Puppy Adoption Process

The Process for Adopting a Taigakoira Puppy

Finding the Right Match

When we do have a litter planned we do our utmost to ensure that we find the best matching owners for our pups. For that reason, while we welcome inquiries from suitable pet, competition and show homes, we do not take deposits or allocate pups until the litter has arrived and we have some idea of their personalities and characters.

While we understand that people will have preferences regarding sex and colour, finding the right match is our primary concern. It is therefor important that we have as much information as possible from potential puppy owners about the environment the puppy will be in and what approach will be taken to training, care and socialization. To do this, we prefer to talk with our potential owners directly, where we also outline the process for obtaining a puppy from us.

If you are interested in a puppy it is best to contact us directly to discuss whether a Lappie puppy would be suited to your lifestyle and environment. Lappies are a smart, friendly, outgoing and gregarious breed, but they do have character traits (for example, they are very vocal, and do need mental stimulation!) so may not suit everyone. We also generally prefer to not home our pups in apartments (particularly where the family will be out for most of the working day) and while we understand that people do work full time, we look for homes where there is a commitment to be home with the pup during those first few weeks (as a minimum) to help the puppy to settle in. Of course, the home environment must be secure and safe (fencing is required) and the owners committed to use positive reinforcement training from the very start.

Once we have an understanding of the character of our pups and can determine the best match for them with interested puppy owners, we ask for a 10% deposit (due around 4-6 weeks) on the adoption fee. Puppies cannot be collected by their new owners until they are a minimum of 8 weeks by Victorian law, and any puppies that are to be flown interstate may need to be a little older before they can travel.

Our Responsibilities

Any pups we sell are on a contract and on limited register unless they are to be shown, which may include being part of an approved breeding program. Generally, while we are happy to sell pups that are on limited register (which means they cannot be bred from) outright, pups that are to be shown and bred from we prefer to sell on co-ownership, so we can provide the appropriate support and mentorship that comes with such an undertaking.

We have undertaken all health checks a minimum of twice and provide a health guarantee for every puppy in accordance with Dogs Victoria regulations and Victorian legislation. We also request that all our puppy owners have a vet check with their new puppy within 72 hours of receiving their puppy, and that any issues (should they arise) be communicated to us immediately.

We offer lifetime support for the owners of our pups and encourage our owners to maintain regular contact with us. We also sell our pups on the understanding that should the circumstances of the owner change and they are no longer able to look after their Lappie then the puppy (or adult dog) will be returned to us directly - as breeders, we have both a responsibility and an obligation to ensure the welfare and care of any pup we breed.

We also have a desexing clause in our contracts whereby pups that are on limited register (pet) are to be desexed after 12 months (except for those in South Australia where desexing legislation applies to dogs after 6 months of age).

Our Puppies

Our puppies come microchipped, wormed and vaccinated, health checked and registered with Dogs Victoria.

Their puppy pack includes their pedigree papers, as well as a copy of their parent’s pedigree papers and relevant health information, as well as a few items to help your new puppy settle in.

We eye screen our puppies at around 7-8 weeks through the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES), and we have either genetically tested pups for PRA status (carrier or clear) or they are clear by parentage. Our lines have been tested clear for Pompes and as such pups will be clear by parentage.

We provide 6 weeks free basic pet insurance, which is then up to you to continue with if you like, and offer membership to the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria or NSW for the year.

Most importantly, we provide lifetime breeder advice and support - we are only a phone call or email away - and are there if you need us at any point.

Show/Breeding homes

We understand that, for the future of our breed, its vital to support new people who are interesting in showing and even becoming breeders themselves. We are therefor always happy to talk to anyone interested in taking their love of our breed further in these ways.

However, the dog show world can be confusing and daunting for someone new to the experience, and for that reason we are pleased to support and mentor those who have a genuine interest in the ‘dog fancy’. It is challenging, and titling your dog as an Australian champion requires the right mix of determination, patience and practice (as well as a worthy dog) - but is also fun and exciting (and a little addictive!).

We prefer any dog that is to be considered for breeding to have achieved its Australian Championship conformation (show) title first and will only permit breeding to be undertaken by an ANKC registered breeder, with all necessary health testing done and passed at an acceptable level. Breeding has great highs, but also great lows, and can be a very expensive and demanding both physically and emotionally. There are also considerable legal requirements at both state and local level, as well as Dogs Victoria and ANKC codes and regulations.

We are happy to discuss further what is involved in showing and/or becoming a registered breeder with anyone who has an interest. Please note that we generally only enter into co-ownership arrangements with our lappies on mains (show/breeding) register, so we are able to provide guidance and support as needed.

Adults/Older Pups for Rehoming

Very occasionally, we may have an adult Lappie or an older puppy available for rehoming. Adults or pups that come back to us spend time with us first before being considered for rehoming as our primary concern is to act in the best interest of the dog we have bred.

If you are interested in an older pup or adult please contact us to express your interest, although it should be remembered that it’s relatively rare for these to become available. We may, however, be aware of older pups or mature Lappies from other breeders/owners needing a new home.