How To Get a Puppy

1. Start with the puppy application

The application is simply the first step in getting to know each other. We see it as a conversation starter so we can learn more about you, your lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a Lagotto. Submitting an application does not obligate you to get a puppy — it simply helps us determine whether we may be a good fit for one another.

2. We connect and talk through the details

Once we receive your application, we’ll reach out using your preferred method of contact. We’ll answer your questions, talk through timing, explain our process, discuss what life with a Lagotto is like, and help determine whether the breed and our program feel like the right fit for you.

3. Local families may visit and meet our dogs

If it seems like a good fit and you’re local, you’re welcome to come meet our dogs and learn more about our breeding program in person. This gives families the chance to better understand the breed and feel confident moving forward.

4. Review the contract and place your deposit

When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll send over our contract for you to review and sign. Once your deposit is placed, you’ll officially be added to our waitlist.

5. Stay updated through the breeding and pregnancy process

Once a breeding takes place, we’ll let you know and give you a better idea of the expected timing. After the puppies are born, we’ll notify you and you can follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updated photos and videos as the litter grows.

6. Puppies are evaluated and matched at 7 weeks

At around 7 weeks of age, once we know the puppies well, we complete our temperament evaluations, including Volhard temperament testing, to better understand each puppy’s energy level, personality, and overall temperament. We then carefully match each family with the puppy that best fits their lifestyle.

7. Puppy pickup takes place at 8 weeks

Puppies go home at 8 weeks, and we’ll coordinate pickup details with you as that time approaches.

We place puppies based primarily on temperament and fit.

In addition to our own daily observations, we use Volhard testing at 6 weeks to better understand each Lagotto puppy as an individual. We then match puppies with families based on lifestyle, goals, personality, and the kind of companion they are truly looking for.

Although many families begin the process with preferences around color, markings, or certain visual features, we believe that the most successful placements are built on far more than appearance. A puppy’s temperament, energy level, confidence, sensitivity, and overall disposition have a much greater impact on daily life than coat details alone.

Because we raise our puppies closely and spend extensive time observing them, we are able to understand each one beyond what can be seen in a photo or brief visit. We know which puppies are more easygoing, which are more driven, which are more independent, and which may be best suited for a particular type of home.

For that reason, puppy placement in our program is guided by us rather than handled as an open picking process based primarily on preference or order. We see this as part of the value we provide to our families. Rather than leaving families to make a high-stakes decision with limited information, we use our experience and firsthand knowledge of the litter to help ensure each family receives the puppy that is truly the best fit.

We believe this leads to happier homes, smoother transitions, and better long-term matches. The best match is about more than color or markings — it is about placing the right Lagotto with the right family.

Most families pick up their puppy from our home in Arlington Heights, IL. This allows you to see where your puppy was raised and often gives you the chance to meet the parents as well, which many families really enjoy.

For those traveling by air, we are located just about 20 minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), so the drive to our home is typically very manageable. Most families simply take an Uber from the airport to our home for pickup, but we may also be able to arrange an airport meet-up for an additional fee. We’re happy to help coordinate the option that works best for your trip.

Puppies are scheduled to go home at 8 weeks of age. If you are unable to pick up your puppy at that time, please discuss it with us in advance so we can determine whether alternate arrangements are possible or whether a future litter would be a better fit.

We do make select puppies available with breeding rights to approved breeding and show homes for an additional fee. These placements are considered carefully and are not available on every puppy or to every program, as we are committed to protecting the long-term integrity of our Lagotto Romagnolo lines and placing our puppies responsibly.

For breeders who are a strong fit, we are happy to have a conversation about their goals, program, and what they are hoping to add. When placing a puppy in a breeding or show home, we select with the best interests of the purchasing breeder in mind, while also considering the individual puppy’s strengths, potential, and overall fit for that program. If you are an established or aspiring breeder looking for a quality Lagotto for show or as part of a thoughtful breeding program, we welcome you to reach out and start the conversation.

AKC Registration

Each Newbliss Chicago Lagotto puppy comes with limited AKC registration, unless breeding rights have been approved in advance. Limited registration means your puppy is fully registered with the AKC, but does not include breeding rights. Breeding rights may be available to select breeding or show homes for an additional fee.

Lifetime Support

When you bring home a Newbliss puppy, our relationship does not end at pickup. We are here as a resource throughout your dog’s life, whether you have questions during the puppy stage, need guidance through adolescence, or simply want support as your Lagotto grows and matures.

Contract

We use a clear, straightforward contract so both parties understand the expectations before moving forward. Our goal is to make the process transparent, protect the puppy, and ensure every family feels confident before placing a deposit.

Puppy-Prep Email Series

Before your puppy comes home, you’ll receive helpful preparation emails designed to make the transition smoother. These resources cover topics such as supplies, feeding, crate training, house training, grooming, and what to expect during the first days and weeks with your puppy.

Getting Started on House Training

Our puppies are introduced to the BrilliantPad as an early house-training foundation. This advanced system helps puppies learn that there is a specific place to go potty, while also keeping their play and living area cleaner as they grow.

While your puppy will still need continued house training once they come home, this early introduction gives them a helpful head start and supports a smoother transition into your home.

Crate Training Foundation

We begin introducing crates around 4 weeks of age using gentle, positive methods. Our goal is for puppies to view the crate as a safe, comfortable place to rest. By the time they go home, most puppies are comfortable spending time in the crate and have begun building the skills needed for continued crate training.

Microchip

Each puppy is microchipped with AKC Reunite before going home. Families are able to register the microchip with a one-time lifetime fee, giving your puppy an added layer of protection should they ever become lost.

Vaccinations

Puppies receive their first age-appropriate vaccination before leaving our home. We use the standard 5-way puppy vaccine, and your veterinarian will guide you through the remaining vaccination schedule after your puppy comes home.

Health & Wellness Support

We raise our puppies with careful attention to health, development, and early care. Puppies receive appropriate deworming, routine care, and daily observation while they are with us, and we are happy to help guide families through normal puppy questions after they go home.