Frequently Asked Questions

We're a family-owned and operated sausage dog breeding program with a health-first approach. Every breeding decision is guided by comprehensive health testing, temperament evaluation, and a genuine love for the breed. Our puppies are raised in our family home — never in kennels — and receive daily socialization from day one.

We specialize in both sizes — Miniature (under 11 lbs) and Standard (16–32 lbs) — across all three coat varieties: Smooth, Longhaired, and Wirehaired. Each combination has its own charm, and we can help you determine which is the best fit for your lifestyle and living situation. All of our breeding dogs are registered and health-tested.

Sausage dogs are not considered hypoallergenic, and every coat type sheds at least some. Smooth coats shed lightly year-round, longhaired coats shed seasonally and need regular brushing, and wirehaired coats shed the least but benefit from periodic hand-stripping. For families with mild allergies, the wirehaired variety is often the most manageable. No dog is 100% allergen-free, so we recommend spending time with an adult sausage dog before committing.

Grooming depends on coat type. Smooth coats need a weekly brush and occasional bath. Longhaireds need brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles, with baths every few weeks. Wirehaireds need periodic hand-stripping or trimming. All sausage dogs benefit from regular ear cleaning (their long ears trap moisture), routine nail trims, and consistent tooth brushing. We send every puppy home with a coat-specific grooming guide.

They're clever and quick to learn, but they were bred as independent hunters, so they come with a famous stubborn streak. They respond best to short, upbeat training sessions, plenty of positive reinforcement, and high-value rewards. Housetraining in particular takes patience and consistency. With the right approach, they excel at basic obedience, tricks, scent work, and even low-impact agility. We start foundation socialization and handling while the puppies are still with us.

They enjoy daily activity but need spine-friendly exercise. Most adults do well with two 20-to-30-minute walks a day plus interactive play. Standards can handle a bit more; Miniatures a bit less. Avoid jumping on and off furniture, repeated stair climbing, and rough play that twists the spine — use ramps or lift your dog to protect the long back. Puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions burn mental energy.

Absolutely. Sausage dogs are known for their gentle, patient temperament and make wonderful family dogs. They tend to be playful and protective with children while remaining calm and well-mannered, and they get along well with other dogs and pets — especially when socialized from a young age. Our early socialization program helps ensure every puppy is confident around children, adults, and other animals.

Sausage dogs are a long-lived breed, typically living 12 to 16 years with good care. Keeping them at a lean weight, feeding a quality diet, providing spine-friendly exercise, and staying current on veterinary care all contribute to a longer, healthier life. Our health testing program and health guarantee are designed to give your dog the best possible start.

Our comprehensive health guarantee covers genetic conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), luxating patellas, and other congenital heart and eye conditions. We also provide a 14-day communicable disease window from the date you receive your puppy. Because Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is heavily influenced by environment, diet, and activity, we provide detailed care guidance to help protect your dog's back throughout life. Full details are on our Health Guarantee page.

Every puppy comes with registration paperwork, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, a veterinary health certificate, a puppy starter kit with food, blanket, and toy, and our comprehensive health guarantee. We believe in transparency — there are no hidden fees or surprise costs.

Yes! We offer two convenient delivery options. Door-to-door delivery is available for $300 — your puppy is hand-delivered right to your home by a professional pet nanny. Airport pickup is available for $250, where your puppy is flown in-cabin (never cargo) with a pet nanny and you pick them up at your nearest major airport. Both include real-time updates during travel. Personal pickup is always free.

Reserving is simple. Start by contacting us so we can learn about your family and preferences. Once we've matched you with the perfect puppy, a $500 deposit secures your reservation ($100 of which is refundable if plans change). We'll keep you updated with photos and milestone reports until your puppy is ready to come home.

Our puppies benefit from Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) starting at just 3 days old, shown to improve stress tolerance, immune function, and resilience. We also follow the Rule of 7, exposing each puppy to at least 7 different surfaces, sounds, people, and experiences before going home. Because they're raised in our family home, they're used to everyday household sounds, children, and other pets.

Our parent dogs undergo comprehensive evaluations including PRA genetic testing, patella evaluations, cardiac exams, thyroid testing, and Brucellosis testing prior to each breeding. We carefully select breeding pairs with sound conformation and balanced back length to support long-term spine health. Responsible breeding starts with healthy, well-tested parents.