Latest Puppies  (25/07/06)...

Puppies

Much thought, time and energy is dedicated to rearing our Selmalda puppies. We don't profess to be 'big breeders' and generally only have one litter per annum so consequently we want to make sure we get everything right. As we attend most Dane events we monitor and admire the progress of potential sires continually reflecting on their strengths (and weaknesses) and studying suitability with our lines.

We are planning to repeat the mating between Kate and Romeo which produced, amongst others, the wonderful Echo and Ares. Please be sure to check back regularly for updates or contact Lesley or Adam Chappell directly.

Bowie and Lola playing hard to get (back into the house that is!)

Lottie contented with young puppy - it is exhausting!

Because all our Danes live in the house we can monitor the pregnancy very carefully. The expectant mother will be scanned at 28 days to ensure she is pregnant and two weeks before she is due to whelp she visits her whelping box, is kept seperate from the other Danes and receives that little bit extra - both in loves and food!

Lottie's latest offspring enjoying their meal!

Harvey and his new Pot Bellied chum

Bella loves the beach and asks 'Will I ever grow into my ears?'

CJ - can you keep the noise down I'm sleeping.

Whelping is never easy and every birth is always different. Usually it is a stressful 48 hours for all concerned but once settled we almost dedicate all our attentions to mother and pups. Somebody is always with them for the first two weeks, 24 hours a day just in case there is that momentary lapse of concentration on the mothers part and also to witness each individual pups progress.

Chasing Rainbow's 15 week old son Bailey practising with Adam

Diego walking with Mum - 'Let me go into the sea!'

Although we sleep with them for the following 10 - 14 days after that we can relax a little less when the mother gets up and is moving around. Weaning is a messy process but they get the hang of it after a few days, each pup eats out of its own individual bowl and using this method we can keep an eye on the greedy/slow ones! Much cuddling and loves takes place throughout puppyhood reassurring and introducing them to different people, dogs and places along the way. This continues throughout the rest of their lives.

Sunny claims she always sleeps upside down!

We are firm believers that all this time, energy and dedication coupled with their diet and excercise are the factors which make our Danes GREAT!