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Puppy & Dog Purchase Guidelines & Other Items
We try to stay basic and use the KISS principle in managing puppy
availability and sales. KISS - Keep It Simple Silly (or whichever "S" word
you like). Therefore great details are lacking. Be free to ask questions,
too.
Reservations, Payments & Pricing
Most of our pups leave us by reservation. We seldom have pups available on
call, but we do sometimes. 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. 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 and hip displasia test results are shown on
the web as available, or if not shown, we can provide copies 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 steady (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.
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.
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.
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
nineteen
plus years (20 in 2004) of experience and feedback from new owners of our French Brittanys indicates a high rate of success. Past records and surveys have
shown about 97% of our pups make good birddogs. Sure, there were
variations in capability, but we cannot expect a better record than that.
We have never owned a French Brittany, bought or home-reared, that did not
make a good walking bird hunter dog and good companion. Starting dogs is not our first
specialty, but we have never retained a pup, for ourselves or anyone else,
that did not make a walking hunter bird dog and companion.
Registration Papers & Naming
We provide registration applications from the litter registration after
all payments are made, shipping kennels are paid or returned, and other business
is concluded. Prior to Fall 2002, we provided registration forms for the
French Brittany Gun Dog Association of American and the American Kennel
Club (AKC). From Fall 2002 and forward, we will use the United Kennel
Club (UKC) registration and the AKC.
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.
The new owner of one of our pups or dogs is also free to get AKC, or other
registration papers, as they wish, and at their expense.
We are often asked about the differences, and pros and cons, of UKC and
AKC registrations. This is our view and summary.
I consider the UKC the main (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 sanchiprod meetings, (show), T.A.N. running, 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 in my view.
The AKC registers the EB as a "Brittany" only. This registration
qualifies the dog to take part in all AKC sanctioned events, as
appropriate, as a Brittany. Placings 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. 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. For the Epagneul
Breton, I consider them of less importance to the breed than the UKC.
But, inspect them and do you as you wish.
As time passes, we plan to develop "homemade" pedigrees for our dogs that
show much of the French winnings information. 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.
The AKC Registers the EB as a "Brittany" only. This registration
qualifies the dog to take part in all AKC sanctioned events, as
appropriate, as a Brittany. Placing and ratings proceed, more or
less, as stated in the UKC registry.
The former registration papers from the French Brittany Gun Dog Assocation of
America have also included a multi-generation pedigree and French dog
winnings, placings and titles.
Unfortunately, neither the UKC or AKC provide French winnings, placings
and titles on dogs from France. WE will continue to display the
French Brittany Gun Dog Association registration that show some of that
information. If the UKC (our official club registry) continues to
not show this important information, we will have to resort to
"home-making" our own pedigree brackets to illustrate that information on
our imported, high quality, dogs.
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 give 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, a dogs name will be: __________ "de la
Savane Rouge Ondulante."
We much prefer to use the French system of selecting the first name by the
letter of the alphabet designated for that given year. 2002 is a "T" year.
2003 is a "U" year. So, the complete name for a 2002 pup might be "Thor de
la Savane Rouge Ondulante."
Thus, "T" for 2002 = Thor, and the rest is our kennel family name.
The years and alphabet letter for each year are as follows: 2002-T;
2003-U; 2004-V; 2005-W; 2006-A; 2007-B; 2008-C; 2009-D; 2010-E; and
2011-F.
Receiving a Pup or Dog
Pups may be picked up at our location, or we arrange shipping by air freight.
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 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.
Pup may be messy on arrival. They have naturally been a bit anxious. The
day has been long. 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. Do not pet 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.
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. 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.
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 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.
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. We have tried
many kinds. We like the "Pedigree®
Healthy Start For Puppies" best. It is very tasty, soft, very small
ground, 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).
These are things that work for us. There are many good feeds and
good ways to feed.
One other thing to repeat -- when you pick up your pup, have a towel or some baby or
animal wipes handy. They may need some cleaning.
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. We can ship on Delta or Northwest Airlines if needed. A typical
small puppy shipment is about $170.00 (2003) 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. We are frequently in the
airport area anyway. The purchaser may request special
delivery to the airport. This cost is $100.00 per trip. 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." 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 the same high quality feed as the other dogs. 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):
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
other products if needed), and we give the 1st and 2nd puppy
vaccination for pups received by the new owner soon after weaning up to
about 7 weeks.
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 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.
Hip Displasia Ratings
Males; Hardy, Iroine, and Osage have all tested "Good" by the OFA.
Females; Lakota, and Samba are all rated "Good" by OFA. Oto is
rated "Excellent" by OFA. Ottowa is rated "fair" by OFA.
Younger dogs will be tested as they get to the proper age at 2 years.
Hip ratings are done similarly, but different, between rating
organizations and countries. Following is a chart that correlates
the different ratings. We use the O.F.A. (Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals) for all our U.S. of A. testings. Their ratings range from
"Severe" to "Excellent" in 5 steps. French ratings range from "E" to
"A" in 7 steps, with "A" the best.
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The Systems In Comparisons |
|
OFA |
FCI |
BVA |
| Excellent |
A-1 |
0-4 |
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Good |
A-2 |
5-10 |
| Fair |
B-1 |
11-18 |
|
Borderline |
B-2 |
19-25 |
|
Mild |
C |
26-35 |
| Moderate |
D |
36-50 |
|
Severe |
E |
51-106 |
Information from G.G. Keller, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
FCI is the French system. BVA is the British system. In the
U.S. of A. there is another system: PennHip.
Comparing different systems of ratings is a bit like comparing "apples"
and "oranges." All systems provide the ratings (fruit) and the
ratings are "different origin" (apples or oranges), but they are all
correlated (sweet). Don't get hung up on different systems of
ratings. All are derived from both objective veterinarian measures
and subjective interpretation to a degree.
These ratings are an indication of hip joint quality of the dog rated, and
possible inheritance of the progeny. But, the inheritance is not
absolute, it is a possibility. An "excellent" hip rated dog can
produce lower hip rated progeny, and a "mild" dog can produce a higher hip
rated progeny.
Possible Stud Dog Service
We will consider any of our males for stud services. The cost is
negotiable or share of the litter. We 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.
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