I'm Karen L., the breeder behind Surrey Hill Whippets located in Mechanicsville, VA. I am second generation lifetime dog lover and breeder/owner/handler who claimed the Whippet as my breed of choice when my mother brought home the first one in 1979. Since 1986, my breeding program both solo and with talented and dedicated co-owners has resulted in almost 40 years of success.
Q. & A. with Karen
Why did you start breeding?
I passively co-bred with my mother when she had Pembroke Corgis and used my Junior Showmanship dog for a litter, but my first "real" breeding in Whippets where I owned the dam, chose the sire, and was responsible for everything to do with the litter was in 1986.
What makes your program special?
We focus on the total package of breed character, athleticism, and most importantly, temperament to do "all the things" or just be a great companion in the home. Surrey Hill dogs have won awards for therapy work, and been titled in myriad venues. Our companion prospects are as special to us as those who go into competition homes. Our Whippets have found favor with fanciers here and abroad.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Karen
Karen 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 a $500 deposit and between $1,500 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes health guarantee, all recommended vaccinations and dewormings for the age of the puppy, and lifetime buy-back clause if puppy does not work out for any reason. Deposit is comparable to upfront earnest money on a home offer to show serious commitment to own. Deposit is refunded if puppy develops an unforeseen problem limiting its suitability as a pet.”
Contract & health guarantee
Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen directly.
Surrey Hill Whippets 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
Surrey Hill Whippets 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.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA), Vet Wellness Exam
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.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).