Angelika Shenkerman's Page

We chose our breeder for a bunch of reasons. First, they were located by friends of ours with service dogs after an exhaustive search for a new puppy to train; they now have two service dogs from them. Their standards and policies made sense to us - they do extensive health testing before dogs join their breeding program and work with other breeders who do the same. They insist on taking any of their dogs back if the owner can't keep him/her, for whatever reason - they make sure none of their pups end up abandoned or homeless. Although their purchase contract specifies spaying/neutering, they ask owners to wait until the pup is at least six months old (or up to 9-12mos for boys) - I found a growing number of breeders who alter the pups at 7 weeks before they go home, and I don't personally think the science backs that up. And last (but certainly not least), all of their dogs live either at home with them or in guardian homes (their forever home), so they are well-socialized and cared for. In my research, I did find another couple breeders that met some of our basic criteria, but Tarheel was the closest to us and having personal experience with one of their dogs made us choose them. We put in an application last winter and brought home a puppy in July, based on our schedule - we could have chosen an earlier litter, but had some unavoidable travel that made July better for us. We adore our boy and wouldn't trade him for the world. The vet says he's healthy and growing well, and he is very smart and trainable. We would absolutely get another dog from them iif/when we want another. Good luck with your research and selection!