A Breeder Answers
By Margaret McNabb, Islay Norfolks and Rottweilers of Canada, and Areta Masi, who finally got her little Kira, a Norwich, in 1999
Q: Do you have a waiting list for the puppies?
A: Yes I do. Some people have waited for more then two years for a pup.
Q: Why do I have to wait so long to get a Norfolk or Norwich puppy?
A: On the average in the United States there are only a few hundred Norfolk and Norwich puppies born each year. In Canada the numbers are much lower. Due to the ever-increasing volume of requests from the pet buying public, and the rise of popularity of these breeds, it is impossible for everyone who wants one to have one of these dear dogs. The average litter size is small (four or less). When you compare litter sizes of other breeds in the terrier group, such as an Airedale or a Kerry Blue, with litters of six to eight or more, this becomes a major factor.
Q: How do you match pup to owner?
A: I try to talk to people as much as I can and I ask a lot of questions and for references. I send out questionnaires too. I ask that people who wish pups come to my home. Then I watch how they react to my adults and I watch the reactions of my adult dogs to them. Dogs are a very good judges of people. I am very careful and talk to my husband before any pup leaves, as to how he feels about a placement. We must agree 100% on that placement.
Q: Why are breeders so fussy about who buys their puppies?
A: The easiest way to answer this is to start by saying that our dogs are our family. When we make the decision to breed a male to a female, it is with the thought of bringing new life into this world and trying to a maintain a healthy, sound breed. We hold our females in our arms for sixty three days and feel the babies growing inside. We are there to watch and help when those babies make their arrival into this world. We watch as these new puppies grow and open their eyes, take their first steps, and eat solid foods.
Any one wanting a new dog should, I think, first take a trip through their local humane society and see the rows of abandoned, stray and unwanted pets. This will make it easier to understand how any responsible breeder wants only the best for their puppies. We want each of our puppies to always have the same love, care and zest for life that we gave to them.
A DOG IS FOR LIFE, NOT A PASSING FANCY !
Q: How do you decide which puppies are show quality and which are pet quality? I assume this affects price of puppy?
A: I do not sell puppies as show quality. They go into homes as a pet first-- showing is a bonus. What a pup looks like at 10 to 12 weeks is not always what that pup will look like at a year or more. I have held on to pups that I have thought would make good show dogs, only to part with them later as pets. All pups are sold on a Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.) non-breeding contract or if they are older, spay or neutered before leaving. The C.K.C non breeding contract is somewhat the same as a Limited registration in the U.S.
Q: When do you think Nor puppies are old enough to go to a new owner?
A: I like to see pups go into new homes at 10 to 12 weeks. If pups are going into homes close to me, I will let them go a little sooner say 9 weeks. I also do everything in my power to stay in touch with a puppy and it's new owner.
All new owners of Norfolks are given a copy of the INTC Creed, a vet record of shots and worming. All new owners are asked to take their new pup to their own vet as soon as possible. I prefer an appointment be made for this before the pup even goes home, so they are seeing the vet the next day. If being shipped, they a have a health certificate done within 30 days of crossing the barder. I send copies of their pedigree, parent reg. papers and information on books (THE NORFOLK TERRIER by JOAN R. READ). And on a closing note I now include THE INNTC CREED in my Rottweiler Puppy Package as well. I firmly believe no puppy I breed will ever see the inside of a pound or be without a HOME.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at <[email protected]>
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