Frequently Asked Questions
Teacup?
We do not use the term “teacup” as it is not an accurate representation of toy breeds. Toy Breeds (i.e Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian etc) are supposed to be small; averaging between 3-7 lbs full grown. “Teacup” is typically a selling term, but does not guarantee small size. We have had customers purchase puppies elsewhere before getting a puppy from us and the breeder claimed it was a “teacup” and several ended up being up to 15 lbs which is not an accepted size for these particular toy breeds. They are not to exceed 7 lbs by AKC standards. The AKC and other Kennel clubs do not acknowledge the “teacup” as a legitimate description of any breed. Breeding for “teacup” is a controversial practice that is NOT encouraged by responsible breeders. Tiny breeds are extremely difficult to breed already, and there is greater risk to a dam (mother) during pregnancy if she is too small. Most of these litters can have a high mortality rate and there can be many health issues associated with dogs that are bred too small as well. Sires (fathers) are generally smaller than dams because females must carry the litters of puppies during pregnancy.
There is a misunderstanding that “local” breeders means better. This is definitely not true. Our breeders are licensed, inspected and carry no violations. Regular home breeders are not inspected by anyone, are not licensed and are not required to give any warranties on puppies they sell. Our breeders have professional kennels with indoor and outdoor runs and their dogs get the best veterinarian care and love. We are lucky to get many of their cuties!
Have your puppies had all their shots?
Puppies receive their initial shots before arriving at Puppy Love and are kept up-to-date for their age while they are with us. Puppies receive a series of shots until they are about 22 weeks old. This will vary slightly according to the vet you use. Puppies, like children, receive shots to protect against various diseases. When you purchase your puppy, we send you home with lots of helpful training and feeding information as well as the puppy’s up to date shot record.
What health warranties do you offer?
We have multiple warranties. The state requires a 20-day guarantee. We offer additional warranties which far exceed this minimum requirement. Our warranties will be explained to you in detail when you purchase your puppy or if you want to call and inquire!
Will my puppy get sick?
This is very important! Just as children pick up illnesses from other children, puppies can pick up colds, coughs and illnesses from other dogs. We take the best possible care of our puppies while they are ours and we have a medical room in the store to care for puppies that develop common puppy ailments. Like people, puppies can incubate illnesses or hide symptoms. That is why we offer a variety of warranties to help you care for your new puppy.
What is Kennel Cough and can you prevent it?
Kennel Cough is similar to the common cold in humans. It can be bacterial or viral. It is typically referred to as a URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) or Tracheobronchitis. Unfortunately, vaccinations and the very best sanitation are not going to prevent Kennel Cough 100%. It would be like trying to prevent a cold in a classroom.
What is the best thing to do for my dog when it comes to Kennel Cough?
Unfortunately, there is an incubation period before you may see any symptoms. Once symptoms are present, it is important to see your veterinarian at the earliest opportunity so medication can be given to treat it. The earlier the symptoms are caught and treatment is started, the faster the dog will recuperate.
First, get tested to see if you are allergic to dogs. The best breeds for allergies are those that do not shed as they are not releasing the dander and other allergens like a shedder. Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frise and Soft Coated Wheatens are the best for allergies because they do not shed. All of these breeds require regular brushing and haircuts at the groomer. Puppy Love carries all of these breeds.
Poodles that are mixed with other non-shedders, i.e. Shih Tzus (Shih-Poo), Bichon Frise (Poochon) and Soft Coated Wheatens (Whoodle) would be appropriate for people with dog allergies. Poodles bred to light to no shedding dogs may be okay for some that suffer from mild allergies but may not be good for all (i.e. Yorkie-Poo, Maltapoo, Schnoodle, Havapoo). Regardless of what some may claim online to try to market their sales, Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Pomapoos are all not hypoallergenic because a heavy shedder was bred to a non-shedder. This breeding cuts down on shedding but does not eliminate allergens.
What happens if a puppy doesn’t sell?
Forget any horror stories you may have heard. Here at Puppy Love, we generally sell between 65 – 80 puppies per month. We price them according to cost and age of the puppy, as well as the availability of the breed. With such a large variety and range of price, every puppy finds a home. You have our promise.
What does it mean to have a registered puppy (i.e., AKC and others)?
AKC stands for the American Kennel Club. This organization is the most familiar registry for purebred dogs in the country. And there are several other purebred registries such as ACA, CKC, APR, etc. that also register and keep the lineage of purebred dogs. When you buy a purebred registered puppy (a puppy “with papers”), it means its family tree is documented as being exclusively that breed and it can be registered. One misunderstanding is that registered automatically means “healthier” or that it is automatically a show dog. Neither is necessarily true. A registered dog means only that its parents are of the same breed and the dog comes from a purebred line. We do not guarantee our puppies for showing or breeding. They are sold as companion pets. Many people do register their puppies and it is fun to look at the names of the parents and other relatives. Proven show-quality dogs can cost much more, like racehorses, and other champions. But show dogs do not have guarantees of better health or personalities. Often what distinguishes a show quality dog from one that is not are traits so specific and detailed, they are often only discernible to judges, show breeders and other experts. These traits include the gait and movement of the dog, as well as details of the dogs conformation such as shape of the head, length of the dogs back in proportion to its height….Even the way the dog holds its ears or tail. Most layman and dog owners would not even be aware of the specific conformation details that separate a show dog from a pet dog. We think each of our puppies is adorable and lovable in its own way!