Our Puppy

Here's the latest email from the breeder. The puppy is a Flat-Coated Retriever.

She has chosen the one we are getting :-) They are named for their collar color- and we got Green- which is Brian's favorite color and so that is a great sign! :-)

Here are some pictures of your puppy.  He is quite stable according to his Volhard tests so should be good with children of all ages.  Of all the pups, he was the best and came readily with his tail up when called by the testers.  That gives some hope that he will come when called (with training, of course).  I’ve found him outgoing and very social.  He likes people and may complain when he wants to be with you.  He’s not a shy boy and likes to play.  He will have some brown hairs on his front legs, but nothing too noticeable.  Some Flats have this (as some have blond on their ears or white hairs on their toes).  Just looks a bit like dirt (so he’ll camouflage well if he’s digging in the dirt!).

This is a pleasant puppy who is playful with his siblings but not aggressive.   Right now he is starting to chew so be sure you get lots of acceptable things for him to chew on.  I’ve picked him for you because he is rather easygoing but don’t take that to mean that he isn’t energetic—he certainly is—and he will need regular exercise and training.  The testers felt he should train easily.

You should make a vet appointment for his checkup and second set of shots around the 29th or 30th of the month.  I’ll be worming them today for the final time but your vet may want you to bring in a stool sample.

The pups love the little hard dog biscuits (Old Mother Hubbard makes them as well as some of the other brands) and you might want to get some for him for treats.  He might enjoy a few on the trip home as well.

I have [families coming at different times].  I have no objection to having more than one family coming on the same day, of course, but I’d like to stagger it a bit so we can spend some time together and I can tell you more about your puppy.  Let me know when you think you’d like to come.  And don’t forget the name. [The litter has a theme of Broadway Musicals, and we needed to pick one for him-- we've chosen "Ain't Misbehavin'"]