Health & Genetics
1.     What are the champion bloodlines in your breeding program?
Lucky (sire):Â 12 of 15 dogs in three generations are proven champions, including 3 National Field Champions, 3 Dual Champions, 3 Field Champions, 3 Show Champions.Â
Piper (dam):Â 8 of 15 dogs are proven, including 5 National Field Champions, 1 Field Champion, 1 Amateur Field Champion, and 1 Master Hunter.See the AKC pedigrees https://www.spiegelbirddogs.com/piperxluckylitter
2.     What health screenings and preparations do you perform on the parents?
Both parents undergo comprehensive health screening:
o  OFA or PennHIP certification for hips
o  Brucellosis testing before breeding
o  Complete reproductive exams
o  Pregnancy monitoring via X-ray at 55 day
3.     How often do you breed?
My females have 2-3 litters in their lifetime, with one litter per year at Spiegel Bird Dogs. I never breed on back-to-back heat cycles, ensuring proper recovery time between litters.
Puppy Care and Development
Puppy Care and Development
4. What conditions are the puppies raised in?
Puppies are raised in my home, spending their first three weeks in a dedicated, temperature-controlled room with 24/7 supervision. They're raised in a professional whelping box with safety rails and precise temperature control. At three weeks, they move to an expanding play area with designated sleeping and potty training spaces.
5. What health practices will the puppies receive before going home?
Puppies receive:
o  Veterinary examination at 3 days
o  Daily health checks
o  Deworming at 14, 28, 42, and 56 days
o  Heath certification and first vaccinations at 6 weeks
o  Complete health records
ENS is performed from days 3–16 to improve cardiovascular performance, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Learn more: Promoting Puppy Potential: The Benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation at Spiegel Bird Dogs.
Tail docking and dewclaw removal is done at 3–4 days old, per the AKC and American Brittany Club standards. Learn more https://www.spiegelbirddogs.com/post/we-dock-brittany-tails-at-spiegel-bird-dogs-a-necessary-tradition-for-now.
Our socialization program includes:
o  Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from day 3-16
o  Exposure to different people, sounds, surfaces, and toys
o  Regular handling by visitors, including children
o  Independent time away from littermates
o  Early crate training for smooth transition to new homes
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Support for Puppy Families
Can I meet the puppies and their parents?
You're welcome to meet both parents before whelping. For the puppies' health, visits begin after three weeks of age. During the first three weeks, you can watch their progress through our puppy cam. See the visitation guidelines https://www.spiegelbirddogs.com/post/visiting-our-brittany-puppies-spiegel-bird-dogs-visitation-plan.
10. What is your process for matching puppies with families?
Each puppy placement is based on carefully considering the puppy's temperament and the family's lifestyle. While maintaining a pick order, the focus is on creating successful matches that benefit both the puppy and the family. This collaborative process includes regular updates about puppy development and guidance in selecting the right puppy for each situation.
Yes, I provide a purchase agreement for all puppy placements, which includes:
o  Health guarantees to protect your investment and the puppy's health
o  AKC registration papers for proper documentation
o  Right of first buyback if you cannot keep your dog
o  My commitment to providing lifetime support
When can I take the puppy home?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks. This extra week after 7 weeks is crucial for learning social and behavioral skills from their littermates.
13. What comes with my puppy?Â
Your Welcome Home packet includes:
o  AKC papers and health records
o  Comfort blanket with family scents
o  Starter bag of Dr. Tim's Pursuit food
o  Natural litter for potty training
o  Complete developmental records
What support do you provide after I take the puppy home?
Lifetime support includes:
o  "Dan's Dog Suggestions" guide
o  Training and care advice
o  Health guidance
o  Continued availability by phone, text, or email
Will you take the puppy back if I can no longer care for it?
Absolutely. I am committed to my dogs for life and will take back any puppy or dog at any point, ensuring they always have a safe home. This commitment is part of our purchase agreement.
Brittanys and Breeding Experience
16. What are your thoughts on health or behavioral challenges in Brittanys?
Brittanys are high-energy, intelligent, and family-oriented dogs. They need physical activity, mental stimulation, and inclusion in daily life. My breeding program focuses on minimizing health risks like hip dysplasia through careful selection.
17. Why did you choose Brittanys?
After 30 years of training, hunting, and trialing bird dogs, I've found my perfect match in the Brittany. Through my breeding program, I focus on dogs that excel in both hunting ability and family life while maintaining championship potential in field and show rings. Their medium size, intelligence, and loyalty make them exceptional companions. Why are Brittanys the best: https://www.spiegelbirddogs.com/post/brittanys-are-the-best-bird-dogs-period
18. What is your experience with Brittanys?
With 30+ years of breeding, training, hunting, and trialing, I am passionate about Brittanys. My breeding program emphasizes their bird hunting ability, trainability, and family-friendly nature.
19. Are you an American Brittany Club (ABC) member?
I am an active member of ABC and the West Michigan Brittany Club. In 2024, I ran for a Director position with the ABC.
My breeding female, Piper, holds her AKC Master Hunter title, and my younger dog, Tika, has placed in all six of her Puppy Stakes AKC field trials. I also attend Conformation Events (dog shows) to understand breed standards fully.
21. Can you provide references?
References from past buyers, veterinarians, and breeders are available. Testimonials are also on my website with this link: https://www.spiegelbirddogs.com/happytails.
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