Choosing your puppy
I am adding this section to my website because there has been confusion and conflict surrounding how I handle puppy picking. I want every client to clearly understand my process. This system has proven to be the fairest and most efficient for everyone involved.
My only alternative would be to assign puppies myself, without allowing families to choose. I do not want to do that. One of the best parts of this journey is being able to choose your puppy before pickup at 8 weeks old.
How Puppy Picks Are Determined
✔ Deposits Determine Picking Order
All deposits are ranked by date received.
The earliest deposit gets 1st pick, and I work down the list in order.
Once puppies are born and we know the number of males and females, I contact each person in deposit order to confirm whether they want a male or female from the available puppies.
If I do not have the sex you originally wanted, you may:
• Choose from the available sex
• OR wait for the next litter
If you choose to wait, you keep your spot on the list (minus those who have already received puppies).
Week 5: Puppy Picking Begins
At week 5:
• Puppies receive colored collars
• Individual photos begin
• Picking officially starts
The families with 1st pick male and 1st pick female have 24 hours to choose from all available puppies of their chosen sex.
❗ If you do not choose within 24 hours:
You forfeit your pick position and will receive the last available puppy of your chosen sex.
If you will be out of town or unavailable, please plan ahead.
✔ Picking Is Done by Video/Photos Only
All picking is done through the video/photos I provide.
✔ No Home Visits
Due to recent safety concerns, I no longer allow home visits.
Please read the “Kennel Tours” section for full explanation.
Your Responsibility During Week 5
Many families choose within minutes or hours.
You must be prepared to choose as soon as it is your turn.
I will only send emails—no texts, no calls.
It is your responsibility to monitor your email during week 5 so you do not miss your turn.
Why the 24‑Hour Rule Exists
Puppies change dramatically from week to week, and even day to day. There is no perfect way to choose a puppy based on appearance alone, and waiting longer only makes the differences more dramatic.
This policy keeps the process fair, efficient, and predictable for everyone.
I no longer deviate from this policy under any circumstances.
Why I Do Not Give Opinions on Puppies
I allow clients to choose 100% on their own.
I do not offer:
• Personality descriptions
• Temperament predictions
• “Best match” suggestions
• Personal opinions
At week 5, personalities are only beginning to emerge and can change significantly over the next 3 weeks. I no longer “label” puppies or give opinions that could influence choices or create conflict among clients.
Your choice is entirely your own.
My role is simply to provide the video/photos.
There Is No “Bad Pick”
I know this system may feel strict, but it is necessary to keep the process fair and organized.
I have over 600 clients in my Facebook group, and they will all tell you the same thing:
Whether they had 1st pick or the last pick, they received the perfect puppy for their family.
This is a testament to:
• The Keeshond breed
• My breeding program
• The consistency of temperament and health in my litters
My puppies are bred for temperament, health, and structure, and I do not believe any puppy is less desirable than another.
Your Role in Your Puppy’s Development
While puppies may show different strengths or personalities, I firmly believe:
A puppy becomes what you teach it to become.
Your training, consistency, and leadership shape your puppy far more than any early personality traits.
A committed owner can take any puppy—dominant, submissive, bold, or gentle—and raise a well‑behaved, confident adult.
If you struggle with training or behavior at any point, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a professional trainer early.
✔ Bad behavior is not the puppy’s fault.
It is a training issue, not a temperament flaw.