I'm Julie A., the breeder behind Elain-Ward located in West Bend, WI. I've been breeding whippets for 30 years and I'm still in contact with those who purchased a puppy from my very first litter in 1990. Most of my puppy owners come back to add another family member, others come back to replace one that has crossed the bridge. All of my puppy owners become part of my whippet family. I am always available to give advice, lend a helping hand, or just listen if a shoulder is needed. There's nothing I enjoy more than receiving photos and updates of my dogs at all ages of their lives!
Q. & A. with Julie
Why did you start breeding?
As mentioned above, I've been involved with dogs since I was born. Upon my mother's passing in 1977, I took over my parent's kennel name, Elain-Ward. My mother's name is Elaine and my father is Edward. My mother brought me my first whippet when I was 7. I bred my first whippet litter in 1990. I averaged one to two litters every 2 years. My soul purpose of breeding was to keep the best puppy to better my breeding program. I never bred a litter just to sell the puppies without keeping one for myself. Normally my puppies are spoken for before the breeding ever took place.
What makes your program special?
I pour my heart and soul into every little soul that is born into my life. I take the lives of each soul born seriously and feel if I can't give my puppies or adults the best lives possible, then I have no business breeding. I health test all my breeding dogs and only use outside sources if they also have been health tested. The most important aspect for me is that my dogs have loving, outgoing temperaments followed by a solid structure that will give my dogs the longest life possible. I'm very proud that the average age of my dog's longevity is 14 to 16 years. Any person who is interested in purchasing a dog from me has full access to any of my former or present dog owners to get any reference they feel is needed. I look forward to connecting with you!
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Julie
Julie has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include between $1,200 - $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price also includes the first vaccination (given at 8 weeks) and the remaining puppy vaccinations if you live close enough for me to administer their vaccinations. Health guarantee and AKC registration papers. The deposit is half of the asking selling price. The remainder is to be paid before the puppy leaves my residence. Refunds are prorated and explained in the contract.”
Contract & health guarantee
Julie may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Julie offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Julie directly.
Elain-Ward meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Elain-Ward reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Whippets.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Whippet Health Foundation Database
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.