When Tiny Differences Matter: Understanding Fading Puppy Syndrome From a Breeder Who’s Been There As breeders, we live for the sound of tiny squeaks, those first nursing wiggles, and the warmth of newborn puppies nestled close to their dam. But no matter how experienced we are, nothing prepares us for losing a puppy — especially one that seemed perfectly fine just days before. We call it Fading Puppy Syndrome, but here’s the truth - It’s not a single disease. It’s a final out

At Von Schaaf Haus Dupree, we follow the evidence-based, integrative approach advocated by Dr. Karen Becker, a leading voice in functional veterinary medicine. Her work highlights a crucial truth: reproductive hormones do far more than control fertility — they influence nearly every aspect of a dog’s overall health and vitality.

Exceptional puppies start with exceptional care - long before their eyes even open.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation and even scare tactics around breeders giving their own vaccines. Some veterinarians may advise starting your puppy’s vaccinations all over again simply because they didn’t administer the vaccines themselves. While I absolutely agree that some breeders may not handle vaccines correctly, that’s not the case for everyone. It’s crucial to know your rights and options in advocating for your puppy’s health.

We do not shy away from placing siblings together. Why? Because when done right, littermates can thrive under one roof—and we’ve seen it time and time again. The key lies not in avoiding littermates, but in understanding what’s happening on a physiological and behavioral level—and having the tools to raise them successfully.