PRICES

Many people have asked me why "pure bred" dogs are so expensive, when "I can get a dog from Mr. Back Yard Breeder down the road for only $50." You probably can, but ask him what his guarantees are. You will likely find he has none. Ask him what testing he does, is the dog micro-chipped? Probably not. You get what you pay for.

Responsible breeders have invested time, research, and resources in their chosen fancy. They belong to a handful or more of clubs, and have read volumes of books to make informed choices. In the beginning they mentored under another breeder so help and advice was available to them when needed. They have been on the road with their terriers under the critical eye of AKC judges, since April of 2000.

Good breeders will have a complete, comprehensive testing programmed to try to ensure the health of the pups they breed. My breeding stock has had their eyes checked (CERF) and their hearing checked (BAER).

I have researched the stud dog and have decided that this will make a good breeding to this bitch and will better the breed. A lot of the time that means using a stud dog that belongs to someone else and he or she of course charge a fee.

The pups are born and if all goes well that is good, but sometimes the bitch needs help in having the pups and that means the services of a vet. The tails and dewclaws must be taken care of, the microchip bought and installed. That is a CKC rule and MUST be done before you take the pup off the breeder's premises. The first of the deworming and shots have to be done along with that first vet check. Again the services of a vet are required. I have also had the litter registered in the United States by their kennel club the AKC, and along with all of that, I have guarantees and responsibilities for that pup for as long as it lives. If you can't keep it I will take it back and place it in another home.

I enter AKC shows in the USA to make sure that I am breeding to the AKC standard which is very close to the British Kennel Club standard. I currently have champions, and other terriers that have taken Best of Breed on their way to their titles.

In order for you to participate in any AKC event you MUST have a litter registration form that you will send in for a permanent "RN" number. In order for you to participate in any CKC sanctioned event you MUST have a CKC Certification number.

After all is said and done you the buyer get what you pay for. You can expect a nice family pet starting at about $500 CDN; for Canadians. Shipping and crate are extra. Each breeder is different so ask ahead and get all the particulars.

Most breeders negotiate with non-Canadians on an individual basis, due to the distances involved and the exchange rate of the dollar VS the loonie.

Sometimes they will have a special rate for an older bitch or pup. Most want to make a perfect match and an older Lady or Lad may be better for you than a young pup. Give the breeder as much information as you can about your circumstances. How many children, other pets, where you live, city or town, house or apartment What is your activity level? Why do you want a female or male? There is a lot of mis-information out there. Listen to the advice of the breeder. Any good ones won't mind how many questions you ask.

As a breeder I have a responsibility, no, a mission, to not sell to puppy mills, back yard breeders, or to any one who I think will hurt, neglect, abuse or dessert my pups. I know that most people will not do that. However, the pups I sell as pets must be spayed or neutered, unless prior arrangements have been made with ElysianField.

Just as there are different personalities among people so there are among terriers. We need information from you to select the pups to show you, that would best fit into your family.

You have taken that first important step. You are researching the breed.

Good luck!