Oconee River's Transparency Promise

1) Comprehensive Health Testing & Genetic Transparency

At Oconee River Dachshunds, health testing is foundational—not an afterthought.

Our breeding dogs are selected and evaluated using a combination of AKC records, genetic testing, pedigree analysis, and age-appropriate veterinary health screenings. We believe responsible breeding requires both planning and proof.

Our health standards include, as appropriate for each dog and their age:

• AKC DNA profiling and genetic testing

• Pedigree review to assess lineage, consistency, and inherited risk

• OFA-recorded health evaluations, which may include:

  • Patellar (knees)

  • Cardiac (heart)

  • Ophthalmology / eye exams (CAER)

• Routine veterinary care and ongoing health monitoring

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) serves as a public registry for health testing results performed by licensed veterinarians and specialists. When applicable, we submit results so testing is documented, verifiable, and transparent.

Because some evaluations are age-dependent, health testing is completed progressively and responsibly as dogs mature—never rushed and never skipped.

What this means for puppy families:
Our decisions are based on documented information, not assumptions. We prioritize predictability, long-term health, and transparency so families can feel confident in the dogs we produce.

2) No Rushing, No Shortcuts

We do not breed for speed, trends, or quick profit.

That means:

• We don’t breed young dogs before they’re ready.

• We don’t buy “good enough” dogs just to have puppies sooner.

• We don’t make breeding decisions based on demand or social media hype.

We’d rather be slow and right than fast and messy.

3) Temperament Matters

A dog’s temperament is just as important as their health.

We don’t rely on a single test or label to decide whether a dog belongs in our program. Instead, we evaluate temperament through ongoing observation over time—watching how our dogs interact with people, respond to new situations, and recover from everyday stress.

We prioritize dogs who are:

• Confident, not fearful

• Curious and engaged, not shut down

• Comfortable with handling

• Stable in normal household environments

Because temperament develops with both genetics and environment, we focus on early handling, positive exposure, and thoughtful socialization rather than quick assessments or guarantees.

What this means for puppy families:
Our goal is to produce dachshunds with steady, predictable temperaments that fit well in family homes. We’re honest about what we see, and we match puppies thoughtfully—because no two dogs (or homes) are exactly alike.

4) Ethical Breeding Practices

We hold ourselves to strict standards because reputation matters, and the dogs deserve it.

Our approach includes:

• Conservative breeding decisions designed to reduce genetic complexity early on

• Clear boundaries on what we will and won’t breed

• No “oops litters,” no excuses

If we wouldn’t keep the puppy ourselves, we won’t produce it.

5) How We Raise Puppies

When we begin litters (planned for 2027), puppies will be raised with:

• Daily handling and routine exposure

• Age-appropriate socialization

• Clean, structured environments

• Written logs and records (weights, health notes, milestones)

We don’t believe in “raise them and hope.” We believe in systems.

6) Full Documentation for Puppy Families

We provide puppy families with transparency and paperwork—not mystery.

You can expect:

• Health/testing documentation on parents (as applicable)

• Vet records for the puppy

• Microchip information (if/when applied)

• A written care guide and support after pickup

7) Buyer Standards & Support

We’re not trying to sell a puppy to everyone. We’re trying to place puppies in the right homes.

We’re a good fit for families who value:

• Health and ethics over trends

• Clear communication

• Long-term breeder support

• Believe your dog if a life-long family member

We are not a good fit for:

• Last-minute buyers

• People who want the cheapest puppy

• Anyone who pressures us to rush timelines

8) Pricing Transparency (Simple, Honest)

Our pricing reflects:

• Quality foundation dogs

• Health testing

• Veterinary care

• Responsible breeding and rearing practices

We will publish clear pricing and what’s included once litters are planned.
No hidden fees. No “message for price” games.

9) The Truth About Availability

We do not always have puppies—and we’re okay with that.

Our program is intentional, and will always put the well being of our dogs first.
When puppies are available, we will share:

• Timeline updates

• Parent pairings (when confirmed)

• Waitlist process (if/when opened)

If you’re here early, you’re in the right place.

10) Our Promise

We promise to be:

• Honest

• Available

• Direct

• Transparent

We won’t overpromise. We won’t rush. We won’t compromise the dogs.

If you have questions, reach out—we’re happy to talk through our program and our standards.