Specialists in allergy friendly, non shedding
Schnoodles,
Shihpoos and Maltepoos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just ask Sophie.....
A1.
Personality is the number one reason!
At Mari-May Kennels, we take pride in breeding beautiful, confident and
sound minded Shih-poos, Schnoodles and Maltepoos
that are truly a joy to own!
A2. At Mari-May Kennels our puppies are the result of planned breedings which have the most potential to produce superior pups; puppies most likely to be easy to train with highly social personalities. Our detailed personality evaluation process for our breeding dogs helps to ensure
outstanding pups.
A3. Unfortunately, not all puppies are the same. Our closed breeding program features dogs that have been
carefully selected over many, many years for being outstanding examples of their breed and also for stable, trainable personalities.
This is very unlike some breeding programs that have popped up (and hyped themselves up!) over the past few years that use poor quality or inexpensive dogs for producing expensive puppies just to make money.
Good dog breeding involves continuous in-depth study of genetics and breed-type to produce sound lines that prove themselves generation after generation.
Our high standards set us apart in many ways and include extra consideration regarding natural dog nutrition, in-home whelping,
careful puppy socialization and temperament testing. We are also committed to making excellent placements that benefit every buyer as well as every puppy -especially the puppy!
A4. Affordability is part of our
sincere commitment to our customers!
We feel that price is an important factor for many families looking to purchase a pup and part of our goal as dog breeders is to provide
high quality pups at an affordable price. Despite the criticism we occasionally receive
from some breeders who place a strong emphasis on high priced pups, we consider the fact that our buyers often have to
make extended travel arrangements to purchase one of our puppies and we try hard to keep our prices reasonable.
Click here to review our prices and policies.
A5.
Please call or e-mail us for a telephone interview first (so we can chat and get to know each other!) and then you can submit our
Puppy Application .
We are committed to providing excellent customer service which begins during the application process.
We feel honored that you trust us with such an important task as finding a new family member in the puppy you
will someday own. Phone conversations with potential buyers provide an opportunity to
learn about your personal circumstances and evaluate the likelyhood of our ability to meet those needs. We want to answer your questions fully so that you are able to make a good decision. Often times,
our buyers become extended family members and that means a lot to us!
A6.
Our dogs are individually very special and important to us
and we feel that
their long term safety is enhanced by microchipping. Microchipping also ensures accurate record keeping
which is very important to the development of our breeding lines. We strongly recommend microchipping.
Important reasons for
microchipping pets including the following:
According to estimates from the Humane Society of the US, 8 to 12 million pets are taken annually. Depending on geographic location, 30-60% are euthanized.
According to the American Humane Society, only 25-30% of animals entering
shelters are adopted by new owners.
A7. According to "The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary", a Kennel is "An establishment where dogs are bred
for sale...".
By this definition, anyone who happens to breed dogs for sale is indeed a "Kennel" -
whether they acknowledge, are deserving of, or live up to the proud
title or not.
However, we consider ours to be a professional occupation - not a hobby - thus, we are very proud of our kennel and the
work that we do! As professional dog breeders,
we are dedicated to the advancement of each breed we work with and we are just as committed to our cross-bred lines as well.
A8.
Certainly! Potential customers are always welcome by appointment only. Please note that this is our home and you must
make an appointment ahead of time. For the health and safety of our dogs, we
discourage visitors from bringing their dogs. Please click here for information on how to contact us and set up an appointment.
A9.
We are very careful about preventing
the transmission of diseases. Therefore, you are only allowed to handle your pup and only after when he/she had had their first vaccinations. Visitors are never allowed or invited to handle or view pups as a "holiday" adventure. Most of our pups
are sold before they are born or shortly there-after. All buyers have the comfort of knowing that their pups are never handled by
the general public. Highly commended by our Veterinarians, this has been our policy for over 20 years.
A10.
Yes! We own all of the dogs in our breeding program and they reside here. We do not sell dogs for breeding. We do not work with brokers.
A11.
We feel that it is very important for you to meet the parents of the pup you are purchasing. Meeting the parents gives you
an indication of the future potential personality of your puppy.
A12.
As part of our holistic breeding program, we no longer remove dew claws or dock tails. We feel it is far more humane to allow a puppy to wag
his/her tail in full and most of our buyers agree!
A13. After genetics and environmental stability, few things have such a profound impact on the health, well-being and longevity
of a dogs life as excellent nutrition.
We take the nutritional needs of our dogs and puppies very seriously. Our Kennel is unique for the fact that we go to every extreme to ensure that our dogs receive a diet
brimming with natural and wholesome sources of nutrition. As part of their daily diet, our dogs receive
supplements of fresh goat milk,
farm fresh eggs (cooked), meat/vegetable stews and whole grains. The benefits of our efforts can be noted in the
extraordinary coat quality of all of our dogs, their complete lack of allergies and skin problems,
and the individual excellent over-all mental and physical
health of each and every one of the dogs who live here. Nutrition is just as important for a dog as it is for a human - never doubt that fundamental truth!
For practical purposes, we are careful to prepare our pups for the
future likelyhood of a commercial diet in their new homes. We do this by incorporating an excellent dog food ( Flint River Ranch)
mixed
along with their natural foods for the benefit and convenience of our buyers.
We also offer nutritional advice and education to our buyers and visitors via personal
consultations and information posted at our Internet site.
We recommend holistic dog food for your pup and we provide you with sample dog food as part
of your free puppy starter kit.
A14.
For some people, the death of a beloved pet is a time of profound almost inconsolable loss.
Evermore Pet Chapel
was created for those who have suffered such a loss to respectfully offer consolation and closure.
A great many of our clients are in the transition of buying a new pup after
having lost a faithful companion of many years. Through the online virtual Chapel,
Evermore provides grief recovery resources to help make that sensitive transition easier.
A15. No,
we do not sell pups for other breeders or hobbyists. All Mari-May puppies are exclusively bred and born here.
Neither do we
recommend other breeders. Dog breeding is a profession that is ungoverned by national standards or a universal code of ethics.
Consequently, this
occupation is rife with unethical opportunists. Basically, anyone breeding dogs can
call themselves a "Kennel" or "Breeder" whether they honor the title or not. Our standards are very high
and it would be
impossible to ensure or require other
breeders to meet our model.
A16. People travel great distances to come to Mari-May Kennels for their treasured new family member, from around the United States and even Canada.
A17. Yes. We require a $100 non-refundable deposit that is put towards the purchase of a puppy. But first, you must call or e-mail us
to find out about availability and to make sure we are accepting deposits at the time of your interest.
Your deposit MUST include your name - address - phone number and the gender of the pup you are
interested in purchasing. Please note - we do not guarantee the adult size and color of any of our puppies.
Please click here for our puppy application and deposit information.
A18. Pups are individually evaluated for placement which is
usually around 8 weeks of age. Buyers are charged $7.00 per day for
each day after the recommended date of placement which will be no earlier than 56 days.
A19.We are located in Harrisville, Michigan on the east side of the state
near Lake Huron. We are approximately 3.5 hours north of Detroit.
A20.
There are many, many pet registries available to dog owners and AKC is one of them.
Established in 1884, AKC - the American Kennel Club - is the oldest dog registry in America.
AKC does not register Schnoodles, Shihpoos or Maltepoos.
A21. The quality of our dogs is the direct result of years of study
and investment.
We work very carefully to produce puppies that are top quality and we feel compelled
to protect the integrity of our breeding program.
We absolutely do not sell pups or dogs to people who want to breed their dogs.
We do not sell pups or dogs to brokers or commercial breeders.
We require a spay/neuter agreement for all of our puppies.
A22. No.
Our primary focus for breeding dogs is to provide outstanding pets for families who want the opportunity to own and share their lives with
an exceptional family member.
A23.
Always. We require purchasers to sign a spay/neuter contract.
A24. No.
Below is a list of questions frequently asked of Mari-May Kennels. "Sophie" will be glad to help answer your questions below. Just click on the check box to the left of the question in order to view Sophie's answer. You will need a java enabled browser in order to view the answers.
"Dear Sophie....."
Q1. Why should I buy a Mari-May puppy?
Q2. Why are Mari-May puppies so exceptional?
Q3. Aren't all puppies the same?
Q4. Mari-May puppies are affordable. Why?
Q5. What is your application process?
Q6. How do you feel about microchipping puppies?
Q7. What does it mean to be a "Kennel"?
Q8. May I visit Mari-May Kennels?
Q9. Will I be allowed to handle puppies?
Q10. Do you own the parents of the puppy I might purchase?
Q11. Is it important to meet the parents of my puppy?
Q12. What is your policy regarding tail docking and dewclaw removal?
Q13. Why is dog nutrition important?
Q14. Why do you have a Pet Chapel?
Q15. Do you sell pups for other people or recommend other breeders?
Q16. How far to people travel for a Mari-May puppy?
Q17. Do you require a deposit?
Q18. When can I expect to pick up my puppy?
Q19. Where are you located?
Q20. What does it mean to be AKC registered?
Q21. Why do you offer only restricted AKC registrations on your pure-bred pups?
Q22. Do you sell AKC dogs for breeding?
Q23. Do you require a spay/neuter agreement on all your pups?
Q24. Do you offer stud service?
According to estimates from the Humane Society of the US, 8 to 12 million pets are taken annually. Depending on geographic location, 30-60% are euthanized.