In addition to health testing, we try to be brutally honest in assessing our proposed dam's strengths and weaknesses, with the Breed Standard always in mind. We then search for a sire with the appropriate health clearances who has the potential to improve upon the dam's weaknesses without losing her strengths. We review pedigrees and research the health history of the ancestors contained therein.

Our puppies are whelped here at home and all remain here for 8-9 weeks. During that time, they will have at least 3 visits to our vet. The first visit will be at 3 days to dock their long tails and remove their dewclaws. At a month old, they will visit again for a general assessment of their progress and growth and, above all, to have the vet listen to their heartbeats. At 8 weeks, they will have a full examination and their first vaccination.

Beginning at 3-4 weeks, they will begin their exposure to solid food. By the time they leave here at 8-9 weeks, they will have eaten many different foods, including a variety of pureed raw and cooked vegetables, and several different kinds of meat and fish, including raw bones, in addition to dry dog food. Their mother will be in control of the weaning process, and is often still nursing them regularly at 8-9 weeks.

At 8 weeks, all puppies have an examination by a veterinary eye specialist to give us the assurance that none have any serious genetic eye defects, such as juvenile cataracts. They also make a visit to a dog trainer for temperament testing. This testing provides assistance in matching puppies with potential new owners. The litter is also examined by as many knowledgeable Field Spaniel people available to help to "grade" the litter for conformation to the Breed Standard .