FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a companion puppy and a show/breed puppy?
A pet puppy may have a cosmetic issue that disqualifies them from the show ring, but in no way causes an issue in their day-to-day life. It could simply be an ear with too much white, or white splash beyond the withers, or it could be I just do not have any show homes in mind for that particular litter. All puppies are healthy and happy and are bred to the Miniature American Shepherd standard. We also cannot guarantee that the puppies will stay in the size range for the Miniature American Shepherd. Being a newer breed, that is difficult to gauge.
What is a companion puppy?
A companion puppy is a puppy sold with limited registration, meaning there is no ability to register offspring. This does not mean they are not a quality dog – it means that breeding should only be done to better the breed and not be taken lightly. Because there are so many unwanted dogs, it is important that breeding be done with the utmost of care. These dogs can compete in everything that a full registry dog can, with the exception of conformation.
How much do your puppies cost?
Our Companion/Non-Breeding pups are $2500 as of 2023. The Companion contract is used when the pup is to be spayed/neutered. BIRCHVIEW kennel 2024 pet contract
MN sales tax to be added. The deposit is $300 (cash, check or Venmo) and the balance due, in cash, upon pickup.
Do We Sell to Breeders?
At this time, we do not. We have been breeding for almost 20 years and have found there are too many variables in our breed as yet as far as guaranteeing size, bites, etc. so we concentrate on placing our Up-and-Coming pups in Partner Families where they can get the most attention, a happy environment, socialization and training of being in a home with only a few other dogs or even the only dog.
How do I reserve a Puppy?
- Fill out our Puppy Questionnaire
- Read through the CONTRACTS
- Give Sharon a call at 612 246-1001
- Fill out the Deposit and send it in
When should I send a Deposit?
We like to have homes already lined up before the litter is born. That way, we can focus on rearing the pups. After talking with Sharon and making sure we are the right fit for each other she will invite you to send in the deposit Deposit Agreement
I want a specific color/sex.
Our first priority in placing our puppies is to ensure they are the right match for the family they are joining. We do extensive temperament testing to ensure that we have the right home for the puppy. This helps us to have a forever home for our puppies. You can certainly request a color/sex for your puppy and we will make every attempt to honor that request.
Many people will make specific requests for a blue eye, blue merle female with a full white collar. These are not the type of requests that we can fill. Our goal is to have you look beyond the color and see what dog fits your family the best. We have spent years placing not only our puppies, but also with rescue work, and are secure in the fact that we find the best puppy for the new owner.
We think the most important part of a dog is under the fur – there is no bad color!
How do you raise your pups?
At BIRCHVIEW KENNEL we raise our puppies in our home and under foot. We use several methods in rearing our litters and that starts with healthy, health tested adults.
As far as day to day with puppies….
Here is information on the ENS program
Here is information on Puppy Culture
We also follow the Rule’s of Seven
That is just the minimum we do here at BIRCHVIEW. I also like to have “Puppy Parties” once the pups reach 5 weeks old for the families who have deposits on the litter. I want the pups to meet as many people as they can before they go to their new homes. It’s always my hope that the families fall in love with all the pups so that they just can’t decide with one is better that the next. As a Puppy Kindergarten trainer, I always say the more people the pup can meet and have a good interaction with before they go home the better for my new puppy owners.
How to you Evaluate and Place your Puppies?
At 7 weeks we Temperament Test the pups for drive, biddability and overall soundness. Eyes are examined by a Canine Ophthalmologist. And if possible, take them herding to determine drive and biddability.
At 8 weeks we use Pat Hastings Puppy Puzzle to evaluate the pups for show/breed quality.
We take the placement of pups very seriously and have had a great deal of success placing the right pup in the right home where they have their best chance at being the dog for you. That’s why we are unable to offer you a specific pup until it is 8 weeks. If, of course, you are not interested in the pup we think will work best for you we will return your deposit or move it to our next litter.
What Health issues do Miniature American Shepherds have?
While our dogs at BIRCHVIEW KENNEL have had all their clearances done and we try to always make good breeding decisions health issues can arise. Please take a look at this link http://www.ashgi.org/ to read about the more coming issues on the breed.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Birchview family ~ Sharon and Steve Hulke