At Grand Smirnof, breeding is not based on convenience or availability — it is based on long-term selection, daily experience, and a clear understanding of what makes a dog reliable in real life.

All breeding dogs are carefully selected from UK and Irish working lines, where generations have been bred for cooperation, trainability, and performance. These lines bring not only working ability, but also the natural willingness to work with people — something essential for both training and everyday life.

However, pedigree alone is not enough.

I place a strong emphasis on true temperament — dogs that are:

• stable and clear-minded
• easy to train
• loyal and people-oriented
• capable of switching “on” when working and “off” at home

Because I train my own dogs regularly, I know them beyond titles or test results. I understand how they behave day to day, which allows me to make more accurate breeding decisions and match puppies to the right homes.

All breeding dogs undergo comprehensive breed-relevant health testing, including hips, elbows, current eye examinations and extensive DNA testing.

Puppies are raised in a home environment, not isolated kennels.

From an early age, they are exposed to:

• everyday household life
• different sounds and environments
• structured handling
• early recall foundations
• interaction with other animals, including cats

This creates puppies that are confident, adaptable, and easier to integrate into family life.

At Grand Smirnof, puppies are not allocated on a first-come basis.
Each litter is planned carefully, and puppies are matched to homes based on temperament, lifestyle, and long-term suitability.

1. Initial enquiry
Tell me about your lifestyle, experience, and what you are looking for in a dog. This helps ensure that my dogs are the right fit for you — and that I can match you with the most suitable puppy.

2. Reservation list
A deposit secures your place in the selection process, not a specific puppy.

3. Development and observation
Each puppy is observed closely as they develop, focusing on temperament and behaviour. Because I work with my dogs daily, I focus not only on behaviour, but on subtle differences in temperament, confidence, and trainability.

4. Matching puppies to homes
At around 5–6 weeks, puppies are matched based on suitability, energy level, and lifestyle.

5. Going home

Puppies joining homes in Finland are normally ready to leave between 7 and 8 weeks of age. Puppies travelling abroad may need to remain with me longer to meet the veterinary and legal requirements of their destination country.

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also come with questions — especially during the first weeks.

All puppy owners receive initial guidance to help with the transition, including advice on settling in, feeding, and daily routine.

For those who would like more structured support, an extended guidance option is available during the first weeks after the puppy goes home. This can include help with:

• establishing clear routines
• feeding and development
• early training foundations
• common puppy challenges

This support is optional and can be tailored to individual needs.