A: YES!! These are very social dogs and they need to be able to interact with others or they can become lonely and/or get themselves into trouble because they are bored. The more you can expose them to (dog parks, other dogs, cats, children, babies, etc.) the better. The puppy stage is the best time to introduce new things and to foster and support the qualities you want your puppy to have when he or she is an adult.
A: They need a moderate amount of exercise, but the most important thing to know is that they need it every day. Like any active working breed, they need to move and expend their energy. If not in constructive and fun ways with you as their guide, then possibly in annoying and destructive ways that many dogs enjoy (like getting into the trash, chewing up things that they shouldn't, etc.)
Q: Can these dogs be crate trained?
A: Although other breeders would not agree, we think that they can. We believe that any dog can be crate trained if it is done properly and early. If you intend to crate train your pup, please educate yourselves on crate training techniques and especially what to avoid when crate training so that it does not make the puppy think they have been bad. The puppy should want to be in the crate because it's a safe and happy place, not a punishment.
Q: I've heard these dogs may be timid, is that true?
A: No, not really. The best way to describe them is reserved or selective. Once you earn their trust they adore attention and love to be petted, brushed and hugged! Watch out for those wet kisses though!
Q: Do SIDs make good watch dogs?
A: Yes! But make sure you understand the difference between watch dogs and guard dogs. SIDs are NOT guard dogs. They will sound the alert when someone they don't know shows up by barking. And they have BIG barks when they finally decide there's something worth barking at.
Q: Are SIDs good with children?
A: Yes! SIDs love children! But like any dog they should be exposed to children of all ages as pups so that they become familiar with them.
Q: Do SIDs shed their fur?
A: Yes. Every dog sheds, but some shed more than others. SIDs tend to shed out their undercoat once a year in late spring/early summer. That being said, the long-haired SIDs shed more than those with medium length fur. Brushing your SID is usually all that is needed to keep shedding to a minimum.
Q: I've heard that these dogs don't have a doggie-smell, is that true?
A: Yes. Again, any dog will smell if they do not get proper grooming and an occassional bath. But those things should be done anyway to keep their skin and coat healthy. Compared to other breeds, SIDs need very little in way of grooming. As for smell, they do not make the house, or you, "smell like dog". You are welcome to visit ours to see for yourself.
Q: How do I get one?
A: You need to complete a Puppy Application and email or snail mail it to us. You will be placed on our waiting list in order by postmark on the envelope or date of your email. When your turn comes, you can either pick from those that are left in the current litter or ask to wait for the next litter if you are not happy with one of the pups still available. If you wait, you keep your place in line for pick of the next litter. Please understand though that we cannot keep people on the list for over a year. When we've done that in the past, several places are taken up by people who won't take a pup and it discourages others because the list is too long.
By sending the Puppy Application, you are not agreeing to purchase a puppy, you are however agreeing to abide by the conditions stated in the sales agreement which you will send withn your deposit when we have pups available. DO NOT SEND US MONEY.
Be sure to include your email address so that we can add you to our special news updates that is only for the waiting list.