Each "Les Ombres Valeureux" puppy has two types of permanent identification:

1. Micro-chip: Either Avid or HomeAgain Chips.  The puppy has a micro-chip implanted at the top of his shoulder which when scanned will identify him and his owner information (owner must register the micro-chip).  All paperwork and details are provided.  We keep records of the chip number in case we are contacted as the breeders/implanters as a backup measure.  Your puppy's micro-chip number is on the health record and contract.

2. Tattoo.  The tattoo is unique to your puppy and each digit has meaning.  The tattoo consists of 5 letter/numbers.   Lets examine the tattoo "OV8A1".  First 2 letters are always "O"  "V"  for Ombres Valeureux.  Next is the last number of the year your puppy was born.  "8" for 2008.  Next is the sequential Litter letter.  Example "A" for the first litter born in 2008 or "B" for the second litter of 2008.  The final number or letter is for the individual puppy in the litter.  Example:  "1" for the 1st puppy tattooed in a litter of 10.  and "0" for the 10th puppy and "A" for the 11th puppy.  Your puppy's tattoo number is on the health record and contract.  We keep copies as well as a backup measure.

Remember to properly socialize you puppy, but not to overwhelm him when he just arrives as you are strangers.  Let your puppy settle in for a few days before making additional introductions.  Also, we do not recommend taking young puppies in areas such as dog parks and dog beaches as unvaccinated or unhealthy dogs may visit these areas.  The AKC web site is a great resource for training and socializing clubs.  Also, there are many useful tips regarding basic care, being a responsible dog owner, health information, canine courtesy, lists of poisonous plants and household products, training resources, emergency preparedness, AKC events and how to get started.  There is no such thing as a dog that has too much training!  I highly recommend beginning handling classes which can be found through your local AKC Kennel Club as these classes help socialize and leash train your puppy in a fun, positive atmosphere with other owners of purebred dogs.  These classes require the puppies to be current on their vaccinations.  The handling classes are fun for puppies and you never know, you might get the "bug" and decide to show your puppy in the future.  At the classes the puppies are taught to stand calmly while being touched by the practice judge.  Also, there is the Canine Good Citizen program that can be earned by your dog and is a good first step in training your puppy.  There are obedience, agility, rally, herding and tracking events available through the AKC. 

Also, be sure and register your puppy with the AKC.  All our puppies' official names begin with a certain letter of the alphabet keeping with the French system on naming.  Also, our puppies' names all end with our kennel name.  For example, in 2008, all Les Ombres Valeureux puppies and all puppies in France have a "D" name such as Dexter des Ombres Valeureux, Dynamite des Ombres Valeureux , D'Extreme des Ombres Valeureux,  D'monico des Ombres Valeureux.   Once you give us your puppy's name, we send in and register the entire litter. When we receive each registration, we sign off and send it to you so you can mail it to AKC with your names as owners. 

The American Kennel Club maintains one of the world's largest libraries devoted to dogs, the development of purebred dogs and the sport and enjoyment of dogs. Books:  The main subject categories are individual breeds, care, training, behavior and breeding. There are also titles on the various occupations performed by dogs as well as representations of dogs in art, literature and history along with their role in the development of field sports.  There are over 350 videos and DVDs in the collection. These include all of the AKC programs as well as tapes from other sources on topics such as grooming, training, breeding and dog shows. The library's catalog provides access to the Internet.  The Library has an online public access catalog which is accessible over the Internet. It can be both searched and browsed by author, title or subject. In addition, there is an on-site index of Gazette articles by subject. 

Some of you will want to train your new dog in a protection sport such as Schutzhund or French Ring Sport or PSA while others may train in Search and Rescue, Herding, Agility, or Flyball.  You can visit my links page for resources.

We encourage all puppy owners to have their dog's hips and elbows X-rayed at 2 years of age and sent to the O.F.A. for certification.  You read about hip and elbow dysplasia, download forms and can check out your dog's parents and relatives on the O.F.A. site by searching the database.  Also, we urge you to have your dog's eyes checked (this can be done at any age) at an eye clinic and sent for C.E.R.F. certfication.  You will be doing a great service for the breed as we need these valuable statistics to ensure the health of our bloodlines and also ensuring your dog's good health.

If you ever get into a situation where you can no longer care for your Malinois, please contact us as we are always willing to help with placement through networking and we are always willing to take any of our dogs back to re-home as well.  Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, photos and brags!