Our Puppy Philosophy

My goal is to raise healthy, confident Manchester Terriers who are well-prepared for the big world ahead. Genetics certainly play a part, but so does what they experience in their earliest weeks and months of life. Nutrition, early socialization, and daily enrichment all help build a strong foundation.

I follow Puppy Culture and AviDog principles, which include early neurological stimulation, enriching environments, early socialization, and much more. My puppies learn about clicker training, and how easy it is to learn new things! They begin with house training, crate training, leash walking, and basic obedience. They’ll still need training after they go home, of course, but their learning foundations are already in place, setting them up for continued success.

Each puppy goes home with a comprehensive puppy pack, which includes a clicker and guidance on how to use it as a positive reinforcement tool. I also provide tips and tricks to make training fun and stress-free for new owners. The pack includes a sampling of food to ease the transition to their new home, as well as a 3-generation pedigree and registration documents. All puppies are microchipped and up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Health Screenings

I strive to be as transparent about health as possible. While the Manchester Terrier is a generally healthy breed, responsible breeding still requires screening for potential inherited conditions. Health testing provides valuable information that helps breeders make informed decisions and supports the long-term preservation of the breed. I follow the guidelines set by the Manchester Terrier breed clubs through the CHIC program and ensure the testing results for my dogs are publicly available.

When using outside stud dogs, I cannot dictate which health tests another owner chooses to complete or submit publicly. In a breed with a relatively small gene pool, breeding choices can be limited, and preserving genetic diversity must also be considered. In these situations, I conduct thorough pedigree research and review known health histories within the line. Even when individual test results are not publicly posted in the OFA database, I evaluate available health information carefully and prioritize stud dogs with healthy backgrounds and sound overall profiles.

Breeding Carriers

In Manchester Terriers, several inherited conditions can be screened through genetic testing. These include von Willebrand disease (vWD), which affects blood clotting; progressive rod cone degeneration, a version of progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), a degenerative eye disease that can lead to vision loss; juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (JDCM), a serious heart condition that affects young dogs; and xanthinuria (XAN), a metabolic disorder that impacts kidney and urinary health.

If I choose to breed a dog that is a carrier of a known genetic condition, I carefully select a partner that has tested clear for that disease. This ensures that no puppies will be affected by the condition. Carriers themselves are healthy dogs, and excluding them from breeding solely due to carrier status can unnecessarily reduce genetic diversity in a limited gene pool. All offspring are then appropriately tested, and those results are shared with the OFA. This information supports responsible breeding decisions in the future and helps safeguard the long-term health of the breed.

How My Puppies Find Their New Homes

I do not maintain a traditional wait list. Instead, puppy applications open once a pregnancy has been confirmed, typically 4–5 weeks after breeding. My quarterly newsletter shares general updates, planned and confirmed litters, and notifications when puppy applications become available. I encourage interested families to subscribe to stay informed and receive updates directly in their inbox.When I anticipate having puppies available, this information is shared on my website and social media channels, as well as in my quarterly newsletter. This ensures interested families have multiple ways to stay informed without needing to check back repeatedly.

Whenever possible, I like to meet potential puppy buyers before placement decisions are made. This may be in person at a dog show or public location, or via video chat if distance is a factor. I take time to learn about each household’s daily routine, family structure, and goals for their puppy. This process allows me to make thoughtful matches and ensure each puppy is placed in a home well suited to their temperament and needs.

I do not operate a kennel facility. My dogs live with me in my home, and I generally do not invite visitors into my home while puppies are young. This helps protect the health of the puppies, maintain a low-stress environment for the dam, and allow the puppies to develop without unnecessary disruption. Once a potential puppy buyer has been screened and interviewed, home visits may be extended by invitation at an appropriate time.

Puppies are evaluated at eight weeks of age, and placement decisions are based on temperament, structure, and overall suitability for each home. At this time, puppies receive their first vaccinations and a veterinary health certificate. Puppies typically leave for their new homes one to two weeks later, but cannot legally leave before eight weeks of age.

All puppies are sold with a written contract, which I review in detail with each buyer to ensure the terms are fully understood. The agreement outlines the puppy’s details, health guarantee, and the responsibilities of both parties. Each puppy is microchipped and individually registered with the Canadian Kennel Club prior to placement.

What I Look for in a Puppy Home

My goal isn’t just to raise great puppies, but to place them in homes where they’ll thrive for a lifetime. Manchester Terriers are smart, energetic, and curious dogs who do best with people who enjoy being active and involved with their dog’s life.

You don’t need to compete in dog sports or conformation shows (though that’s always encouraged!), but you should be prepared for a lively, curious partner who wants to explore the world with you, whether that’s hiking trails, learning new tricks, or just being part of your daily routines.

An ideal home is one that’s educated about the breed, open to ongoing learning, and committed to positive reinforcement training and long-term care. If you’re looking for a low-key couch potato, a Manchester may not be the right match, but if you want a clever, engaging partner to share your life with, you might just be in the right place.