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 2.  Do I have to show or breed my puppy?
No.  I don't require that my puppies be shown or bred, only that they are well cared for.

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 3.  What if I just want a pet?
Breeders define a pet as a dog that has something wrong with it that would make it unworthy for breeding.  Most people don't want a dog with something wrong with it.   I do get one occasionally and it is sold on a limited, non-breeding, registration.

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 4.  How are your puppies raised?
My puppies are born in my bedroom where they stay until they start climbing out of the whelping box, about 2-3 weeks of age.  Then they are moved to an ex-pen in the living room.  There is plastic over the carpet and one end has bedding and the other newspapers.  It has a door that mom can use but too high for the puppies.  They learn to use the papers very soon.

Out here they get used to the sounds of the TV, vacuum cleaner, visitors, etc.  At 4 - 5 weeks of age they start going out to the puppy pen to play.  The puppy pen is 9 ft by 20 ft and covered.  In one end is straw and the other is wood and bedding.  They immediately start going potty on the straw.   They get used to many aspects of a home life and are usually house trained before they go to their new homes.  Also they are used to being around other dogs.

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  5.  Will my puppy be micro-chipped?
Yes, all puppies are micro-chipped when they are 4 weeks old.  The new owner will need to register the micro-chip in their name and address in case the puppy gets lost.  I will always remain the secondary contact on the micro-chip in case the owner can't be reached.  The micro-chip registration application will accompany the puppy to his new home.

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 6.  Will my puppy have any vaccinations?
Yes.  My puppies are given the intra-nasal vaccination for Bordetella Kennel Cough when they are 4 weeks old.  At 6-8 weeks they are given their first combination vaccination (DHLP-Parvo-Corona).  If still here, they will receive them again in 3 weeks.   They are also wormed.  Of course, their new owner will be expected to continue their vaccination schedule.

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  7.  Do you have a problem with Hip Dysplasia?
No.  Hip Dysplasia is hereditary.  All dogs used for breeding are certified by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) as being free of Hip Dysplasia.  This is done by having their hips x-rayed and submitting the x-ray to OFA for evaluation.  A dog has to be 2 years old to be certified as the bones aren't completely grown until then. Hip Dysplasia can only be diagnosed with an x-ray.  There is more information about Hip Dysplasia at the OFA site at http://www.offa.org/hipinfo.html

  8.  What is entropion?
Entropion is a condition where the eyelashes turn in.  There is more information on it  HERE.  It is a common problem in chows.  Some cases are hereditary but many are caused by conjunctivitis or irritation.  Puppies that have it will often outgrow it.  Some veterinarians are surgery happy and want to do surgery on puppies.  If such is the case, I would recommend getting a second opinion.  It is better to wait until a puppy is a year old before having entropion surgery.

 9.  Do Chows get along with cats?
Yes, if they are raised with cats.  They may not like any other cats than their own though.  If not raised with cats, they don't usually like them.

10.  Do Chows get along with children?
Yes, if they are raised with children they will be very fond of them and also very protective.  Of course, the children must be taught not to hurt a puppy.  I had my first chow a year before I had a baby.  She was very protective of the baby and would sleep by the bassinette.

11.  Do chows have a problem with anesthetics?
Yes.  Many chows have died from being anesthetized just for simple procedures.  It is best to use a veterinarian that has successfully anesthetized chows before.  There is nothing wrong with asking your vet how many chows he has anesthetized, how they have done and if any have died.

12.  Are your dogs registered with AKC?
Yes, all of my dogs are registered with AKC (The American Kennel Club).  Each litter is registered with them shortly after birth. 

13.  How do I register my puppy with AKC?
When a puppy goes to his new home he has a registration number and an application that the new owner needs to submit to AKC for registration.  The new owner will need to fill out the application and mail it to AKC or use AKC's new online registration at:   http://www.akc.org/dogreg/index.cfm

14.  What if I want to show my puppy?
Let me know when you first contact me and I will help you choose one that should do well in the show ring.  Also I will give you links to other show people in your area.  From them you can find out where the training classes are.  There is more to winning in the show ring than just having a gorgeous dog.   Proper training and grooming are essential.  If you don't think you can do it yourself, there are professional handlers you can hire. 

  15.  Do you air ship and what is the cost?
Yes.  I can air ship to most major airports.  If I use Continental, which is my airline of choice, it  costs $210  If I am shipping to California or somewhere that Alaska or Horizon Airlines goes then the cost is $165.  The puppy would also need a shipping crate at a cost of $49.

16.  How often do you photograph the litters?
The puppies are photographed shortly after birth.  I try to photograph them again at 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks.