Cypress Run Kennels
It takes a lot of time and research to build a Line-Bred Kennel. We are looking forward to a well put together line with great bone structure, balance, color and head size that conform to the AKC Breed Standard. With a temperament for home companionship as well as Show Quality!
Education is a Must!
Any time I have an opportunity to expand my knowledge, I take It! The ABC's of Breeding was a wonderful program sponsored by the AKC, and I highly recommend it for everyone. There are many other ways to keep informed, read all you can about health and well-being of your dog. Also, keep informed on new DNA testing and information about holistic research and organic sources of food and nutrition. We will post new links on our link page from time to time.
The Mastiff Mansion
We sold all the horses and we are converting the barn into a kennel for the dogs, they each have their own room inside and a 50' run outside. They play with each other all day, running up and back, sometimes they even share though the fence and play tug of war with ropes and chew toys. Every day one of the dogs come in the house to spend time with mom. They get a bath even if they don't need it, somehow they always do! The final stage of finishing the kennel has taken a bit longer to finish than anticipated. Half of the insulation and wall boards are up and in a few weekends we should be finished. The bath house and storage area is closed in and ready for the finishing touches.
Puppies and Litters
photo of Nutmeg's first litter at 5 weeks old
We have limited number of litters per year, as each litter is hand raised. We want to make sure each puppy gets the best care. Up to six weeks of age they spend most of the time in our back room with mom. When they are ready, they move into a puppy pen where they have plenty of room to play and stretch. At four weeks they start to go outside in an ex-pen where they get their first meals of ground meats and goats milk. Rain or shine, snow or heat, they get used to the changes in temperatures and conditions. (Although, they don't stay outside too long in the bad stuff.) This is a critical point in their growth and they need to condition themselves to eat and play in all kinds of weather. They start to explore different sounds, smells and surroundings. At six to eight weeks old they go to the barn for the day, where they have plenty of room to explore, play or relax in their own room. But it is back in the house every evening for a good nights sleep. We apply the "Dogs Rule of Seven" -- which is, by the time they are seven weeks old they have had seven different: toys, foods, surfaces, environments, people, animals, etc.
Socialization is very important with all breeds. Our puppies stay with us until 10-12 weeks of age. This assures us that the new parents will be getting a more stable puppy that is ready to be on its own. We don't just sell puppies, we nurture them to be the best they can start out to be! We have several of our puppy owners come back to see us for visits and We always love to get photos and emails to let us know how they are doing.
Health Benefits and Extra Care
We feed a RAW food diet for the health of our dogs. We have a special section about Raw Meaty Bones. For those of you who have never heard of this or are uncomfortable about handling raw foods, this is a very natural and balanced way of feeding your dogs. (And the cat loves this diet too!) After all what do wild or stray dogs and cats eat? I have researched food products for our canines at least 10 years. It seems like every company has tried to create a 'well balanced' line of food. In my opinion, any food that comes in a bag has been processed at such a high heat that the nutritional value must be reduced greatly. And why would I would want to pay for someone else to cook for my dogs? It is easier to supplement, than cleanse them of unwanted grains and preservatives.
We have been very happy with the results of our food, supplement and health program. With the ever changing health issues we all face, it is nice to know that the puppy you bring home to your family has had the best start it could. Most will find this an added health benefit for their new pet.
For those that find that they do not want to feed raw, We only recommend Barking at the Moon by Solid Gold or Newman's Own, with a daily supplement of Sea Veggies Plus, Canine Formula. This is a Whole Food supplement that is rich in Vitamins, Minerals and antioxidants. Sea Veggies Plus, Canine Formula should be given daily whether you feed "The Bag" or "The Bone".
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