Labradoodles and Great Dane puppies...Lookin' for Love!

The decision to bring a puppy into your home is a big responsibility and one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. We recommend carefully selecting the right dog for you and your family so that the puppy will bring years of enjoyment and enrichment to your home. The average dog lives from ten to fifteen years.  When placing puppies we look for people who intend to have their dog for its lifetime.

When selecting your dog consider your lifestyle, your home and family needs - and what your dog will need from you.

Temperament 

Your lifestyle plays a huge role in the type of dog that would be best suited for you.  Your personality and their temperament need to compliment each other.  Are you a get up and go kind of person who loves activiity?   Do you like to go for long walks and enjoy the great outdoors?  Do you prefer a more quiet lifestyle and teh companionship of a dog at your feet? 

Different breeds are known for displaying different temperaments.  For example, Labrador Retrievers are known to be patient and gentle with children, crave attention and need to feel as though they are a part of the family.  Beagles are strong-willed and not always easy to train.  Some breeds are nervous, some are mellow, some require a lot of exercise, and others prefer a more sedentary life.   

Within breeds different dogs will display different temperaments.  We suggest that you carefully research different breeds to determine which breed best fits your lifestyle.  Then find a breeder you can trust, and work with them to select a puppy that has the personality you desire.  Labradoodles are renowned for their temperaments.

Size and Shape

In determining what size and shape you would like in a dog, think about the size of your house and yard, health issues associated with dogs of certain size and shape, the ages and size of family members.

Large, active dogs need an area to run that will provide needed exercise and safety.  If your house or yard are small you might consider a smaller dog, or be willing to take your dog on frequent walks away from home.

Dogs that are extremely large or small have their own health issues.  Extremely small dogs can have delicate bones, leading to dislocated kneecaps and have problems with their teeth. Extremely large dogs can have bone growth problems, genetic heart ailments and a shorter lifespan.  When choosing your dog, avoid dogs that are extremely large or small.

Do you have small children or are there elderly people who will be with your dog?  Large dogs can overwhelm them, however small children can be rough on a dog that is too small.

Coat

How much time and money do you want to spend and how much hair can you bear?  Do you have the time or the desire to brush your dogs coat every night?  Do you mind having to vacuum dog hair off your furniture?  What about grooming costs?  The type of coat your dog has will determine how much time you will need to spend maintaining it.  Coat is also important to consider if you have allergies.

There are three types of coats; Wavy or Hair Coat, Curly or Wool Coat, Fleece Coat.  Wavy or Hair coats require little maintenance, but can shed heavily. Some are light shedders.  Curly or Wool coats have tight curls like a poodle. These coats are non-shedding, but require high maintenance when they get longer.  Fleece coats consist of loose curls over the entire body.  The coat has a soft feel and is easy to care for.  Many fleece coats are non-shedding and allergy friendly.

 PUPPY QUESTIONAIRE

The following questions are good for you to ask yourself before you agree to take the responsibility of raising a puppy.  There are lots of things to consider when purchasing your new best friend and we want to make sure we offer you the opportunity to consider the purchase thoroughly...

Remember, our goal is to give you the best friend a person can have.  We are big believers in the bonding that takes place between humans and their animal friends.   

Do you understand that these puppies are not registered with the AKC or any other Kennel Clubs?

Who will be the primary care giver?

Where will the puppy be kept during the night?

Where will the puppy be kept during the day?

Is anyone home during the day?

How many hours on the average will the puppy be left alone?

Will there be someone available to feed and exercise the puppy during the day?

Have you ever owned a dog before?

Do you have any other animals?

Do you have any children? If yes, what are their ages.

Does anyone in your household have allergies to animals?

If yes, to what and how severe?

Are you interested in a male or female puppy?

At what age do you wish to get the puppy?

Have you considered an older dog instead of a puppy?

How did you hear about this breed?

What do you expect the activity level of this breed to be: very high    high     moderate     below average

What kind of floor surfaces will the dog be on in the house?

How many hours a day will the puppy be kept outside?

How will he be confined when he is outside?

Do you have a fenced yard or suitable pen?

Have you ever house trained a dog before?

Will you be attending any training classes?

If yes, at what age will you start, which activities or competitions are you interested in, who is the trainer?

How long did your last pet live? What were the circumstances of his/her death?

Have you ever returned a pet to the breeder? If so, what were the circumstances?

Have you ever given a pet away? If so, what were the circumstances?

Have you ever taken a pet to a pound or shelter? If so, what were the circumstances?

Are you interested in showing the dog in the conformation ring?

Are you interested in competition in performance events such as obedience, agility, hunting, herding, etc.?  

Do you intend to breed the dog?