Our litters are given the best start in life we can offer them.  The breeding process starts long before the dam is bred. We search for a sire that has the qualities to compliant the dam and we look at the pedigree.  In addition all health testing must be completed on both the sire and dam and have a CHIC# prior to breeding - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Temperament of the sire and dam is of the utmost importance and is the very first thing considered! 

Once the breeding has taken place the dam is checked at about 28 days to see if she is in fact pregnant. An ultrasound is done to confirm the pregnancy. A few weeks prior to the whelping date (gestation is about 63 days) the dam is introduced to the whelping box. Her temperature is checked daily about a week before the due date as once is drops to 98 degrees range she usually will whelp the puppies within 24 hours and we want to be ready in case any issues arise. After the puppies are born both the dam and the puppies are taken to the Vet to be sure all are healthy.  At 2 days of age the puppies are taken back to the Vet for the dewclaws to be removed.  

Neurological stimulation is started on day one. The benefits of this process has been proven so beneficial for the life of the dog in many ways.

As the puppies grow during the first 8 weeks, the puppies are introduced to different challenges and environments.  They are exposed to soft toys first, then a puppy gym with different types of objects and textures, wobble board, toddler slide, tunnels, cave/tent, various household noises, music, visitors, and introduced to different rooms in the house as well outside. The puppies experience various things both as a group as well as individually. We start potty training as soon as they can walk by placing paper in just one area.  They soon learn to go there as they like a clean dry place to sleep and play. Crate training is started once the puppies become very active usually around 4 to 5 weeks of age.

The puppies are wormed several times and receive their first vaccinations. At about 7 weeks of age they are BAER tested (hearing tested) as 1 in every 10 are born deaf.   We provide an information packet which includes the contract for the puppy, first heartworm prevention tablet, a copy of all health records including the BAER testing, health certificate from the Vet who has followed them from birth and a small bag of food when the puppies leave for their new forever homes. They also go home with a favorite toy and blanket to help with the transition to have a familiar smell in the new home.

The puppies are evaluated throughout the first 8 weeks to determine which should be placed in show/performance homes and which are best suited for companion homes. Dalmatians are not hyper dogs but endurance dogs that were bred to travel with a horse and carriage for 30 miles a day.  Dalmatians today still have that endurance ability. The need for exercise differs from one puppy to another. Some need a more experienced owner, one who has had Dalmatians before and this is also considered during the evaluation and placement.

As a responsible breeder we do have an application/screening process and also take back any puppy we have placed. When you have one of our puppies you become a family member. We welcome any questions you may have about the breed and our puppies.