assisted breeding." That is the fresh collection of seman and immediate implant of that semen into the female being bred.
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