* We are not a kennel.
* We raise one litter of pups annually.


How Puppies are Raised at Bonewitz Chesapeakes:

Once we move the pups out of their whelping box, they go to a weaning/early development pen. Here they are introduced to obstacles such as log steps, crates and a larger play and exercise area. At this time we also start moving them into our house, taking them for rides in vehicles, and exploring out in the field.

As soon as the weather permits, and when the pups are hearty enough, they are taken outdoors where they come in contact with many new sounds, sights, movements, footings and changes in terrain and cover; things they will be encountering the rest of their lives. It doesn’t take long for the pups to adapt to their new surroundings, such as grass, cement, gravel, mud, sand, snow, ice, splash water, etc., but we believe that the sooner they get these exposures, the better.

The pups will be introduced to birds (live quail) at a young age, and to water only if the weather and water are warm enough where the pups want to go in on their own. We do what Mother Nature permits!

Because we understand that buying a Chesapeake pup is a major investment, we strive to give our pups the best possible start in life by caring for them in a fair and sporting manner.

Before we pass a pup onto our customers:
* Dewclaws are removed
* First series of puppy shots administered
* Veterinarian performs a thorough and complete physical examination. This includes, but is not limited to: checking for proper bite, umbilical hernia, two testicles, good coat, inverted vagina, good conformation, as well as checking their eyes, ears, and joints.
* Fecal samples taken for examination (at least two).
* Dewormed regularly if necessary.
* Started on a good quality puppy chow, graduating from a gruel.
* Received a great deal of love, attention and socialization.
* Weaned at approximately five weeks of age.
* Puppies are ready to leave at about seven weeks of age.
* Note: Most airlines require pups to be at least eight weeks old before they will accept them.


Notes about Transporting Pups:
If you do want your puppy shipped, we will make all the arrangements at this end. We can provide your pup with a shipping crate, and ask that you return it via UPS.
Shipping costs from the Des Moines airport via Delta generally run about $175.00, other airlines such as American charge about $185.00, and we require a surcharge of $50.00 to take your pup to the airport.  We like the service they provide because it is counter to counter and the pup is transported in a temperature-controlled environment.
We try to book your pup on the carrier with the most direct flight and least amount of layovers.  Keep in mind that the airline will not ship if the air temperature at departure or arrival is below 10 degrees or over 85 degrees. This incudes any cities with layovers as well. 
If we know in advance that we are going to be shipping a pup airfreight, we give this pup some special consideration and training in getting adjusted to a travel crate. A few days before their flight, we very gently carry them about in these crates, feed and water them in their crates, and have them spend three or four nights sleeping in their crate.
When your pup is shipped, we require the payment for transportation and fuel surcharge to be sent to us a week in advance. This way we can get arrangements made at our end to fly the pup to you at eight weeks of age.
We will send along the health papers and when you return the crate we will mail you the written guarantee and the AKC registration papers.


Pup Pricing:
* Pick of the litter male sells for $1100.00.
* Pick of the litter female sells for $1200.00.
* The rest of the pups are as priced; male pups for $900.00, and the females for $1000.00.

Additional Fees and Procedures:
* The buyer is responsible for the shipping expenses incurred, plus $50.00 transportation fees to the Des Moines International airport.
* We are currently accepting $300.00 non-refundable deposits to reserve pick pups and $200.00 non-refundable deposits for the rest.
* If you want a limited registration and a guarantee the price is $100.00 less.
* Otherwise, if you prefer a limited registration and no guarantee, we take $200.00 off the price.
* We will not provide a full registration without the guarantee. 

The order I receive your deposit determines your picking order. We prefer that you bring cash when you pick up your pup so that you may take the AKC papers & guarantee home with you, if not we will send the papers in about a week after the check clears.

Thank you for inquiring, and we’re sure if you decide to take one of our pups, you will find them to be birdie, healthy and happy.

Cordially,

Steve and Jodie Bonewitz