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Q: How much do your puppies cost?  Why?

A: Silken puppies can range from $2,500-4,000.  We plan to charge $3,000.  This helps cover the cost of health testing and titling the parents, stud dog fees, vet bills for the mother and puppies, UKC and ISWS registration, microchips, and the cost of feeding and raising the puppies until they are able to go to their new homes.

Q: How old are your puppies before you let them go to their new homes?

A: We will keep the puppies until they are at least 10 weeks old.  While many breeders let puppies go as young as 8 weeks, we believe there is great long-term benefit in allowing a puppy to stay with their mother and siblings a little bit longer.  

Q: How are your puppies raised and socialized?

A: Puppies will be raised with ENS and Puppy Culture.  When it is safe for the puppies, we will bring them to dog shows, FastCAT and lure coursing events, training classes, parks and playgrounds, and stores that allow pets.  It is important to us to begin getting puppies comfortable with riding in cars, wearing collars and leashes, and crate training.

Q: Why do I have to fill out an application?  Can I pick my puppy?

A: We will work together to find the puppy that best fits your lifestyle and needs.  Your application will help us get to know you and learn your priorities and preferences for your new family member.  You can even let us know which color and sex you prefer!  Because puppies spend their first couple months with us, we will know their individual personalities enough to pair the best puppy with each family.  

Q: Do I need previous sighthound experience in order to be considered?

A: No!  We think Silkens are a fantastic first sighthound and even a wonderful first dog for the right owner.

Q: I live in an apartment/condo.  Am I required to have a fenced yard? 

A: No!  We recognize that while a fenced yard is ideal, many dogs that live in apartments get more focused attention and exercise than dogs who have yards.  However, you must provide a plan for how you intend to safely exercise you new dog, and provide the name of the complex where you live.  Silkens are not on aggressive breed lists and typically stay under most apartment weight restrictions of 50lbs, making them suitable for living somewhere that has size or breed restrictions.

Q: Can Silkens live with cats and other small animals?

A: Yes!  According to the breed standard, Silkens "exhibit strong prey drive in the field, but are gentle, affectionate, devoted companion animals in the home."  Many Silkens, including ours, live peacefully with cats, and our puppies will be raised around cats.  However, we cannot guarantee the safety of your other animals and recommend cautious introductions, careful training, and keeping the animals separated while they are not supervised.

Q: What if I can no longer keep my dog?

A: Part of being responsible breeders is making sure our puppies never end up in a shelter.  If you are unable to keep your dog for any reason, it must come back to us.  We will give them a great place to stay while we work to find their forever home.  We take this part of our contract very seriously.

Q: What advice can you give someone looking for their first Silken?

A: Do your research!  Don't settle for a puppy just because it's nearby or available when you want it.  Take your time to pick a breeder that you want to build a relationship with.  This is someone you will potentially be connected to for the rest of your life (or at least your dog's life)!  Look at pedigrees, websites, and social media to figure out what you like and don't like and what is important to you.  

Have a question that wasn't answered here?  Please send us a message!

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