Puppy Q & A

Q: What should I include in my application for the waiting list?

A: Tell me about yourself. How many children, if any, do you have? What experience with dogs do you have? What do you plan to do with your dog? Do you plan to show or breed or just have a pet? Do you prefer a male or female? Where are you located?

Q: How do I reserve a puppy?

A: To be put on the waiting list for a puppy, you must pay the reservation fee. The reservation fee does not guarantee you will receive a puppy. It will be refunded if there are not enough pups in the litter. The breeder reserves the right to make the final decision on the placement of each puppy. The deposit is non refundable.

Q: Can I get the first pick of the litter?

A: Everyone wants it. I watch the puppies as they grow for things such as personality, temperment, and show qualification. I try to match every owner with their perfect puppy. Sometimes the owner of the sire will get the first pick of the litter. Otherwise, someone who can prove show experience and intentions to show will get the first pick of the litter.

Q: What should I feed my puppy?

A: I teach the pups to eat a commercial diet (Canidae or Nutro Natural Large Breed Puppy) to make the lives of owners who want to feed a commercial diet easier. Our dogs prefer a natural diet (venison, chicken, turkey - no long bones.) Your puppy will learn to eat what you feed it.

Q: Is training and socializing mandatory?

A: Yes. A newborn puppy doesn't have any manners. You must teach it to be the dog you want it to be. A 100+ pound dog can be very dangerous without training. You will be dissapointed if you don't train your dog.

Q: Do we ship puppies?

A: No, we do not ship puppies as it is now illegal for a breeder to do this. The buyer must pick up his/her puppy.

Q:Why is OFA certification important?

A: Hip and elbow displaysea is a big problem in our breed. About 75% of the dogs in our breed are displastic. There is more chance to get a healthy pup from healthy parents.

Q: What happens if I am unable to keep my dog?

A: I will gladly take the dog back if you are unable to keep it and assist you in finding a new home. No refunds will be made. The buyer is responsible for transportation of the pup in addition to boarding for the period of time the dog is held in my home. There are no trial periods for a puppy, please consider your decision to purchase a pup and be serious when you do.

Q: What other health problems can Black Russian Terrier have?

A: I have my own personal database (collected about Black Russian Terrier around the world) about these problems. I try to avoid problems such as chonrodisplaysea, liver shunt, epilepsy, and heart problems.

Q: How are Black Russian Terrier with children?

A: They will be fine with your own children but don't expect them to be friends with the whole neighborhood.

Q: How much space does a Black Russian Terrier take up?

A: Not too much. The size of the apartment or home is not too important. It's more important how much outdoor activity they recieve.

Q: How can you choose the right breeder?

A: All animals should be OFA certified. Bitches should not be bred every heat. This is very important for their health and the health of the puppies.

Unfortunately, we now have a situation where many breeders have started breeding their animals too often and too young in an effort to make money. This is not acceptable. Black Russian Terrier are not rabbits. Just check about the previous litter of the parents which you choose. Also, its very helpful to meet the mother of the pups before the pups are born. Since puppies end up looking a lot like their parents, you will have an idea of what you are getting and the temper your dog will have.