Bear Creek Bullies & Boxers
Breeding AKC Boxers and Bullies for Show, Pet, and Working Homes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What sets Bear Creek Ranch aside as a breeder?
We are unique as we combine our homestyle, family approach with the professional expertise that comes from years of experience and from outstanding veterinarian knowledge and support. Our goal is to not look like a breeder. Our dogs are not confined to runs, crates, and exercise pens. Instead, our dogs share family life with us. They share our big back yard with our children and are part of our daily lives. As demand for our puppies has increased, we have deliberately not added more dogs to our home. We are very careful to maintain balance by giving them the attention they need and deserve. Our goal is to generally only have six adult dogs living with us so that they can receive proper care and be a part of a family setting.
How does price relate to quality?
This is a certainly a question worth addressing. Breeding excellent puppies is an expensive proposition. The average cost of health testing a dog is about $1000, the average cost of a c-section is $1000, the average cost of a surgical breeding (if necessary) is $600, the average stud fee (for a champion, health certified stud) is $1000, the average cost for raising a healthy litter is approximately $600 - $1000, the average cost for having a dog professionally handled in the show ring is $50 - $75 per show, all this without mentioning any reproductive complications, intensive neonatal care, routine veterinarian care, and TIME! So if you are tempted to purchase a puppy for $400 from the newspaper, a question worth asking is: "What corners were cut to produce such inexpensive puppies?" The compromise usually comes with the health testing, the pedigree, the stud, and the quality of the dam and sire in regards to conformation and health
How Many Litters Do you Produce Per Year?
This varies from year to year. We don't ever have a set "goal" for a number of puppies we want to produce. Instead, we take into consideration the health and age of each female. Each of our females are evaluated for breeding and we follow the recommendations of the staff at our veterinary clinic. Generally, each female is bred starting at the age of two and is retired at the age of five. So, we have had as little as no litters in a year or as many as 2-4.
Do You Rely On Income from Breeding Dogs?
No. Thankfully my husband and I both have well paying careers(Him as a Retail Assistant Manager and I as a Foster Care worker with the state of Louisiana). Breeding dogs does not generate much income as the care that goes into the dogs(Food, vet bills, routine care) is costly over the year. Any money that is made is generally used to pay off any unexpected costs(such as an emergency c-section) or it goes right back into the kennel(building new fences, adding a new dog to the program, etc).
Do you take a dog back if a family is unable to care for them?
Absolutely..We will always welcome back any puppies/dogs we have sold. If shipping is needed, the buyer will need to arrange/pay for shipping. We will either keep the dog or rehome the dog after a full temperament test.
What do you think about puppies being sold at pet stores?
So many people don't realize that though the pets at a pet store look adorable staring through the glass windows, they have been purchased from irresponsible breeders. By purchasing a pet from a pet store, pet owners are promoting the poor practices of puppy mills and irresponsible breeders nationwide. A reputable breeder would never place their puppies in a pet store. Instead, a reputable breeder generally has a waiting list of owners wanting to adopt their puppies. Pet stores do not make provisions for the genetic faults of each breed (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA). Their puppies do not come from health certified parents. The fact that a puppy "has papers" really means nothing in regards to its health and even conformation. Bear Creek has never and will never deal with pet stores.
Tell me more about their reproductive care?
What is your criteria for breeding?
We require great conformation and temperament and an OFA rating for hips as well as thyroid/heart testing. These test are breed specific.
How do you socialize the puppies?
Our family of 3 children is the best and most natural way to socialize the puppies. We make sure that they are a part of our family, are given lots of love and attention, are surrounded by normal household noise, are properly introduced to other adult dogs in our home, and are introduced to new people regularly.
Are your dogs suitable for show?
Yes! If you are interested in a show puppy, please let us know. Though we make no guarantees that your puppy will be the next Westminster Best of Breed, we certainly place our show prospects with show families.
How are puppies shipped?
Usually via Continental Airlines as they have received the best awards in the industry for their pet program. When booking a flight, we look for the most direct option. We generally fly puppies out of Shreveport LA airport. Each puppy is shipped in a brand new crate, given a health certificate by my veterinarian, and provided with food and water for the trip. They are kept in temperature controlled facilities before boarding and in a pressurized, temperature controlled cargo space on the plane. Puppies can also be flown in cabin with an accompanying passenger. Occasionally our family also drives puppies to their new homes in conjuction with a family getaway. All of these options cost $300.
How Do I pick out my puppy?
Order of selection is given according to order of deposits received. At seven weeks of age, we make final selections by allowing you to pick your puppy in person, via photos on the internet, or letting me pick for you based on your desires and wishes. Each puppy is given a Puppy Aptitude Test at that time.
What is your health guarantee?
We are very confident that you are receiving a healthy, high quality puppy. In the rare event that a puppy would be diagnosed with hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or a hereditary heart defect(in the boxer), you will receive a puppy of equal value as a replacement.(You will be able to keep the other puppy, but they will need to be spayed/neutered and we will need proof of spay/neuter. This diagnosis needs to be made within the first two years and needs to be genetically linked, not a result of over feeding. Also, you have five days from the day you pick your puppy up, to have him checked by your vet of choice. If you are uncomfortable with anything we will take the puppy back and offer you a full refund. Please email me
What can I expect after I leave a deposit?
You can expect frequent communication from me along with regular slide shows of your puppy over the internet once the litter is born. I will gladly handle all flight arrangements for you and answer any questions you may have along the way. You are also welcome to arrange a time to visit your new puppy
