About Puppy placement:

At 8 weeks of age, after the conformation evaluation, temperament testing and Veterinarian examination, each puppy is matched to the most suitable home.  By then, each has been dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. An equal number of show/breed and companion homes have personally agreed with me that one of these puppies, the terms and their needs will be happily satisfied by making one a family member in their home. Even though there are often generations of Champions behind each puppy and the majority are 'deemed' show potential by the evaluators;  only the best of those puppies are placed in show/breed potential homes. The conformation evaluation of each litter, often called 'the grading', often finds that each puppy is has show/breed potential. A Quality litter evaluated like this is sometimes called  an 'all show litter'.  Regardless, only the best of each litter is placed as show/breed potential. It's part of my commitment to the improvement and preservation of the Breed and the good breed qualities that my Swissy possess. There are usually a greater or equal number of companion puppies that find their perfect home.

The process begins after they are born and stable (usually when they are a couple of days old).  Selecting the appropriate home for each puppy is a collaboration and takes a long time. The final decision is mine (as are the puppies) but the prospective home has to give input concerning their needs and abilities. My understanding of that prospective home, the litter and the establishment of a cooperative, willing, honest contractual relationship on both sides can bring us into agreement (or not).  We collectively decide what is right for them, as we work together to meet the needs of each of those puppies.  By the time they are 8 weeks old,  the same number of puppies as prospective owners have come into agreement with me, signed the appropriate contract and found their swissy friend for life.

I do not keep a waiting list, preferring to refer those qualified prospective homes to the responsible breeders I know when they ready to acquire a swissy pup.  If I do not have a litter due or a juvenile in need of new home, I will direct those people to another breeder (friend) that might have puppies available. If I KNOW that breeder has been open and honest with me about their Swissies and I find that breeder to be vigilant in the maintenance of the breed strengths and reduction of the breed weaknesses within their breeding program; I'm comfortable making the referral.  The responsible breeders that I would recommend have been open and honest with me about their dogs and I know something of their litter's sires and dams qualities. No one can know and understand the qualities of that litter, breeding and the individuals matched better than that breeder/litter owner.  That's why I refer only breeders that I know to be open and forthwith concerning their puppies, parents and breeding programs.  If you want accurate information from your inquiry, get it from the breeder/litter owner.   2nd hand information, no matter how well intended, may not be accurate.

No Alki Swissy puppy will leave here before the appropriate contract is signed by all parties.

As the breeder, I've made a personal commitment to each pup. I need to know and be allowed to help ensure that each one gets the best possible care and training throughout their lifetime.  It's more than encouraged that any owner of an Alki Swissy to be willing to stay in communication with me concerning all training, health, diet and exercise challenges, not just as they mature but as they grow old.  My heart felt commitment to each puppy and the heart breaking past failures I've experienced in the breeder/owner relationship has forced me to contractually insist that I be notified of those challenges and, if notified prior or during those difficult times, be given the opportunity to help. I want each dog and it's owners to have the very best support from me and be successful in developing a permanent and harmonious bond that makes everyone happy. Being 'one' with your Swissy is like letting them use their greatest abilities. I want to help you with anything and everything as my part to ensure that each Alki Swissy get the best possible care, age appropriate training and exercise so that Swissy can have the longest and happiest life with you; each one deserves it.

Each one is a very, very special swissy to us both. 

There are 3 levels of ownership.

1. Show/Breed potential puppy with full ownership - this contract is only for the very experienced dog people or established breeders.   These are the only people that are comfortable with this contract. Before this contract is offered or agreed to, we have come to know each other and can agree with the ownership, breeding and management practices outlined within the contract. 

2. Show/Breed potential puppy with breeder co-ownership - this contract is suitable for the companion home that has more time and interest.  This home wants a better than average puppy and more help from me. The home will raise, train and love the dog throughout it's lifetime.  This puppy would be their dog to keep.  As the breeder/co-owner,  I will show the dog to it's AKC Championship, assist with the acquiring of breeding certifications (often called clearances), and if deemed to be breed quality at adulthood, I will manage it's use both inside and outside of my breeding program.  All expenses, stud fees and ownership responsibilities and limitations are clearly outlined.  It's a long and complicated contract that requires a willingness on both sides so we can collectively work together, equitable, in achieving the most for this better than average puppy.  Without a sustainable relationship, this contract is not appropriate. A relationship that is trusting and honest before this contract is signed and throughout this dog's lifetime will give this special dog the greatest possible home life and every other opportunity available to it. 

For the right puppy and people, this contract can be the best of both worlds.

3. Companion Puppy with sole ownership, limited registration - this contract is for companions, spaying or neutering is expected before 1 year of age.  AKC registration is limited, meaning they are purebred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs but are disallowed participation in conformation events or breeding. If they produce puppies, regardless if those pups are purebred or mixed breed, the puppies produced can NOT be AKC registered. This contract is for companions only.

To benefit all involved, any Alki Swissy is to be returned to me if living conditions prove to be insufficient to support that dog's well being or the well being of any member of the home in which it lives.

I will assist in finding a new home, should they need to find one.

Any Alki Swissy re-homed without my knowledge will be found and confiscated at the owners expense unless the owner supplies me with the names of the new owners and their current contact information. I need to know where and how they are doing...I am always available to help any Alki Swissy or owner.

Alki Swissy is to be returned to me for any unresolved difficulty, whether debilitating or detrimental.