social. driven. intelligent. healthy. beautiful.
these are the five main characteristics we focus on.
Our belief is that these characteristics describe the perfect White Swiss Shepherd--a dog that is an excellent family companion first and foremost, but also suitable for sports, and which adheres to the FCI breed standard for beauty. Our program focuses on medium drive dogs that make a fun weekend warrior, but that aren't going to drive anyone up a wall if they take a day off. They are up for a game of fetch with the kids, love to go on a long weekend hike, and they are super smart and easy to train.
health.
Our health testing protocol is robust--so much so that we perform more health testing than nearly any other White Swiss Shepherd kennel in the world. Each of our breeding dogs is tested for the following:
HIP DYSPLASIA: radiographs are taken and submitted to Australia for grading
ELBOW DYSPLASIA: radiographs are taken and submitted to Australia for grading
LUMBARSACRAL TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRA: radiographs are taken and submitted to Finland for grading
ADVANCED CARDIAC: auscultation and echocardiogram are taken by a board-certified cardiologist and results recorded by OFA
THYROID: a blood sample is submitted and tested in a lab and results recorded by OFA
EYES: eye exam performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist and results recorded by OFA
DENTITION: veterinarian checks the dentition and results recorded by OFA
EMBARK DNA PANEL: tests for 200+ genetic diseases, including MDR1, DM, CEA, and more
PITUITARY DWARFISM: genetic test for dwarfism at LHX3 gene; we test via Paw Print Genetics or AnimaLabs
CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA: genetic test for CH at RELN gene; we test via AnimaLabs
Although breeders are not God and cannot prevent anything, testing to know what is in a line of dogs is pertinent to breeding healthier dogs over time. Our goal is not to eliminate dogs for minor imperfections, but rather it is to insure that we don't breed dogs which have the same faults within their pedigree. With most breeders not performing all of the aforementioned testing, this is easier said than done. A breeder choosing not to test for everything may accidentally breed dogs with the same fault--and this could be devastating for a litter of pups.
Each of dogs' has their results listed directly on their page along with links to OFA, Embark, and Incoc. If you have further questions regarding health testing, feel free to shoot us an email.
temperament.
First, we carefully select breeding dogs with desirable temperament traits. When it comes to character--we do not compromise. All of our breeding dogs are sociable, stable, trainable, and easygoing when their needs are fulfilled. While we have many sporty dogs, they have great off switches, making them the perfect combination of fun to train and easy to live with. Starting with a sound genetic base is the critical first step, as genetics lay the foundation of behavior.
However, socialization is still an absolute must! Even with great genetics, puppies need to be exposed to people, sights, sounds, cars, the world. During their time with us, we focus on just that. They are handled daily throughout the neonate stage, which is important in order to develop strong bonds and trust with humans. As soon as their ears open, we begin introducing them to various sounds just before and during mealtimes. We drop metal bowls, bang bowls together, run the vacuum cleaner, and turn on YouTube videos of fireworks, construction, city sounds, and so forth. This conditions the puppies to learn that unpleasant sounds predict food. We also invite family and friends over (as well as previous and current puppy buyers; always feel free to reach out if you'd like to come visit) throughout the puppies' time with us so that they learn strange people are a safe and normal part of life. For our pups, this is a piece of cake thanks to their genetic friendliness, but that doesn't mean it can be skipped. Although it is difficult due to the vaccination schedule, we also try to take the puppies to a couple new places before they leave for their new homes (every single pup sees the vet prior to go-home). This is especially helpful when they are still all together and can follow the lead of their mother. No one is a better dog trainer than a solid and even tempered momma dog.
conformation.
We have purchased and produced multiple very gorgeous and very successful show dogs. These dogs have been ranked in the annual UKC Top Ten White Shepherds and won many accolades, including the coveted Best in Show win. Each of our breeding dogs has earned at minimum a Show Champion title, but most have also earned their Grand Show Champion.
If you are looking for a show prospect, or just want an extra beautiful companion, we are certain we can help. Where conformation is concerned, our Furrari and Neva lines are absolutely spectacular.