HEATH & CARE

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All of our dogs are routinely examined by our vets to ensure they are in proper health before being bred. Our dogs have also been health tested through Embark to screen for genetic health conditions along with color & coat type. Embark screens for 250+ genetic health conditions. 

The common breed-relevant genetic health results we focus on are:

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Von Willebrand Disease (VWD1)
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA3)
• X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (X-SCID)

The coat type & color traits that we look for are: 

• Coat Length "Fluffy" (FGF5 gene)
• Color Pigment “Cream” (E-LOCUS/MC1R gene) 
• Color Dilution "Bluie" (D-Locus/MLPH gene)

OFA x-rays are typically taken after a dogs second birthday, but they do offer a “preliminary test” at 4-23 months. For accurate diagnosis, X-rays are taken while using general anesthesia to help position the dog properly. 1 vet scores the "preliminary test" films between the age of  4-23 months and 3 vets evaluate the films for "final" scoring. (Must be 24 months of age or older for a final score.) OFA scores PASSING with an Excellent, Good or Fair rating. All of these ratings are passing scores with no hip dysplasia present. OFA FAILING are scored as mild, moderate and severe.

MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR/AT:

HIP DYSPLASIA- Usually develops from an abnormal hip joint. It can be caused from genetic issues or from trauma to the joint. There are multiple genes that are working together for good joints, making it tough as two passing parents can potentially throw a dysplasic puppy. A vet x-rays the hip joint and sends the films off for evaluation and a score.  

EYE CERTIFICATION- Dogs must be evaluated by a veterinarian opthalmologist for genetic conditions of the eye. They will receive what is called a “CAER” exam. Vet will decide if the eyes are clear from any issues and if there is a problem (such as a cataract) if it is genetic or not.

ELBOW DYSPLASIA- Is polygenetic disease in the elbow, there are multiple ways they can be dysplasic. A vet will take x-rays and submit them to OFA for a pass/fail score of their elbows.

CARDIAC DISEASE-​​ Dogs will need to be evaluated by a veterinarian cardiologist, they will determine if the dog has a heart murmur or other heart issues. 

We do follow a strict protocol for deworming beginning at 2 weeks of age. All medications, dosages, and vaccines administered are documented and presented to you in a packet of puppy papers for you and your vet’s records. The puppies visit the vet at 7 weeks for a wellness exam along with receiving their 1st distemper vaccine before leaving to their new homes. Your puppy should receive 3 rounds of the distemper vaccine, 3-4 weeks apart to be effective in protecting them from communicable diseases. By the time the 3rd vaccine dose is administered, the vet will also give your puppy its first rabies vaccine and may suggest a bordetella (kennel cough) or leptospirosis vaccine at that time.

**I personally get the distemper and rabies vaccine at one visit and go back a week later to receive bordetella and leptospirosis vaccines.**

We microchip our dog and puppies with Fi Nano chips, it’s free to register and update for life with owners information from any smartphone or computer. When we meet for puppy pick ups we would also be able to help you set up your account.  The chip is also compatible with ALL microchip scanners as most microchips aren’t. If you don’t want your puppy microchipped simply let us know before the puppies vet appointment. 

We do offer a 2 year genetic disease and health guarantee. All puppies leave here healthy and if you have any concerns, please contact us right away so we can communicate with both you and your vet to develop a plan of action. 

We do offer lifetime breeder support and will take the puppy/dog back at any time for any reason. We will ensure a new loving suitable home is found and take care of all necessary screening for as seamless a transition as possible. We understand things happen, you are part of the family and we both want what is best for the dog and can work together to achieve this. 

We strive to ensure all of our dogs are getting a proper nutritional, healthy diet, we feed Nurti-Source as a base, commonly use their:

• Trout & Rice 
• Turkey & Rice 
• Lamb & Rice recipes

Along with mixing it up between a variety of fruits, veggies, raw meats and organs! 

• We always add our *holy grail* Ultra Oil daily 
• Canned pure pumpkin is a GREAT topper 
• Plain Greek Yogurt- we often put some in ice cube trays & freeze them
• Chicken/Beef bone broth- to add a little extra flavor & variety