We often get asked questions about our dogs, so we are answering some of those here: I will also answer your questions, feel free to email, message on Facebook at Rebecca Bowman or call me.
Do you breed your dogs? When we have an exceptional bitch we will occasionally try to breed her to continue the bloodline.
Do you compete in AKC Conformation? Our dogs compete in AKC, UKC and IABCA Conformation (American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club , and The International Dog Shows International All breed Canine Association).
What other dog sports are your dogs involved in? We participate in Barn Hunts, Beginner Agility, Obedience Training, Rally classes and a trial here and there, Scent work classes and Treibball. Utah is beginning to learn Dock Diving (since she is an avid swimmer and all our dogs love being in and out on the water) and registered with North American Dock Dogs (NADD). We are also registered with the Barn Hunt Association.
Do you health test your dogs before breeding them? Modern genetic testing allows breeders to exclude dogs that may have genetic health issues. This has greatly improved the health of many dog breeds. We do our part with extensive health testing on our dogs before we breed them. Only dogs with with exceptional health and genetics are breed. We conducted DNA genetic testing, submitted and registered in the OFA data base via the University of Missouri. Feel free to look us up! Current OFA Testing (starts at 6 months of age and continue until they are 2 years old) before the dog is ready for breeding. We have already tested our dogs for the following DNA genetic tests including eyes (Progressive Retinal Atrophy -PRA Cord 1, hips, elbows, CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation,) Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK), Cardiac Auscultation, and DM, CAER results are normal. Test results are available through the OFA testing providers data base. We also monitor our dogs for other non tested health issues and will not breed a dog that has any issues that can be passed on to their puppies. I am doing all possible health testing recommended for sound English Springer Spaniels.
What do you feed your dogs? I use the Rotation Diet on Salty and Nelson. We have tried a variety of foods throughout the years, based on our Veterinarian's recommendations and I use Dog Food Advisor, before I consider a rotation. Huckleberry and Utah eat salmon and rice by Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
What do you use for heart worm and Flea protection? We use Sentinal from my veterinarian.
Who should get a Springer? Springers need lots of exercise (and adventures!), plenty of healthy food and yearly veterinary check ups. They are wonderful companions and need a fenced in yard or land to run and play. Springers cannot to be cooped up all day, while owners are at work. That is not the ideal life for a Springer. These are some of the many things to consider if choosing an English Springer Spaniel.
What type of registration will the puppies include? Puppies will be sold on a Limited AKC Registration.
How do I get a puppy from you? If you want a puppy from us you will need to fill out a puppy buyer's application and join our email and Facebook group. From there we will let you know if we have any planned litters. If we do not have a litter planned within the next 12 months we may refer you to another high quality breeder.
What is the payment Schedule? We require a deposit to reserve a puppy ($500) and total balance is due prior to puppy pickup. We do not take deposits before puppies are born.
Can I pay when I pick up my puppy? No. We require payment prior to pickup. All of our invoicing is done online and all payments are completed online. This insures that all payments are made and eliminates any chance for discrepancies. On puppy pickup day you will be able to give full attention to your new family member and not worry about counting cash.
Can I choose which puppy I want? You will be able to choose the sex of the puppy before placing your deposit. It usually takes a few days before marking can be cataloged. Once markings are established you will be assigned a puppy of the sex you reserved. Requests will be taken but not guaranteed. Once your puppy is assigned to you, you will be able to watch them grow!