Answers to frequently asked questions.
Need-to-know information
Our dogs are hunting dogs by nature and training; not show dogs. They will need to go to a home with adequate space for one of the most energetic and intelligent breeds. Access to open space is a must. They require at least one to one-and-a-half hours of vigorous exercise each day, in addition to moderate exercise daily. Happy-go-lucky, eager, clever, and willing-to-please, they will become high-strung and destructive if not provided adequate mental stimulation and outlet for their energy.
If hunting isn’t your thing, we recommend an equivalent level of exercise and activity. These pups love to be with their people most importantly and are happiest if provided opportunity for mental engagement.
Please do your due diligence and make sure this is the dog breed for you and your lifestyle. To learn more about the breed, it's standards, and aptitude, check out these resources or do your own search of GSPs and Deutsch Kurzhaar.
About Kahaka Kennels
We are a small home kennel offering a limited number of future litters. Currently, we have one sire and one dam, as seen under “Sire & Dam.” This kennel was established in order to meet California regulations for the adoption of puppies. We have owned, trained, and hunted German Shorthairs since 1992. We are choosing to breed now for the continuation of these particular dogs’ strong hunting instincts, positive family presence, and extensive pedigree.
Where is Kahaka Kennels located?
We are located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, bordering the Stanislaus National Forest.
How many puppies are in the Spring 2023 Litter?
11 puppies! 6 males and 5 females.
What are the first three weeks like for the puppies?
Mostly nursing, sleeping, eliminating waste, and getting licked by June.
They are whelped and raised in the house to promote early socialization and healthy development.
We recognize the first 3 weeks of a puppy’s life as a significant time for developmental influence.
We intentionally provide nurturing interaction through positive touch as well as brief daily Early Neurological Stimulation. You can read more about the AKC’s perspective on Puppy Socialization and Early Neurological Stimulation here.
What are the first eight weeks like for the puppies?
Kahaka Kennels raises the puppies both as serious hunting partners and in the home environment as an integral part of the family.
They experience a variety of new things during their first 8 weeks, including learning through playing outside on the private property, positive introduction to water, riding in the car, and exposure to wild game scents.
What transportation options are available?
Kahaka Kennels does not ship puppies directly but other transportation options are available. Puppy Adopter can pick up, or arrange to have picked up, their puppy from Kahaka Kennels or inquire about transportation options below.
Flight Nanny
$24 hourly rate, up to 12 hours per day and 2 days, plus the cost of roundtrip flight.
A flight nanny costs the amount of the roundtrip flight ticket for the nanny in addition to the nanny's hourly rate. The flight nanny will take the puppy as carry-on, provide for the puppy's needs, and facilitate a minimally stressful trip. You are welcome to choose your own flight nanny service, such as TLC Flight Nanny. We may also be able to provide the flight nanny depending on dates. Please note, the puppies are growing quickly and they must be under 20 lbs to fly as carry-on.
Airport Meet-Up
IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate ($0.655 per mile) + $24 hourly rate, up to 12 hours, for round trip drive and meetup.
We are willing to meet you at an airport in California. We charge mileage reimbursement for fuel expense according to the 2023 IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate of 65.5 cents per mile, bridge tolls as applicable, and a $24 hourly rate for the roundtrip drive and meetup. Confirmation will include a Google Maps trip record for mileage and estimated time of trip.
Ground Transportation
IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate ($0.655 per mile) + $24 hourly rate, up to 12 hours per day of travel for round trip drive and meetup
We are willing to drive certain distances to meet you if you are coming from far. If interested in this transportation option, please let us know the address of your preferred meetup and we will let you know if possible for us. We are centrally located to transport within California and Nevada. We are potentially willing to consider additional trips. Please contact us to inquire. These trips would need to occur between July 1 and September 15.
When can I pick up my puppy?
Puppy Send Home Days for the Spring 2023 litter are available July. Please let us know your puppy send home mode preference and your availability. We can also arrange to deliver the puppies for an additional transport fee. Puppies were whelped on May 4, 2023. We are keeping the puppies longer than 8 weeks to avoid sending puppies to a new home that may be exposed to the Fourth of July fireworks. Puppies need to be introduced to loud noises such as gun fire slowly to avoid gun shyness.
If the puppy cannot be picked up within a reasonable timeframe, we may ask a boarding fee to help cover continued expenses.
What can I expect for puppy send home?
We will confirm an agreed upon date and location. Please note, Kahaka Kennels does not ship puppies but other transportation options are available.
We will include with your adoption, a copy of the dam and sire’s pedigree, vaccination and health information, along with the pup’s history from birth up to 8 weeks.
We will ensure you go home with your dog bathed, nails trimmed and ears cleaned.
We can also talk through any additional questions.
What is the adoption fee per puppy?
Kahaka Kennels agrees to adopt out one German Shorthair puppy to Puppy Adopter for the fee of $1,500, of which the deposit of $300 is nonrefundable.
Fee Process: $300 nonrefundable deposit to hold a spot on the litter, and the final $1,200 payment is due at time of puppy send home. Puppy Adopter will be informed of available puppies prior to submitting a “Puppy Adoption Agreement”.