Do you have a waiting list?
I do not keep a waiting list nor do I do puppy applications. Instead, I have an ‘interest list’ where I send updates as a blind copy to all interested individuals. I will take note of the desires of people who have contacted me interested in a puppy and what they offer as a home. Puppies are never sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. I will look to fit the right puppies in the home that will offer them what we desire for them to have. I like to speak with potential homes on the phone or in person. At the end of the day, it has to not only be a good match for the puppy but one for myself as well. I can't promise or guarantee a puppy to anyone without (A) knowing what will be available as far as puppies that are whelped (B) I like placing puppies in homes that best fit their personalities/lifestyles. My main goal is watching these guys succeed in life and thrive in their new homes/environment. I do really enjoy and love getting to know new people that are interested in one of my puppies in advance so please feel free to reach out with questions you have about me or my program.
How does an interest list work?
I will send out blind copy emails when we have a planned breeding, another when there is a confirmed pregnancy, again when the litter is whelped and we have a breakdown of puppies, and the last blind email when I am ready to start the application process if there is still interest.
What happens when the litter is born?
Once the puppies arrive and I know the breakdown of color and sex, I will ask if you are interested in a puppy from THIS litter.
I’m not ready for a puppy…
If you are not ready for a puppy from the current litter (maybe the sex of the puppy you want isn't available, timing isn't right, finances aren't right, etc), I will leave you on the interest list and you will get information on the next breeding we have. You will not receive any further updates for the current litter.
I’m ready for a puppy…
If you are ready for a puppy from the current litter, I will then reach out to applicants via email and phone so that we may better get to know one other. If we feel we are a good fit I will place you in a NEW LITTER Facebook group (if you do not have Facebook, I can update via email). This group will receive weekly updates on the current litter including photos and details of all that we are doing rearing the litter to help ensure that when they are ready for their new homes, they are happy, healthy well-socialized well-adjusted puppies. Once reference checks are complete, I will let you know that you are approved for a Crimson puppy. I must receive a reply within 72 hours with your intent to move forward with the purchase of a puppy or I will move to the next person on my Litter List. Please understand that until a specific puppy is assigned to your family and a contract is signed, I reserve the right to not place a puppy with anyone.
Which puppy is mine?
Puppies begin evaluations at 4 weeks on the table and in the box. This is when you can start to see their personalities develop. Not all puppies are made to be in the ring and won’t if the potential isn’t there. Please understand that we breed for specific breed traits and characteristics as outlined in the Great Dane Standard (see below). Please also know that there are no guarantees there will be a puppy available until after evaluations are done and I’ve made my pick as well as any other breeder that is involved in the litter. While I understand this is very hard for families who just want to know “which puppy is ours” we will not allow any puppies to be picked, placed, or promised until after we have decided on our keeper pick(s). After the puppy's conformation and temperaments have been evaluated we will begin placing puppies in show and companion homes based on the puppy's conformation, personality, and how that individual puppy's personality will fit with your family. This is a vital process as this is for the lifetime of the dog. We don't want you to struggle with your new puppy because of a mismatch in personality.
What is a breed standard?
The AKC considers a breed standard to be…” a breeder’s “blueprint” and the instrument used by dog show judges to evaluate the breeder’s work.” A breed standard is a set of guidelines that are used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeder conform to the specifics of the standardized breed. Breed standards are written by breed clubs to reflect the use or purpose of the species and breed of the animal. Breed standards help define the ideal animal of a breed and provide goals for breeders in improving stock. In essence, a breed standard is a blueprint for an animal to evaluate its fit for the function and purpose it was bred for. The Great Dane Club of America Standard can be found on the last tab in the upper right hand corner labeled ‘breed standard’.
What is included with my puppy?
Puppies will go home with a 2-year health guarantee against any genetic diseases (hip/elbow dysplasia, cardiac disease, thyroid disease)- details are listed in the contract, Vet Check/Exam, up to date on worming, up to date on age appropriate vaccinations, have (2) clear fecal exams, will be microchipped, and have lifetime Breeder support. Puppies will also come home with an informative puppy packet that includes their pedigree, microchip info, vet records, and several pertinent articles.
What about ear cropping?
Ear Cropping is available for an additional fee (vets cost) to those fully committed to ear taping and follow up care, however, is not required for companion homes. You must be committed to ear care and posting for as long as it takes the ears to stand. Ears can take any where from 6 to 12 months to stand and sometimes even longer, depending on the puppy's ear leather, and the skill and dedication of the person posting. All of my puppies are cropped by a long time Veterinarian who specializes in the art of cropping ears. Each puppy is thoroughly examined to make sure that they are healthy and a good candidate for cropping. However, ear cropping is a surgical procedure, which can carry some risk. The process does involve dedication with weekly postings that are required to train the cartilage in the ears to ‘stand’. These ‘posts’ are changed 1-2 times a week. This may seem like a complicated process but I can assure it becomes a routine once you get the hang of it. I am always available to help you with ear posting questions.
Why is a Companion puppy the same price as a show puppy?
We charge one price for all of our puppies regardless of sex, color, show, or companion. This is because all of our puppies are raised and reared exactly the same. We put the same time, effort, and love into each and every puppy we breed. They come from the same pedigree that we have spent so much time and money on raising and health testing. Other than conformation to show, the only thing that differentiates a puppy from being a show prospect or companion is the intention of the purchaser and the family that is purchasing the puppy.
How will my puppy get home?
While we do prefer having puppies picked up in person (this gives us a chance to meet one another, review the contract in person, and discuss your puppy's ear care and posting), we do allow ground transport by a few trusted individuals that have experience in the breed and with whom we’ve had positive experiences with in the past. We are happy to provide referrals. We do not ship puppies via air.
How are puppies raised?
All of my puppies are raised in my home with our children and other animals and are very well socialized with the proper foundation to make their transition to their new home and life with ease and confidence. We follow Puppy Culture (see below) protocols for social development. My top priority is loving committed forever homes that have researched the breed and it's requirements. It’s super important to follow through with socialization when puppies go home.
What is Puppy Culture?
Puppy Culture is a puppy rearing program that allows breeders to further their puppies socialization, enrichment, training, and overall development starting from birth up until 12 weeks of age .We have used it in the past with our litters and love the results. This program starts at day 3 and goes week by week up to 12 weeks old. This in turn creates such a strong foundation for the puppies.
Hopefully this will answer some of the questions that you may have. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions. If you would like to receive updates or be placed on our "interest list", please fill out the form under the ‘inquire’ tab above.