Q&A with Emily

Why did you start breeding?

I’ve loved dogs my entire life and built a professional foundation as a grooming technician and veterinary technician. Over time I watched Dachshunds subjected to poor breeding practices that resulted in health problems, temperament issues, and unnecessary suffering. I decided to do more than watch — I committed to improving the breed by focusing on health, temperament, and adherence to AKC standards.

My program emphasizes responsible, informed breeding: genetic and physical health testing, careful selection of pairings to preserve desirable traits and avoid undesirable attributes that can and should be avoided. All healthy pregnancies are heavily supported through partnering with our wonderful veterinarian’s at Skipworth Veterinary Clinic for their unmatched reproductive services. We are profoundly grateful for their continued partnership through the years, their oversight and investment in our program. No expense is spared in producing the highest quality puppies that are raised in our home’s environment to encourage stable temperaments and early socialization. The result is healthy, well-adjusted miniature Dachshunds — primarily in smooth coats with the occasional longhair litter; that reflect the care and expertise invested in every stage of their development.

Breeding for me is not just a passion and a hobby; it’s a responsibility to the breed and to the families who welcome these dogs into their homes. Each puppy represents that commitment.

— Emily

What makes your program special?

• Our dogs are active family members in our home. I perform Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) to give each puppy the best possible start. Puppies receive biweekly deworming as recommended for young pups, and their first vaccinations are administered and documented by our veterinarian.

• Nutrition is a priority: we feed premium, age-appropriate diets such as Royal Canin and Eukanuba Performance foods and adjust feeding plans as puppies grow. I monitor and support developmental milestones, neonatal reflexes, socialization stages, basic motor skills, and early bite inhibition so puppies leave with solid foundations for training and family life. No effort or expense is spared to produce healthy, well-tempered dogs suitable for both companion and show homes. Every health step is recorded and documented. I’m always available to answer questions about ongoing care after placement, you have my support for the lifetime of your dog.

• This is not a transactional relationship for me, I hope to establish and maintain friendships with each of my puppies families and be brought along for their growth and development throughout their entire lifetime.

What are the different breed sizes in your program?

• Our program focuses primarily on miniature Dachshunds that meet the AKC miniature standard (under 11 lbs at maturity).

• Occasionally we produce small standard-size dogs, which typically mature under 15 lbs, depending on parent size and genetics.

• Final adult size can vary based on pedigree, and individual genetics; we provide approximate expected size ranges for each puppy’s parents to help you plan.

What are the different breed coat types in your program?

• We breed primarily smooth (short-haired) and occasionally a longhaired litter.

• Coat type is determined by genetics after our health, temperament, and breed-appropriate structure evaluations have been made when selecting pairings.

What are the different breed coat colors and patterns in your program?

• Available colors and patterns include: red, brindle, black and tan, chocolate and tan, and dapple.

• We breed to AKC standards and do not combine certain patterns (for example, dapple and piebald) as doing so could compromise health and is not an ethical breeding practice. Combining flashy colors and patterns for marketability and to drive profit is not the work of a reputable or ethical breeder.

• Breeding choices are guided first by structural soundness, temperament, and preservation and betterment of the breed, NOT by color or potential market value.

• Our priority is to match each puppy to the right home based on temperament, conformation, and long-term compatibility; color and gender are noted as a preference but are both secondary to health and long term suitability for your specific family. It is important to rely on your breeders expertise to evaluate and make the best selection for you and their puppies long term success in their new families for the next 15+ years.

Where do your breeding dogs live?

• Our breeding dogs and puppies live in our home as part of the family, we actually built an entire addition onto our home just for the dogs to have their own pawlace to sleep and nap in throughout the days. 🥰

• From birth our puppies are raised right in my bedroom with me until 3 weeks when they transition to our living room to be exposed to normal household sights, sounds, and interactions to encourage confidence and proper socialization.

• Every litter is intentionally planned with a focus on health testing, temperament evaluation, and longevity. We follow ethical breeding practices, provide veterinary care, and give each puppy personalized attention from day one.