Shamrock Springer Spaniels
This site is dedicated to "Fibber"
Snowspring Crownpiece and "McGee" Timberlee Ms. Molly McGee.
These two dogs epitomize the Shamrock commitment. They were the
foundation for Shamrock Springer Spaniels of present. They were 2
loving dedicated, extraordinary animals who taught me everything I
needed to know about our breed, but more importantly about life and
commitment.
THE
SHAMROCK COMMITMENT
MY GOALS
Shamrock is dedicated to
breeding English Springer Spaniels of
outstanding temperament, health, and confirmation. Shamrock produces
show puppies as well as pets who make loving companions.
MY
INVESTMENT
My breeding stock is screened
for the common hereditary problems. The
hips are x-rayed for hip dysplasia and the eyes are examined yearly for
hereditary eye disorders. No breeder has a crystal ball, and therefore
cannot guarantee the lifetime health of the dog. I am doing
everything I can to feel assured that my puppies will most likely be
free of the common congenital disorders that are capable of being
screened for. A healthy start is the best foundation for a puppy, and
that begins with the health of the parents. I extend myself to give
puppies the best care…even before they are born. Each of my puppies is
examined by a veterinarian and sold with a health certificate. I also
ask the customer to have their vet examine the puppy for their own
satisfaction 72 hours after purchase.
AVAILABILITY
Since I breed only one or two
litters a year (quality…not quantity!),
there is sometimes a wait involved before a puppy is available. I
have a waiting list and accept deposits to hold a puppy.
Massachusetts and New
Hampshire State Laws require that puppies not be
sold before they are 8 weeks old, and I feel these are very good laws.
They prevent puppies from leaving before thy are properly weaned,
socialized and vaccinated. I temperament test at 5 wks.of age, and
again at 7 wks. in order to match the pup as closely to your lifestyle
as possible. I will ship a puppy by air at your cost,
however it is best when the pup is a bit older.
SHOW OR PET QUALITY?
You may wonder what distinguishes a pet quality puppy from a show
quality pup. Very often the differences are very subtle and would only
be detectable by a Springer expert. A distinction is made on a puppy
who is the cream of an already superior crop. Each breed has a written
“Standard of Perfection” and I breed according to the Springer
Standard, which defines the ideal or perfect Springer. Puppies
evaluated as show quality are those which most closely fit the ideals
described in the breed standard, and influence the puppy’s ability to
be a loving companion. Puppies are typically black and white, liver and
white, and/or
tri-colored English Springer Spaniels. All litters are AKC registered
and come
with a pedigree.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Puppies are sold to approved homes only. A requirement for any puppy is
a fenced area of yard to serve as a safe play area and toilet area.
Every day I hear from people who have had dogs hit by cars. This is a
tragedy that can be avoided and I hope none of my puppies will ever
meet such a senseless death.
In addition to the threat of cars, dogs are stolen, get into
garbage/poisons, fall into inescapable places, animal traps, chase
deer, etc. Unleashed is unloved!
I also require that all pets be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age
since it prevents unwanted puppies and also provides health benefits. I
also recommend crates as a training aid, and as a safe place for your
puppy when you cannot supervise him/her.
Clients should also be aware of the grooming requirements, and be
committed to frequent professional grooming (every 4–6 weeks).
HOW TO EVALUATE A BREEDER
The reputable breeder is like a head of a family. They feel
responsibility toward the breed itself, toward the dogs they breed, the
dogs they hope to breed, and additionally to all the people who have
dogs of their breeding. They spend astounding amounts of time and money
on matters they think are in the best interest of their breed.
It is this awareness of responsibility, combined with a sense of
continuity, that marks the difference between the true breeder and a
mere “puppy raiser”. The breeder is an artist, motivated by a drive to
create perfection; the puppy raisers and the dog dealers are motivated
by the desire to make money. They are truly in the dog business,
selling puppies like over-the-counter commodities to anyone who can pay
the price.
The breeder is the link between the past and the future. They are well
aware that they buyers of today may be the breeders of tomorrow, and do
their best to educate those who come to buy their dogs, and to instill
in them the ideals and values on which they have built their
reputations.
Fortunate is the novice buyer who purchases their first dog from a
reputable breeder! Whereas puppy raisers may sell whole litters to dog
dealers, the breeder insists upon direct contact which those who buy
their dogs, and sells only after most careful screening of a
would-be-purchaser in order to ascertain the mutual suitability of dog
and buyer.
While often not fully appreciated until the dog is bought, this
screening by a breeder is the greatest protection a dog purchaser can
have.
The puppy raisers and the dog dealers are often high-powered
salespersons. They never ask questions—their only concern is to sell
dogs, and often get them off their hands as soon as possible in order
to avoid additional expense and work. Their interest ends when the sale
is completed.
The attitude of the reputable breeder is very different. Though the
cost of properly caring for their dogs may cause sleepless nights and
untold worries, they will never let a single puppy or older dog leave
for a home that is not as good or better than the one that is being
provided. Even when the dog is sold, the breeder’s help and advice does
not end but continues throughout the dog’s life.
THAT IS THE SHAMROCK COMMITMENT
NUTRITION
Your puppy and Dam were raised on Development Formula which is
specifically formulated for lactation and gestation, and after
care…hence the name. The Dams thrive on this diet during their last
trimester and continue eating the formula until the pups begin
eating solid food on their own. This diet has benefits that surpass any
other therapeutic diet on the
market. It has increased calcium and phosphorous to enhance bone
growth, but progressive additions are the use of digestive aids. Fructo
Oligo Saccharides are food for the bacteria and the G.I.
system. They essentially help normalize the conditions in the
puppy’s belly and help avoid diarrhea, which is common in young pups.
Enzymes are also added, and their job is to actually assist in the
digestion process. I use this product because of the digestive aids, as
fat is very hard for an immature puppy to digest. At 30% lower in fat,
this diet is far superior due to the progressive research and
development. At 4 weeks of age, the pups were gradually weaned, &
transferred to
Pro Plan growth formula which is another premium, completely balanced
food that can be purchased at your local pet supply store, or at most
veterinary hospitals. Pro Plan is an excellent product manufactured by
Ralston Purina Co.; and is a Chicken & Rice based formulation. Your
puppy has enjoyed this product since 4 weeks of age and should remain
on it until at least 8 months. At that time, you may transfer
him/her onto the adult formulation. There are several premium
diets on the market should you choose to switch however it's
imperative to keep your dogs' diet consistent. The option to feed
a raw diet is also a healthy consideration.
Healthy
for your dog
Apples, carrots, peas and
& green beans and other fruits and vegetables (except those listed
below)
Sardines/Salmon: Good for Omega 3s & 6s / EFA (Essential
Fatty Acids)
Cottage cheese or plain yogurt work nicely for a finicky eater as a
healthy "mix-in".
Frozen raw or sterilized marrow bones. (Cooked bones will splinter and
remove nutrients)
Always supervise your dog with bones, chew hooves, bully sticks
etc. Choking is hazardous to their health!
Toxic/dangerous
for your dog..
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
Caffeine
Grapes / Raisins
Onions
Macademia nuts / Walnuts
Mushrooms
Alcohol (of any kind)
Xylitol (sugar substitute)
Antifreeze (Dogs are attracted to its sweet scent and will cause
seizures)
Ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil)
Chicken bones / any bones that will splinter
Rawhide (dogs tend to swallow large pieces that expand in the stomach
and cause bloat)
Moldy and spoiled foods from fridge
Keep garbage in an
enclosed area or out of their reach.
And most importantly, love your puppy by working with, training, and
playing. Exercise/discipline & affection wil produce amazing
results. Food is not the answer…attention is! Always remember: A
TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG!!
Good luck and enjoy...& "Feel Good All Rover!"
I always welcome phone calls and emails.
Shamrock English Springer Spaniels
978-337-7721
888-460-4528
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