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Rebecca Koch    307-413-2509
Do your homework. The most important thing you as a buyer must consider is searching for a reputable breeder.
  • One who breeds only properly health tested stock. A reputable breeder will only bred dogs chosen from a historically healthy lineage. A pup from such a breeder will have the highest statistical advantage for fewer overall health issues and in turn a much longer life. While health screening of breeding stock cannot guarantee that your puppy will be excluded from any of these problems, the risk factor is mitigated substantially.    MVS sires and dams and, to the best of our knowledge any that we recommend, are health screened for sound genetic quality. You will still need to do your homework. Goals are:
  • Health, Good Temperament, Structure, and Field Savvy for a well rounded dog.
  • We hunt our Spinone but Spinone also make great family, obedience, tracking, agility, therapy, help, and much much more. The Spinone are a wonderful combination, best of both worlds.
  • In its early history, the Italian Spinone was generally a healthy breed. However, if allowed indiscriminate breeding practices due to ignorance, lack of concern, and monetary gain will change the landscape dramatically. It is important to insist on a minimum set of standards when acquiring a Spinone puppy.
  • Our beloved breed has some issues that need to be addressed when choosing a sire and dam:
  • These are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and thyroid conditions. Testing for eyes (CERF exam) and C.A DNA testing is also appreciated. Any dog that has had a history of unexplained seizures or any other obvious hereditary medical conditions must never be bred. Remember that there are serious health conditions that will severely impact the quality and length of life of any affected puppies. Again, health screening of breeding stock cannot guarantee that your puppy will be excluded from any of these problems but the risk factor is mitigated substantially.
  • A good breeder should be able to demonstrate Testing of these issues by either providing a link to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals records, CHIC records through AKC or they should be able to supply copies of the certified paperwork they received after the test screen was completed.
  • If they do not, or are not willing to provide this information, search out a breeder that is willing to disclose this information.
  • Your breeder should also offer a minimum of 1-year written guarantee against genetic health conditions.
  • Be on guard against anyone breeding dogs that doesn't or cannot supply records of health testing administered on the Sire and Dam of any puppy you are thinking about. Simply walk away from this individual.
  • If they will not provide a written guarantee of at least 1 year against genetic problems that may crop up.
  • If they do not put championship and or hunt titles on their dogs. It isn't necessary for a breeder to show or put a hunt title on every dog in their kennel, but if a breeder doesn't do any of their dogs, then you should have cause for concern. Best to move on.
  • Talks the Talk, but doesn't Walk the Walk. These breeders will banter phrases around such as My dogs have champion lines, but when you look at the pedigree, Grand Sires or Grand Dams several generations back may be the only dogs that are titled. What we want to see is MANY champions in the pedigree.
  • Ask for a Copy of the pedigree. Look for CH or hunt titles with the dogs names on the pedigree. Good breeders are proud of their dogs, and will happily provide a copy of the pedigree of their championship lines.
  • VERY IMPORTANT It is a complete misconception that dog shows are merely glory events for pretty dogs.
  • The main purpose for MVS showing dogs is to arrive at dogs of Proper Type and Temperament that are suitable for breeding, thereby protecting the available gene pool of potential breeding stock. The term "Show Dog" doesn't really describe what is going on in the world of dog shows. In fact, the term probably does more harm than good.
  • The first exhibition of dogs was in 1859. It was termed a "Breeder Show" The purpose behind such events was for expert Breeders to gather together with their peers and make fateful decisions as to the dogs best suited to carry on the lineage - the blood lines - for posterity. In other words, breeders brought the best dogs they had to be "judged" by other breeders in order to insure the breeding of the best quality of dogs and possibly find dogs best suited for their lines. n the US, only AKC championship titles are of any significance. In Canada, only Championships sponsored by the Canadian Kennel Club are of significance and so on. They will not show the Italian titles.
  • Suggests, or requires that you should take your puppy home before it is at least seven-eight weeks of age. Important socialization is accomplished during these early weeks and it is imperative that puppies stay with their litter at least until they are 7- 8 weeks of age.
  • A Breeder who doesn't appear to provide ongoing support for the life of the dog. A good breeder will always be available, even after your puppy has grown.
  • Look for a breeder that is readily interested in the progress of the puppy as it grows up. They should be available for ongoing support for any questions or issues that might crop up over the lifetime of your new puppy.
  • A Breeder should always be willing to take back a puppy if you find you no longer can keep that puppy OR dog.
  • If your interested in any of the above Mountain Valley puppies, please fill out an application.