FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does it take from conception to birth and then how long until a pup can come to our new home?
The Gestation period for a canine is 59 - 63 days. After a pup is born, it needs to stay at South Haven until it is 7 to 8 weeks of age. Pups receive their 1st vaccinations at 6 weeks and pups need socialization with members of it´s litter along with discipline from it´s mother.
How big do Corgis and Cattle Dogs get at maturity?
Corgis: Males mature to 30 - 40lbs. Females mature to 20 - 40 lbs. Taking into consideration that they are in good physical health and not too heavy.

Cattle Dogs: Males mature to 50 - 55 lbs. Females mature to 45 - 50 lbs. Their weight is deceiving. They may look smaller, but most ACDs are all muscle!
What health issues are associated with Cattle Dogs?
Cattle Dogs have breed specific issues that need to be addressed. The most important one is a disease called Progressive Retinal Attrophy. This disease can cause a dog to lose it's sight early in life. There is a genetic test which can help breeders eliminate this disease from the gene pool. A prcd test will determine the type of gene that each dog has. If a dog is an A (Clear) then they do not have PRA and will not pass it on. A type B is a carrier. This dog will not be affected, but if it is bred to either another B or a C, then it is possible to produce an affected dog. A type C is an affected dog. It has a good chance of showing symptoms of this disease. If he or she is bred to a type A dog, then that litter will be all B´s and this is just fine.

There are always new diseases that crop up with each breed and breeders will test for each of these when it becomes widely known that it pertains to their specific breed.
What health issues are associated with Corgis?
Corgis have 2 diseases that affect them.
Von Willdebrands' (vWD) is tested by a dna test.
Degenerative Myolopythy is also tested by a dna test.
As with the cattle dogs, there are different types and as long a breeder knows the type of each of breeding dog, they can responsibly reduce the risk of producing an affected pup.
What is a good time to have our pet spayed or neutered?
Vets recommend that this procedure be done before 6 months of age. Some vets recommend it even earlier. Check with your vet for his/her opinion.
How long has South Haven been breeding dogs?
Over past the 30 years, I have raised Rottweilers, Jack Russell Terriers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and Australian Cattle Dogs. Each have their own personalities, quirks and individualizations. In all of the breeds, I find it important to use the best stock that I can find and try to improve upon the breed in both temperment and conformation while keeping a mentality of intelligence and loyalty.
What health screening is done on South Haven breeding stock?
Our breeding stock animals are checked for breed specific issues as are the parents of these dogs to find out if there is any history of genetic issues in the backgrounds. Special consideration is given to each individual's conformation and especially their temperment as we specialize in companion dogs that will spending quality time as a family member for the next 12 to 15 years.
Are the parents of the pups on the premises?
Most of our breeding stock lives here on our farm. A few dams are co-owned and may reside on another farm. We encourage new puppy owners to visit our farm in order to meet the parents and observe their friendly, fun-loving dispositions.
When can the pups leave the farm?
Our pups are weaned from their mothers at 6 weeks of age. At that time, the pups are eating a solid diet of dry Purina Puppy Chow mixed with canned puppy food and plain yogurt. The pups receive their 6 weeks vaccination and then they need to wait at least a week before going on to their new homes. The pups can leave the farm after they are 7 weeks of age.
What vaccinations will the pup have when it leaves the farm?
The pups receive a 6 weeks vaccination which is a combo to ward off any puppy related maladies. When you place a deposit on a pup, and a pup becomes available, you will receive an Information Document that will give you the dates of the 6 weeks vaccination and the projected date of the 9 weeks vaccination so that you can make an appointment with your vet ahead of time. We provide a brochure that outlines all of the specific vaccination viruses that are given.
What is microchipping?
Microchips are small, rice-sized chips that are inserted into the skin between a pup's shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is registered with a national database. In the event that you pet is lost, this chip can greatly increase the chances of recovery. Every animal control person and veterinarian has a universal scanner. If a lost animal is picked up, it is automatically scanned to see if it has a chip. If it does, the scanner contacts the national database to find the contact information of the animal.
Do you have a puppy contract and what happens if I can no longer keep my dog?
Before a customer buys a pup from South Haven, we require that you fill out our Information Form (located under the General Info button). In that you will be asked to read our policies, etc. By submitting the form, in the event that you do purchase a puppy, you are agreeing to abide by our policies. We require that if you ever need to find a new home for your pet, you will contact South Haven before giving or selling your pup to someone else. If you cannot find an acceptable home, we will take the pup back and find it an appropriate, acceptable home.
Are South Haven´s breeding stock purebred?
YES! All of our breeding stock are pure bred and AKC (American Kennel Club) registered.