How to get a puppy
At our kennel, finding the right home for every Dalmatian is just as important as breeding them. Below is our step-by-step process, what’s included when you take your puppy home, and how we ensure we raise happy, healthy puppies in an ethical way.
Step 1
Questionnaire & Approval
Before joining our waiting list, we ask every interested family to complete a short questionnaire. This helps us learn more about:
- Your lifestyle and daily routine
- Your experience with dogs (if any)
- Why you believe a Dalmatian is the right fit for you
Dalmatians are energetic, intelligent, and strong-willed dogs, they thrive in active households that can meet their exercise and training needs. The questionnaire allows us to match puppies with homes where they’ll truly flourish.
Step 2
Waiting List
If approved, you’ll be placed on our waiting list for upcoming litters. We’ll keep you updated on planned pairings, pregnancy confirmations, and when puppies arrive.
Step 3
Puppy Contract
Before welcoming one of our puppies into your home, all new puppy owners are required to sign a simple puppy contract. This outlines the basics, such as care commitments, registration details, and our responsibilities as the breeder. Once the paperwork is complete and your deposit has secured your puppy, all that’s left to do is count down the days until your fur-ever companion is ready to join your family.
How Our Puppies Are Raised & Socialized
Week 1-2
Puppies stay close to mom, focusing on warmth, nursing, and comfort. Gentle daily handling begins to build trust.
Week 2-3
Eyes and ears begin to open. We introduce soft sounds, light, and new scents. Puppies start responding to touch and voices.
Week 3-4
Exploration begins! Puppies are introduced to toys, different surfaces, and background household noises (TV, car sounds, etc.).
Week 4-5
Start of weaning with softened Montego Puppy Kibble. Puppies spend more time on grass and begin basic potty training outdoors (to be continued in their new homes).
Week 5-6
Increased play and confidence building: supervised interaction with other dogs, short farm explorations, and exposure to farm animals. Introduction to short car rides. First gentle bath time experience.
Week 6-7
Broader socialization: visitors, children, and varied outside environments. Continued farm adventures, crate introduction, and confidence-building games.
Week 7-8
Final preparation for going home: independence training, outdoor play, more grass potty training, handling practice (paws, ears, teeth), and bonding activities. Puppies are ready to transition smoothly into their forever homes.
Transport & Delivery
At Oak Leaf Dalmatians, we understand that not every new puppy family lives nearby, which is why we offer safe and reliable transport to help your puppy reach their new home comfortably and with care.
We personally arrange deliveries to the following areas:
Bloemfontein
Cape Town
East London
Johannesburg
Kroonstad
Qgeberha/P.E
Pretoria
Theunissen
Welkom
Worcester
We use our own trusted transport system, ensuring every puppy is monitored and cared for throughout the journey. Our delivery person is always on call and can be tracked live, giving you peace of mind every step of the trip.
All puppies travel in a well-ventilated vehicle with air conditioning, keeping them cool, calm, and comfortable throughout the trip.We believe bringing your new puppy home should be just as special as meeting them for the first time.
That’s why we stay in touch throughout the entire trip, sharing photo and WhatsApp updates so you can follow their journey and know they’re safe and happy every step of the way.
Because each trip and destination is different, transport pricing varies, so please contact us directly for a personalized quote.
Puppy pricing
Payment Information:
- A 50% Non refundable deposit is required to secure your puppy once they are around 2 weeks old.
- The remaining balance is due on the day of puppy pick-up.
- For puppies being delivered, the remaining balance must reflect the day before drop-off.
- Payment plans are available until puppies reach 8 weeks old.
- If a puppy needs to stay with us longer, an additional fee will apply.
What's Included:
- Registration (To be confirmed)
- Pedigree Certificate
- 1st round of vaccinations (up to 8 weeks old)
- Deworming
- Microchip
- Vet Booklet/ Health Record
- Dalmatian Guide Book (care and training tips)
- Personal Puppy Personality Analysis
- Ongoing support from Oak Leaf Dalmatians
Starting from R7 500
Please note: BAER hearing test and Transport costs are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know we are safe when buying a puppy?
We take multiple precautions to protect our puppy families:
- We encourage in-person consultations so you can meet the puppies and us directly.
- For long-distance buyers, we provide video calls and regular weekly photo/video updates on the puppies’ growth.
Are the litters registered?
Yes, starting from 2025, all of our Dalmatian litters will be registered. This ensures that your puppy comes with official documentation and recognized pedigree.
Can I come look at the puppies after they are Born?
Absolutely! Once the puppies’ eyes have opened and they’ve had a chance to start developing their immune systems, you’re welcome to meet them. This usually happens around 2–3 weeks of age.
How early can I get my puppy?
Puppies are ready to leave for their forever homes at 8 weeks old. This allows them enough time to be weaned, socialized, and receive their first health checks and vaccinations.