Who is www.DCDogfinders.com ?  

DCDogFinders is a group of twelve quality, committed and professional breeders - nine are family and three are lifelong friends. All members of our group are professionals with great careers, wonderful homes and loving and caring families. Each breeder is dedicated to the health, happiness and well being of every puppy they raise. In our group breeding is a “passion” not a must do ...  to make a living.

Are you a puppy mill?  

All of our puppies are raised with kindness and care and go home with social skills, medical care and a Five Year Health Warranty.  We also offer a Life Time Return policy so that none of our puppies end up in a rescue or shelter. Our motto is “Care, Quality and Commitment” to both puppy and customer. No we are not a puppy mill.

How do I know I can trust DCDogFinders?

Trust is earned ... never given. We are not an on-line puppy store. You cannot buy a puppy on our site. The reason for our site is strictly so you can take a peek into our world and see your selected puppy, and his or her home. We have learned over the years that in the breeding world there will always be both positive and negative comments about every breeder's business practices, breeding methods, conditions, care of pups and so on. Our position is very simple ... if you don't trust us. please don't buy your puppy from us. Likewise, if we don't trust you we will not sell you a puppy. As a breeder we are often attacked by other breeders, people we decline as owners, brokers, kennels, pet shops and just generally angry people who have found a place on the web to voice their "expert" opinions. When it comes to pets everyone has an opinion, some informed and some based purely on emotion. We suggest that whether you choose us as your breeder or not, be confident, ask questions and develop trust. Your puppy is a lifetime commitment and you need to trust your breeder as much as the breeder needs to trust you as they hand over their puppy to your care.

Can you provide references?

Sure. Look at the “Our Customers” page here on the website. We have so many references that we can't fit them all on. We encourage everyone to speak with other breeders and ask if they have testimonials with pictures, names and quotes from so many happy and loving families.

Why do you have so many breeds?

Actually, we have only six: Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Each of our twelve breeders keeps only one or two breeds. It sometimes looks like we have more because of our hybrids. Our hybrids, or mixes, are always a result of very careful breeding between two of our standard breeds with vet screened and cleared, AKC pedigreed Dams and Sires. This produces happy, healthy first generation (F-1) hybrids. Referred to as "mutts" by breeding purists and snobs, they are considered by Veterinarians to be among the best breeds for the health qualities that first generation bloodlines provide. Our customers love them for all of their great qualities as well. We have a long history of incredibly healthy, happy, playful hybrid puppies. We don't apologize for breeding exceptional "mutts" for families who love and cherish them.

Can you get other breeds of puppies? 

DCDogFinders is a close group of family and friends who all have the same standards and breeding philosophies. We could not provide the level of quality and commitment on any other breeders' dogs that we do on our own. For that reason, we choose not to offer them.

Why do your puppies sell so quickly?

It’s simple …our reputation, referrals and repeat customers. Our family has over 50 years in the breeding world. We have the experience, we provide healthy and happy puppies and we offer the customer service and support that ensures our customers the very best of everything. Our grandfather used to say “Quality doesn’t just happen by chance. It comes with quality care, concern and commitment”. We take that statement very seriously.

Why do you reserve puppies?

Very simply... our system works! It’s been proven over and over and we have great results. We once tried doing the “blind ad”, no pictures, no appointment, and no specifications. It was a horrible experience for the customers, the puppies and us. Our system works best for the puppy and the customer. No disappointment! Our customers are given one week in advance to choose a puppy, gender, breed etc. We consult over the phone with each customer for an average of 1 to 4 hours. We provide health information, contracts and the 26 page DCDogFinders Puppy Owners Manual. This allows us to prepare each puppy for their new home with Vet checks and grooming and allows the customer time to get ready for their new “four-legged friend”.

If I reserve a puppy am I obligated to take it home?

We sure hope so! When we spend time with you, provide all of the information we do (over 40 pages), prepare your new puppy with Vet checks and grooming appointments and tell all other customers that “their” puppy is no longer available, we absolutely expect a commitment on your part. That being said, be assured that we would NEVER want anyone to take a puppy based on fear or pressure. Our puppies have a wonderful home and loving family to start with. If you get to your appointment and it is not a good fit, speak with your breeder. We would never want our puppies to go home with someone who does not want them. We will appreciate your honesty, respect your decision and be happy to find a loving and deserving home for the puppy.

Can I reserve more than one puppy?

Yes, if you are planning to purchase more than one puppy. Due to customer demand and fairness to the adopting families we will only reserve the puppy that you are interested in meeting/adopting at the time of your appointment.

Where is DCDogfinders located?

DCDogfinders is located on the World Wide Web. We are not a place, a kennel, or a pet store. DCDogfinders.com is a website developed, maintained and financed by a group of twelve great breeders. We are all in-home breeders, with licenses, breeding history and great reputations. Seven members are family, three are great friends, and two are cousins that live in the Charlottesville, VA area. We are all located within the Metro DC area.

Where do we go for our puppy appointment?

You will meet the puppy at the breeders home. The appointment usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, at the customers choice. At the appointment you will be given alone time and playtime with the puppy and time to spend with the breeder going over health records, important information, birth records and to see where, and just how much love is given to the puppies and their parents and family.

Are your puppies immunized and de-wormed?

Yes. We provide a very detailed list of immunizations as well as a de-worming chart both before purchase and as an up-to-date form when adopting.

Do you warranty your puppies?

Yes. Each puppy goes home with a 5 year 100% Money Back Warranty.

How old will my be puppy be when I pick him/her up?

Most of our puppies are picked up at between 8 and 9 weeks old. The general consensus is that this is the best time to take a new puppy home. Some of the very small breeds such as Yorkie Teacups and some Minis, stay with us until they are 10 to 12 weeks old.

Do you ever have older dogs for sell?

No. We do not sell our pets. On rare occasions we may help a customer find a home for a puppy or dog as a result of a death, a divorce, or other family situation. We will always be happy to help that puppy find a new home.

What is the difference in size of puppies?

They usually go from TeaCup, Mini, Toy and Standard. This, of course, depends upon genetics and specific breed size.

What is the difference between a “Mini” and a “Teddy Bear”?

Actually the two indicate totally different things. The “Mini” label means that, when fully grown, the puppy will be at the small end of the range of acceptable sizes for that breed. Usually that means between 5 and 8 pounds for ShihTzu, ShihChons, YorkieChons and YorkiePoos. The term “Teddy” or “Teddy Bear”, on the other hand, does not suggest the size of the puppy but the look of the puppy. It means that the puppy’s coat is fuller than the typical puppy of that breed and that the puppy has the large eyes and full face that most people find so attractive. If these puppies are groomed in a “puppy cut” or “teddy cut”, they look like puppies for their entire life.

Can we come by and visit or play with the puppies? 

No. For the safety and security of our family we take appointments only. This will ensure your puppy is reserved for you along with knowing that the puppy you choose is healthy and has not been handled by previous visitors that may have been at a pet shop or kennel previously. This also allows our family and puppies, along with your family, to know who is coming to our home and when.

How can I pay? 

VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Cash, Money Order, Cashier’s Check. We do not accept personal checks.

Can I put a deposit down and pay later?

No. We do not "lay away" puppies. We advertise them when they are ready to go home.

Why are there different prices?

Each breeder sets the price for their own puppies. There is no “magic” involved and because we are family you will find that our prices are far more affordable than a pet shop that has overhead and employee expenses or a kennel that has to support a large number of dogs and the facility. Our dogs and puppies will always be “family affordable” and loved. 

What are your hours?

We take calls from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. All appointments are on Fridays and Saturdays only. Sundays we are with our family and worship.