Deposit List
“What number am I?”
I get asked this question all the time, so here is a clear explanation of how I handle deposits and how the puppy selection process works.
How Deposits Are Ranked
All deposits are held in the order they are received.
This means the date your completed paperwork and deposit arrive is the date that secures your place on my list.
I no longer hold spots while paperwork is in the mail. Too many people have said they were mailing their contract and deposit, then waited weeks to send it—yet still wanted their original position. Because of this, I only confirm your place once I have both items in hand.
I typically receive 1–10 deposits per week, and my policy requires a signed Puppy Purchase Contract and the deposit. Until both are received, your spot is not locked in. If others complete their paperwork before you, they will be placed ahead of you.
How Picking Order Works
Picking order follows the same rule:
1st deposit = 1st pick, 2nd deposit = 2nd pick, and so on.
When puppies are born and I know the number of males and females, I begin offering puppies to families in deposit order.
When I reach your name, I will offer whatever puppies are available at that moment—male, female, or both. You choose your preferred sex at that time.
48‑Hour Response Window
Due to past issues with people not replying, I now require a response within 48 hours of the timestamp on my email.
If you do not respond within 48 hours:
• I will move to the next person in line
• You do not lose your spot on the deposit list
• You simply wait for the next available puppy
Why I Cannot Tell You “How Many Want Females”
Many people change their minds about sex preference, and many don’t care either way. Because of this, I never know how many people ahead of you want a specific sex.
If you ask, “How many above me want females?”
My honest answer will always be: “I don’t know.”
Example
If you are the 1st deposit and I have a litter of 4 boys and 4 girls, you may choose either sex and you get 1st pick.
If you are the 5th deposit and the four people ahead of you all choose girls, you will be offered 1st pick of the boys.
Passing on a Puppy
If I reach your name and only males are left—but you want a female—you may pass and wait for the next litter.
Your deposit applies to any future puppy, and you may pass as long as needed.
As people above you receive their puppies, you naturally move up the list.
Why I Cannot Predict Which Litter You Will Get
I cannot know:
• How many puppies will be in a litter
• What sexes they will be
• How many people ahead of you will choose to pass
• When dormant clients will activate their deposit
This makes it impossible to predict which litter your puppy will come from.
Important Note About Commitment
Once you confirm that you want a puppy from a current litter, that puppy is considered yours.
If you later change your mind and decide to pass, you will lose your deposit and must start over.
About Dormant Deposits
Some clients deposit months—or even years—in advance. These clients are considered “dormant” until they notify me they are ready.
When they activate their deposit, they are placed back on the list according to their original deposit date. This can shift your position significantly.
For example:
If you believe you are #10, but ten dormant clients activate at once, your position could shift to #20.
This is why I do not give out list numbers.
How I Estimate Your Time Frame
I plan for 10 deposits per litter, knowing some families will pass due to sex or timing.
My average litter size is 7–8 puppies, so accepting a few extra deposits helps keep the process moving smoothly.
If you are:
• #30 → I estimate 3 litters
• #40 → I estimate 4 litters
• and so on
These estimates are included in your initial email.
Why I Give Time Frames Instead of Numbers
I understand people want to know exactly when they will get a puppy.
But with so many variables, it is simply not possible to give a precise number or guarantee a specific litter.
My initial email will always include my most accurate estimate based on current pregnancies and planned breedings.
Please use that estimate as your guide.
I will not answer the question “What number am I?”
I will only provide the time frame in which I expect to offer you a puppy.
Thank you for your understanding.