Old Snowmass Coton Puppy FAQ's
What is the difference in personalities in male and female Cotons?
Males can be more social, loving towards their human family esepicially the Mamas, more easy going, mellow and wishing to please.
Females tend to be alpha, more independent, moody, busy and spontaneous.
I take the time with each puppy and each prospective family to make sure the "fit" is right for everyone. I like to compare the females to human teenage girls. I swear my girls roll their eyes at me when I talk to them.
How do I get my puppy?
Picking up the puppy here in Snowmass, Aspen or the near vicinity is preferred. But if you'd like to meet me in Glenwood Springs, Avon, Vail or Grand Junction, I'm happy to do that. I can also arrange to deliver to the Denver metro area or Denver International Airport.
What about training?
By the time my puppies leave for their forever homes they're sleeping through the night in their own crates, riding in the car, socializing, and have been on a leash. They're on their way to being potty trained. Cotons are intelligent and fast learners but when it comes to potty training they can be a bit stubborn.
I ask that you enroll your new puppy in a puppy kindergarten. This way the puppy has structured socialization and a taste of basic obedience training.
Included in your puppy pack is a training manual and development poster which helps in your daily training efforts.
Do I choose my own puppy?
At 6 weeks of age I begin to test their personalities and temperaments to see who's dominant, independent, shy, outgoing, a leader and follower etc. As I socialize them with people, places and things it gives me pretty good idea what type of people and environment would be best for that puppy. When you express an interest in a puppy I send a questionnaire that helps me get to know prospective families and gives me an idea what they want in a Coton. All this information narrows down which puppy is perfect for them.
If a family falls in love with a puppy, I certainly take this into account as well.
What do you mean by a Code of Ethics Breeder?
I'm a member of the American Coton de Tulear Club (ACC) and as such I breed responsibly in order to preserve the health, beauty, and integrity of the breed. Here are the ACC guidelines for a COE breeder:
o preserving the genetic health of the Coton de Tulear
o producing beautiful and well mannered puppies while maintaining a viable and vibrant gene pool
o regular health testing of their breeding Cotons
o lifelong education and a commitment to becoming ever better breeders
o lifetime support for their puppies and puppy buyers
o finding the best possible homes for their puppies
o standing behind their puppies for the life of the dog
o providing the best possible socialization for their puppies to ensure a wonderful start in life
Why is there such a big difference in the prices of Cotons?
Despite the fact Cotons are a rare breed they're becoming very popular for the puppymills and back yard breeders to breed for profit. Therefore they need to mass produce puppies at low cost in order to make it worth their while to breed them, thus the lower price.
They have obtained their breeding stock from other indiscriminate breeders who have possibly mixed Cotons with other breeds, do not do any health testing or provide medical care of their dogs.
The cute little Coton in the pet store window did not come from the loving home of a reputable breeder. In the long run you may end up paying much more for the cheaper Coton puppy who may have medical and/or behavioral issues down the road.
My dogs came from lines in which we know the pedigrees and genetic integrity. I have health tested all the dogs for genetic illnesses, they are fed a premium diet, live in the unpolluted Snowmas valley and never some into contact with chemicals. All my dogs and their puppies are cherished and loved. They only receive the very best care, nurturing and guidance. It is my goal to make the transition for the puppies and their new families smooth and easy so they have a lifetime of happiness together.
Are there any health issues in the Cotons?
Compared to other breeds Coton have few, however there are issues. Cotons do tend to live a long life of 15+ years.
Where do the puppies live?
All the dogs and puppies live in the house and sleep in my bedroom. I have two fenced in areas outside where they can run and play. The puppies are born in the bathroom nursery and kept in that warm environment for 3 weeks until they can come out to be with the rest of the family. When they're moved into the rest of the house they have their own pen and also run around the kitchen area that is set up as a puppy playroom.
What should I do to prepare for my new Coton puppy?
I send the puppy home with supplies (listed below) that should last at least a week or two. I also send the new families an entire list of things they will need. I encourage them to have fun buying the things that they think will make their new baby happy. I also reccomend reading everything possible about Cotons and having a new puppy in the household.
A crate is needed for home.
Books to read:
An excellent all around puppy book is the "Art of raising a puppy" by the Monks of New Skete
The kennel club book "Coton de Tulear" by Wolfgang Knorr
"Coton's World" by Eli Deluca...for those interested in the history, development and conformation of the Coton breed
Before the puppies go home at 10 weeks, can I visit?
Visits are welcome after they're 5-6 weeks of age. I do send weekly updates with lots of pictures to each waitlist family.
Do you show your Cotons?
Yes! Rocky Mountain High has attained his championship, see his accomplishments on his webpage. Buttermilk, Sierra and Colby have all been in the ring. Butter may be in the ring in 2008.
