Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick a puppy?
Once you have decided on the breed—according to the traits you desire, you need to find a breeder who cares about you. This requires homework. How do you get a good dog? Lots of research. The first thing I look at after the dog's pedigree, conformation, color, disposition, etc, is the owner. Are they honest and dependable? Do they know dogs? Do they know the different aspects of performance of which the dogs are expected? Are the dogs cared for well and kept in clean and comfortable facilities? Are they eligible for AKC (American Kennel Club) registration? Do they have health papers, and what kind of health guarantee is provided? If the owner passes my test, then I continue serious conversation. I am sure the reverse is true when I work with other breeders.
How much is the deposit and when is it due?
I ask all buyers to make a non-refundable $200 deposit to hold the dog they choose. All transactions thereafter are negotiable.
When can I take my dog home?
This depends on the litter, but puppies are usually weaned and crate-trained by seven to eight weeks of age.
Do you ship or deliver your pups?
I will deliver puppies up to eighty miles at no extra cost. I will also meet someone half-way, ship by air, or, my preferred method, send by overland bus. I vigorously promote Chuck and Heather Fowler’s Gun Dog Express. They provide excellent in-transit care. Shipping by land is more reliable in bad weather, and is a more comfortable experience for the animal. This method costs $350 flat rate, North Dakota to Texas to all states east in the United States. They are a former USMC family run business.
What is covered in the health guarantee?
I use H & E West Missouri Veterinary Clinic, in Appleton City, MO. Immunization and worming records and schedules will be included in your puppy packet. A detailed health warranty will be available on this site soon.
Can you tell me about the studs SFK has, or employs when they breed?
The studs at Settles Ford Kennel have championship lines, and live up to the pedigree they have. Breeding our sires to our dams has produced talented litter time and again. I occasionally reach out to other breeders for use of a stud we like and would prefer to breed to achieve specific litter traits. I often look through the AKC sire registry when searching for possible matches for my dogs. When I contact the owners of the sires, I often fail their tests because they are looking for a dog with a championship in their name, not taking my word for my dog's abilities, my general knowledge, or my years of hunting with dogs. That's ok. The folks I breed with hear in my voice and my stories the knowledge of the dogs I hunt and my love for hunting with my dogs. And yes, I have some great champions in my dog's pedigrees, also. Occasionally, someone recognizes my merits from my stories and seeing my dogs. A person who likes cars will drive a nice car. A person who loves to cook will dine at a great cafe. A person who loves to hunt with dogs will own a fine hunting dog.
Why should I register my dogs with AKC?
There are so many reasons, so many benefits offered by the American Kennel Club to those who register not only their new puppies, but their older dogs and even mixed breed! A few of the benefits include:
A frameable AKC Registration Certificate and your dog’s name recorded in the AKC Registry.
Optional registration packages that include an AKC collar tag with 24/7 lifetime recovery services, a three-generation AKC pedigree, a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine, and a dog care and training video.
Eligibility to Participate in Dog Sports.
Eligibility to Earn Titles.
Which dog food do you recommend?
I don’t recommend a specific brand or type of dog food, because nutritional needs and quality of dog food production varies so greatly. Every dog is different, and every stage of their life requires different nutrition, and I will always recommend you work with a local supplier. Having a trusted friend who can make solid recommendations based on thorough knowledge of the dog foods they provide, the manufacturer’s quality, and your specific needs is my recommendation!
SFK works with Hollywood Feed - they are that trusted friend in the industry to our kennel, to our dogs, and to our neighbors. They have a store in Lee’s Summit, MO.