Puppy Information
All of our puppies are raised indoors in a loving family environment following the PuppyCulture program. Socialization and training starts right out of the whelping box. Puppies come with dewclaws removed, their eyes checked by a certified ophthalmologist, up-to-date vaccinations and de-wormings, and they have been examined and cleared by a veterinarian prior to leaving for their new homes. They will be NANOchipped at 8 weeks, and the chip will be registered with my contact information. Once the contract is signed and the puppy is paid in full, the buyer will be listed as another owner. All puppies are sold with a three year health guarantee against any hereditary health conditions.
We put a great deal of time, money, and effort into every litter we breed and every puppy we raise here at Apricity Kennel. Puppy pricing is currently $3500-4000. This pricing figures in the costs we have accrued with importing, showing/travel, semen collection and banking, breed club donations/expenses, ophthalmology specialist exams on all dogs, and OFA health testing. We rarely break even on the litters we breed. All active and retired military personnel receive $200 off their puppy as a thank you for your service. All local AKC/UKC junior handlers looking for their next juniors dog will receive 50% off a co-own show quality puppy. Please note, we do NOT sell our puppies for "breeding purposes" only. All show/breed evaluated puppies will be sold to serious show or performance homes, and all pet evaluated puppies will be sold on a spay/neuter contract.
We have the right to refuse sale of a puppy to anyone. We have the right to decide to keep any of our puppies at any time. We will make decisions that we feel are best for the individual dog and our breeding program. Each of our litters is planned several months in advance with the betterment of the breed and our program in mind. In each litter, we always plan on keeping at least one or two puppies to exhibit and carry on our bloodline.
Lastly, every Apricity puppy will always have a home here with us. If, for whatever reason, you can no longer care for your puppy or adult dog, we will buy him or her back from you.
We put a great deal of time, money, and effort into every litter we breed and every puppy we raise here at Apricity Kennel. Puppy pricing is currently $3500-4000. This pricing figures in the costs we have accrued with importing, showing/travel, semen collection and banking, breed club donations/expenses, ophthalmology specialist exams on all dogs, and OFA health testing. We rarely break even on the litters we breed. All active and retired military personnel receive $200 off their puppy as a thank you for your service. All local AKC/UKC junior handlers looking for their next juniors dog will receive 50% off a co-own show quality puppy. Please note, we do NOT sell our puppies for "breeding purposes" only. All show/breed evaluated puppies will be sold to serious show or performance homes, and all pet evaluated puppies will be sold on a spay/neuter contract.
We have the right to refuse sale of a puppy to anyone. We have the right to decide to keep any of our puppies at any time. We will make decisions that we feel are best for the individual dog and our breeding program. Each of our litters is planned several months in advance with the betterment of the breed and our program in mind. In each litter, we always plan on keeping at least one or two puppies to exhibit and carry on our bloodline.
Lastly, every Apricity puppy will always have a home here with us. If, for whatever reason, you can no longer care for your puppy or adult dog, we will buy him or her back from you.
Puppy Purchasing Process
Step 1: The first step to acquiring a Hokkaido puppy from us is sending in a puppy application. Though lengthy, this application is very important. It gives us more information about you and your lifestyle so we can better match a puppy to you. Please take your time when filling it out and include as much detail as possible. Once received, we will review your application and contact you to let you know if everything looks good, or if there are things to work on before we feel comfortable placing a puppy in your home. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application, please contact us and we would be happy to help. All approved puppy applicants are added to our wait list.
Step 2: Once you are added to our wait list, we will send out regular updates about our breeding plans. Expect to receive an email when a breeding takes place, if/when the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, and when the litter is born. Once a litter is born here, we will send individual emails in the order of our wait list. We ask that you respond to this email within three days of the litter being born, and place a $500 non-refundable holding fee for a puppy.
Step 3: Puppies are matched with their potential buyers at 8-10 weeks based upon puppy evaluations, puppy personality, and the buyer's goals for their new furry family member. We do our best to match buyer preferences. Once evaluations are made, we will send you an email with a full write up and pictures of the puppy you've been matched with. At this time, we request you sign our puppy sales contract.
Step 4: Your puppy will continue to stay with us until they are 10 weeks old, and graduated our socialization and training foundation program. However, we can choose hold a puppy here in our home for an extra 2 weeks for extra training/socialization if we see fit. Our 10 week program helps give our puppies a solid foundation in basic obedience and manners so they may be better prepared for life with your family. If you have any questions about how we raise our puppies, please feel free to contact us.
During this time, we will also work out transportation arrangements with you so nothing comes up as a surprise when it's time for your new furry family member to go home. If you would like your puppy shipped to you, please let us know so we may arrange a flight and get all necessary paperwork in order. We do ship our puppies worldwide, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs.
Step 5: Once your puppy is ready to leave us and join your family, we ask that you pay the remaining puppy price. We will provide you with a booklet containing important information on the puppy's sire and dam, pictures of your puppy growing up, your puppy's growth cart, vaccine & de-worming records, a veterinary health certificate, your signed purchase contract, and lots of information on Hokkaido puppy care and training.
Welcome to the Apricity Family! Please do send us pictures and follow-up reports. We will also give you a link to join a private Facebook group for Apricity puppy families to connect and share photos, stories, and updates about their dogs. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We stand by our dogs and puppies all the way.
Step 2: Once you are added to our wait list, we will send out regular updates about our breeding plans. Expect to receive an email when a breeding takes place, if/when the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, and when the litter is born. Once a litter is born here, we will send individual emails in the order of our wait list. We ask that you respond to this email within three days of the litter being born, and place a $500 non-refundable holding fee for a puppy.
Step 3: Puppies are matched with their potential buyers at 8-10 weeks based upon puppy evaluations, puppy personality, and the buyer's goals for their new furry family member. We do our best to match buyer preferences. Once evaluations are made, we will send you an email with a full write up and pictures of the puppy you've been matched with. At this time, we request you sign our puppy sales contract.
Step 4: Your puppy will continue to stay with us until they are 10 weeks old, and graduated our socialization and training foundation program. However, we can choose hold a puppy here in our home for an extra 2 weeks for extra training/socialization if we see fit. Our 10 week program helps give our puppies a solid foundation in basic obedience and manners so they may be better prepared for life with your family. If you have any questions about how we raise our puppies, please feel free to contact us.
During this time, we will also work out transportation arrangements with you so nothing comes up as a surprise when it's time for your new furry family member to go home. If you would like your puppy shipped to you, please let us know so we may arrange a flight and get all necessary paperwork in order. We do ship our puppies worldwide, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs.
Step 5: Once your puppy is ready to leave us and join your family, we ask that you pay the remaining puppy price. We will provide you with a booklet containing important information on the puppy's sire and dam, pictures of your puppy growing up, your puppy's growth cart, vaccine & de-worming records, a veterinary health certificate, your signed purchase contract, and lots of information on Hokkaido puppy care and training.
Welcome to the Apricity Family! Please do send us pictures and follow-up reports. We will also give you a link to join a private Facebook group for Apricity puppy families to connect and share photos, stories, and updates about their dogs. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We stand by our dogs and puppies all the way.
Why Pay More?
Why Pay More From a "Reputable Breeder"?
Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.
Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip X-Rays, eye tests and DNA for CEA, PRA, and DM to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of his pups is guaranteed.
The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are eight weeks old.
Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed, the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.
Why Pay Less From a "Backyard Breeder"?
The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the written breed standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy.
The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no health and/or temperament guarantee.
These puppies are born in a box in the garage, and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health, and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees, or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. When I am asked why our prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "Family" in this breed that we love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal; as well as a breeder they can count on.
~Anonymous~
Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.
Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip X-Rays, eye tests and DNA for CEA, PRA, and DM to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of his pups is guaranteed.
The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are eight weeks old.
Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed, the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.
Why Pay Less From a "Backyard Breeder"?
The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the written breed standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy.
The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no health and/or temperament guarantee.
These puppies are born in a box in the garage, and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health, and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees, or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. When I am asked why our prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "Family" in this breed that we love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal; as well as a breeder they can count on.
~Anonymous~