OUR BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
Temperament – Health – Breed Type
...for the benefit of the dog, the owner, and society
We adhere without exception to the Norwegian Kennel Club's ethical breeding guidelines.
Breed-typical temperament
Our breeding stock are selected for temperament that aligns with the breed standard, ensuring a positive contribution to the welfare of the puppy, the owner, and society as a whole.
Socialization, guidance, and follow-up
Our puppies are raised within the home environment and are thoroughly socialized through exposure to everyday sounds, a diversity of people and situations, and interactions with other animals. We consider early-life socialization at the breeder's home to be critical to the puppy's future mental development.
Puppy buyers receive knowledgeable support and guidance throughout the process.
Minimal inbreeding
Enhanced genetic diversity fosters overall health and reduces the risk of inbreeding-related disorders. We utilize genomic testing via Embark to determine the inbreeding coefficient of many of our breeding dogs, measured as the proportion of homozygous loci. Our breeding program avoids matings in which identical individuals appear within the five closest generations of the pedigree, aiming for zero increase in the inbreeding coefficient over time. To promote genetic diversity in our population, we have imported dogs from genetically quite distinct lines originating in countries such as China, Argentina, the United States, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Russia, Latvia, and Japan.
Functional health
Our overarching goal is to promote animal welfare through the breeding of dogs with the potential to live long lives free from disease or conditions that compromise quality of life or life expectancy. While no individual is without imperfection, we work systematically to reduce the prevalence of health issues that impair functional ability or general well-being.
Health and puppy development
We carefully select breeding animals based on temperament, health, and adherence to breed type. All breeding animals undergo ECVO-certified ophthalmologic examination prior to their first mating. Our males are also screened for hip dysplasia (HD). A balanced anatomy is one of the best guarantees for minimal joint wear, and thus the conformation goals work also for joint health.
Most breeding animals are additionally Embark-tested to assess genetic inbreeding levels and potential breed-specific conditions.
Puppies are de-wormed regularly and fed according to the latest knowledge in canine nutrition. All puppies are registered with the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK) and are delivered with a comprehensive veterinary certificate and an informative puppy guide. During their time with us, the puppies enjoy regular outdoor physical activity, including on grass surfaces, to support optimal muscular and joint development.
Eye examination (ECVO)
Our breeding dogs undergo official ECVO ophthalmologic screening in accordance with established protocol prior to breeding. All buyers commit, through a purchase agreement, to having their dog examined via ECVO screening before the age of two in order to contribute to ongoing knowledge of eye health in the breed.
Conformation and breed standard
Our breeding practices are based on the breed standard, which describes the exterior features considered functional for the breed's original working purposes. We therefore strive to preserve and enhance an exterior that aligns with this standard. Our many show champions in many breeds attest to this goal.