Penelope x Charlie
Photos of puppies will be posted at:
1 week of age: "Newborn Photoshoot"
3 weeks of age: "Eyes Open Photoshoot"
5 weeks of age: "Toddler Photoshoot"
6 weeks of age: "Pick Me Photoshoot"
7 weeks of age: "Going Home Photoshoot"
1 week of age: "Newborn Photoshoot"
3 weeks of age: "Eyes Open Photoshoot"
5 weeks of age: "Toddler Photoshoot"
6 weeks of age: "Pick Me Photoshoot"
7 weeks of age: "Going Home Photoshoot"
Puppy selections due 6/28
These are done remotely (NOT in person) in the order of the reservation list.
To make your selection, your family must create a list from your first pick puppy to last pick puppy for as many options as you may have (for example, if you are 3rd on the list, you must send me a list of 3 pups). You must email it to me no later than 6PM on selection day. Pupdates, photos, videos, and 6 week temperament testing is provided below to help you with your decision, and of course I am available to discuss any additional questions. Please try to set up a phone call or email me a list of questions the day before.
I will begin at the 1st family on the reservation list, assign them the next available puppy that is highest on their selection list, and then move on to the next family's list and repeat the process. I will continue in this manner until everyone has a puppy.
These are done remotely (NOT in person) in the order of the reservation list.
To make your selection, your family must create a list from your first pick puppy to last pick puppy for as many options as you may have (for example, if you are 3rd on the list, you must send me a list of 3 pups). You must email it to me no later than 6PM on selection day. Pupdates, photos, videos, and 6 week temperament testing is provided below to help you with your decision, and of course I am available to discuss any additional questions. Please try to set up a phone call or email me a list of questions the day before.
I will begin at the 1st family on the reservation list, assign them the next available puppy that is highest on their selection list, and then move on to the next family's list and repeat the process. I will continue in this manner until everyone has a puppy.
Pick Me Photoshoot!
Mr. Green: This sweet boy is very intelligent and strong willed, just like his mommy Penelope. He makes great eye contact and is able to hold focus much longer than typical puppies his age. He is very people-oriented and should bond closely and want to be with "his people" often. Mr. Green has an expressive personality and outwardly expresses his emotions (if he is happy he looks like he is smiling! If he is frustrated you will hear about it... this absolutely doesn't mean he will be a loud or barky pup, it means that he is confident and sociable enough to express his feelings (and directs them towards you). This is a pup that will thrive in a training program and with a family who can be consistent. He will likely be the smallest male when full grown, estimated to weight 15-20lb. Mr. Green has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral" on his temperament testing, Perfect vet exam, negative fecal test. 2.2lb
Mr. Red: This sweet pup is all about belly rubs. He is an easy going, happy go lucky fella that is more go-with-the-flow than Mr. Green. He is also more independent overall... he tends to "check in" and venture off to explore. He still loves a good cuddle session, and is quite the little lover when it is time to cuddle. He will likely be the largest male when full grown, estimated to weight 18-23lb. Mr. Red has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral" on his temperament testing, Perfect vet exam, negative fecal test. 2.6lb
Ms. Yellow: RESERVED. Ms. Yellow is a gentle and sweet little gal who prefers gentle cuddles to active playtime. She will thrive in a quite household that builds her confidence. She will be very attached to her family. Estimated to weight 15-20lb. Ms. Yellow has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral, leaning passive" on her temperament testing. Perfect vet exam, negative fecal test. 2.4lb
Mr. Blue: HOLD. Mr. Blue is outgoing and playful! He loves people and other dogs alike. He will thrive in an active household with someone who is home often. Estimated to weight 18-23lb. Mr. Blue has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral" on his temperament testing, Abnormal exam* (see below). Negative fecal test. 2.5lb
Mr. Blue was born with what appeared to be a slightly longer than average dewclaw on one of his front paws. As he grew, particularly in the last couple weeks, it became more apparent that there was more going on in that foot (it was too flexible and unstable). Today we determined that his foreleg and carpus (wrist) did not form properly, and this will likely result in a limp/abnormal gait. Luckily, the vet feels he will likely live a happy, comfortable life, possibly without surgery or possibly with some surgical intervention (awaiting specialist evaluation). Due to this, we will be looking for a spceial adoptive home for Mr. Blue. I carefully discussed with the vet whether or not there is any possible additional risk in his siblings or future litters. Dr. R believes that this is simply a "glitch" that occurred during development that is not due to a genetic fault in the parents (in fact, she felt that another litter with the same two parents is permissible in this situation). If you have questions/concerns please let me know.
Temperament Testing:
Using [A] for active response,
[N] for neutral and
[P] for passive based on:
1. Observation. Watching how she plays with other puppies, does she jump right into group activities [A], hanging in the midst of the activity [N], or submitting when approached [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: A
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and lick like crazy [A].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
4. Call back. Using a treat or squeak toy and calling to the puppy while backing away, does he race after you while jumping at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
5. Tuck and pat. When kneeling/sitting on the floor, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet him in long gentle strokes as you praise him softly. Does he wriggle free confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: P
Mr. Blue: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, Now go to your puppy and lean over to pet him. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you're so large and he's so small. Does he jump up at your face playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
7. Nose kiss. Cradle your puppy's face in your hands and kiss him on the nose. Does he bite you back [A], accept the smooch calmly or return the interaction with a kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
8. Toe squeeze. In this exercise, you're testing your puppy's reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently squeeze the skin between his toes. Does he attack your hand [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
9. Startle sound. Take a bunch of keys and when your prospective puppy least expects it, rattle them above his head and gauge his reaction. Does he playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you guidance [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: A
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
10. Crash test. Stand and wait until your puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground as if you've tripped and yell "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for at few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and wait for your next move[P]?
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
All P's: This puppy has a weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, he'll be shy. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
Mix of N and P's: This self-assured puppy will be easygoing and gentle yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive puppy. Because he's more composed, he'll be an ideal puppy for a calm household.
Mr. Red: This sweet pup is all about belly rubs. He is an easy going, happy go lucky fella that is more go-with-the-flow than Mr. Green. He is also more independent overall... he tends to "check in" and venture off to explore. He still loves a good cuddle session, and is quite the little lover when it is time to cuddle. He will likely be the largest male when full grown, estimated to weight 18-23lb. Mr. Red has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral" on his temperament testing, Perfect vet exam, negative fecal test. 2.6lb
Ms. Yellow: RESERVED. Ms. Yellow is a gentle and sweet little gal who prefers gentle cuddles to active playtime. She will thrive in a quite household that builds her confidence. She will be very attached to her family. Estimated to weight 15-20lb. Ms. Yellow has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral, leaning passive" on her temperament testing. Perfect vet exam, negative fecal test. 2.4lb
Mr. Blue: HOLD. Mr. Blue is outgoing and playful! He loves people and other dogs alike. He will thrive in an active household with someone who is home often. Estimated to weight 18-23lb. Mr. Blue has a non-shedding wavy coat and scored "primarily neutral" on his temperament testing, Abnormal exam* (see below). Negative fecal test. 2.5lb
Mr. Blue was born with what appeared to be a slightly longer than average dewclaw on one of his front paws. As he grew, particularly in the last couple weeks, it became more apparent that there was more going on in that foot (it was too flexible and unstable). Today we determined that his foreleg and carpus (wrist) did not form properly, and this will likely result in a limp/abnormal gait. Luckily, the vet feels he will likely live a happy, comfortable life, possibly without surgery or possibly with some surgical intervention (awaiting specialist evaluation). Due to this, we will be looking for a spceial adoptive home for Mr. Blue. I carefully discussed with the vet whether or not there is any possible additional risk in his siblings or future litters. Dr. R believes that this is simply a "glitch" that occurred during development that is not due to a genetic fault in the parents (in fact, she felt that another litter with the same two parents is permissible in this situation). If you have questions/concerns please let me know.
Temperament Testing:
Using [A] for active response,
[N] for neutral and
[P] for passive based on:
1. Observation. Watching how she plays with other puppies, does she jump right into group activities [A], hanging in the midst of the activity [N], or submitting when approached [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: A
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and lick like crazy [A].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
4. Call back. Using a treat or squeak toy and calling to the puppy while backing away, does he race after you while jumping at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
5. Tuck and pat. When kneeling/sitting on the floor, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet him in long gentle strokes as you praise him softly. Does he wriggle free confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: P
Mr. Blue: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, Now go to your puppy and lean over to pet him. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you're so large and he's so small. Does he jump up at your face playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
7. Nose kiss. Cradle your puppy's face in your hands and kiss him on the nose. Does he bite you back [A], accept the smooch calmly or return the interaction with a kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
8. Toe squeeze. In this exercise, you're testing your puppy's reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently squeeze the skin between his toes. Does he attack your hand [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
9. Startle sound. Take a bunch of keys and when your prospective puppy least expects it, rattle them above his head and gauge his reaction. Does he playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you guidance [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: A
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
10. Crash test. Stand and wait until your puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground as if you've tripped and yell "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Ms. Yellow: N
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for at few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and wait for your next move[P]?
Ms. Yellow: P
Mr. Green: N
Mr. Red: N
Mr. Blue: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
All P's: This puppy has a weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, he'll be shy. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
Mix of N and P's: This self-assured puppy will be easygoing and gentle yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive puppy. Because he's more composed, he'll be an ideal puppy for a calm household.
Toddler Photoshoot!
Eyes Open Photoshoot!
sent via email
1 Week: Newborn Photoshoot!
Mommy and babies are doing well! Penelope had 4 perfect babies.
Introducing: Mr. Green, Mr. Blue, Mr. Red, Ms. Yellow
Introducing: Mr. Green, Mr. Blue, Mr. Red, Ms. Yellow