What to expect- Our Process

By filling out a puppy application, we start to share the necessary information that allows us to make a determination if a Finn & Friends pup is right for you. Additionally, it may give a new puppy owner some insight and new ideas to think about and plan for. We are all about sharing information back and forth right from the start. When you bring home a Finn & Friends puppy, you become part of our fur family for life. We want to make sure only the best decisions are made for our precious pups. 

Many breeders will attempt to categorize themselves as "serious breeders," or "boutique breeders...." maybe even "hobby or backyard breeders. " At Finn & Friends, we find we do not fit into any one of those categories. We are not just one thing or another. Though we plan to keep our kennel small and family-managed, we have the benefit of experience through mentors with over 30+ years in the business. We are extremely driven to provide the best examples of Standard Poodle breeding with diverse and proven lines with a particular attention to genetics. As described in the question below, genetic testing is of the utmost importance as it is our chief indicator of predicting health issues.

When you bring home a puppy from Finn & Friends, you are accepting us as part of your family. We will reach out asking for updates, photos and how you are doing with your new addition. We don't want to "sell" you a puppy; we want to help find the perfect "forever companion" for your family. We are always here for questions, concerns and connection, always just a phone call, text or email away! We are a community and we would love for you to be a part of it!

Finn & Friends will not breed any animal until 2 years of age and only after Health Testing is complete and listed on OFA.  We utilize University of California/ Davis VGL and/or Embark genetic testing on all our breeding dogs. Our dogs have OFA health certificates (including CHIC#); this certification gives puppy buyers the knowledge that the parents of their puppy have passed important health testing standards. Upon request, we will provide copies of all health & genetic testing.

Please click "Contract/ Health Guarantee" on the menu above to read through the details of our 2-year health guarantee. 

POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?

BREEDER: $3000

POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? It's way too expensive!!

BREEDER: What do you think would be a good price?

POTENTIAL OWNER: No more than $500. You breeders are so overpriced.

BREEDER: I am sorry you see it this way, why don't you try it yourself?

POTENTIAL OWNER: But I've never done it!

BREEDER: For FREE I can teach you how to do it, and in addition you will have the knowledge to do it again.

POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, thank you!

BREEDER: To start you will need a female (average cost $3500 and up for breeding rights). Also, a male (average cost $3500 and up) or semen (average $1500 and up). You will need to show them to their championship or performance title to prove they meet the breed standard (cost from $4000 and up with handling fees, travel & expenses). You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $1500 per dog.  Raise, train and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for 2 years (minimal $500 per month)

POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...

BREEDER: For $500 you can raise a litter and then keep one of the puppies. Obviously, you will pay the cost of whelping & care.

POTENTIAL OWNER:  I can do that.

BREEDER: OK so I have a female due to whelp in 2 weeks. You will need to be available 24/7 around the clock for at least 10 weeks to help with delivery and care.

POTENTIAL OWNER: Ten weeks?? it's way too much time for me! I have to work.

BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do x-rays ($300-$500), possibly progesterone testing ($150-$250) & C-section ($2000-$5000) and initial vet care (shots and microchip) on pups until old enough to be placed. Lastly you will pay to register the litter with AKC ($150 or so).

You will need to have a scale, thermometer, exam gloves, sanitizer, absorbent tissues, scissors, hemostats, heating pad, whelping box, blankets, cleaning supplies, appropriate food with supplements for mothers, formula, medications & hand feeding supplies in case of emergency.... and I have a special neonatal incubation chamber with oxygen for pups needing help at birth.

POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things!

BREEDER: For $2500+ you can buy them.

POTENTIAL OWNER: Ummm .... You know, I think it might be better if I just buy a puppy.

BREEDER: Wise decision.

For us breeders there are no vacations or holidays. While you go to visit with family & friends, we are home with our dogs, at their side caring for them. It is a no-breaks commitment.

THIS IS THE REALITY.

When you choose a professional you don't only pay for the puppy but also are paying for:

Tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc.

Respect the breeders who are doing it right, they aren't greedy and seldom come out ahead on a litter after you figure out the labor and expenses involved.

BTW, this month my feed bill is more $500/month.