doodles on schnoodles
Fantasy Pups
In the next week, I would like adopting families to communicate to me their intention to select a puppy. Those at the top of our reservation list would help those at the bottom if they could clarify their selection intentions so that folks will know whether they have a chance at black or white, male or female, Catholic or Protestant. (Nix that last choice: all pups are still affiliated!) I am getting questions about how puppy selection works, and this is the natural time for those questions to come up again, so let me remind you. First of all, the order of deposit determines the order of opportunity. You do not own the puppy until it is purchased, but "list-toppers" have the opportunity to reserve a color or sex before others. That will help me begin lining up particular puppies to particular families. When the puppies are old enough to start wearing collars, each will wear a colored collar to distinguish it from another. (It is very difficult if not impossible for us human beings to tell them apart even at six weeks without such an artificial marker.) Then a temporary name will be assigned to the puppy to assist in communication. (You are welcome to pick the name yourself and I recommend it - it gives families a chance to "try out" the name, and it's not binding until you take the sweety home! Most families change the name at six weeks anyway.) This week, we expect the eyes to begin to open, and when that happens, I will get new pictures up to help you in your decision. All decisions must be made by July 28th so that no family is still in the dark on Visitation Day. Those at the bottom of the list are just as anxious to start bonding with their new family member as the "list-toppers". So what will it be: black or white, male or female? What about other characteristics, such as size and personality? Size is determined by genetics and diet, but are too fluid at six weeks for sound predictions to be made unless a puppy markedly stands out from the litter. None does. "Personality" is determined by breed temperament and environmental conditions in the home in which they are raised. At six weeks, there will be no signs of individuation as all the pups are the same breed and will have the same environment. "Rescue" animals, "Pound Puppies", and "Re-adoption Dogs" definitely do have well-defined personalities determined by their histories, and in such cases, that ought to be part of your adoption decision. But nothing about personality can be predicted in a six-week old puppy raised in a solid environment except what is typical of the breed. The good news is this: you and your family and those that you allow access to your puppy will be the biggest factors in your puppy's character development... so relish that privilege and honor that responsibility! How much will the dam's personality be an individuating factor in your puppy's character development? Simple answer: Don't know. Nevertheless, you can read about my dam's personality on my "Dams" page. How much of what is distinctive in Marshmellow's and Phantasia's personalities is a result of genetics that will be passed on to the puppy and how much is incommunicable conditioning determined by their individual history and place in my "pack" is not knowable. If however you have a preference for a Marshmellow or Phantasia puppy, let me know. A note to "No Preference Families": A number of families have indicated that they have no preference for sex and color. There is nothing wrong with that, but keep in mind that too much flexibility may leave the choice with us! It is probably time to have a discussion with the decision makers in your family about whether you still have no preference. Keep in mind during this discussion that the three black females have shown no signs of developing Phantom markings, and none of the eight apricot pups are red, so the choice should be re-cast as between the standard apricot and solid black (always with the possibility that colors darken or lighten as the puppy ages.) Also, keep in mind that females are $200 more than males. I don't mind making the decision for you based on other families preferences, but please be sure that this works for you. A note to "High Preference Families": If you are a "list-topper" and have well-defined preferences, start exercising your selection opportunity early and communicate that to me so that we can help those down the list know what options are left for them. If you are further down the list, your preference may not be available by the time the "list-toppers" have made their decision. Therefore, you may need to decide whether you would rather move to the top of the Winter List to strengthen your chances on getting that color or sex you want, or whether you will be willing to forego your preference to bring a puppy home this Summer. With a shortage of males, that may mean paying more for a female this Summer or waiting six months for a male in Winter.
2 Comments
LINDA MANCINI
7/5/2018 08:21:32 am
I was so excited to see the puppy pictures today! I am keeping my hopes up that I will be lucky enough to end up with Phantasia's son. I love that you are sharing all their beginnings with us. Linda M.
Reply
LINDA MANCINI
7/12/2018 06:30:19 am
Tech stuff is wonderful, when it works (lol)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
BreederHello. My name is Marie, and I have three Schnauzers that fill my life with joy! With the help of my children and grandchildren, I am raising Schnoodle puppies and placing them in good homes. Feel free to browse through my website and enjoy the pictures! Archives
February 2020
Categories |