Jeanine Jorgensen | The Dangers of Gifting a Pup: A Springer Spaniel Story

Keypoint Springer Spaniels

Jeanine's journey as a breeder began by attending dog shows as a teenager with her parents. Though her mom dismissed the English Springer Spaniel as a breed with “too much hair,” Jeanine never forgot the breed’s elegance, spirit and versatility. In 2001, after moving out on her own, she welcomed her first Springer and her 20 year venture into breeding began and so did Keypoint Springer Spaniels.

Initially waiting for a male puppy, Jeanine ended up with a female and this twist of fate led to co-breeding her first litter in 2006. Just a few years later, in 2009, she bred her first litter independently, producing Damon. Damon grew into a rally and obedience champion who then became the foundation of her entire breeding program.

Nearly 20 years later, Jeanine is recognized not only for her beautifully bred black-and-white Springers but for her thoughtful, small-scale approach. She produces just one litter every one to two years, ensuring each dog receives the time, training, and love that they each deserve. Her kennel has produced 22 champions, multiple Best in Show and Best In Specialty winners and over 150 performance titles, Jeanine takes the most pride in the many Springers who have become beloved family companions. Now living with four Springers, two Wirehaired Dachshunds, and two cats, Jeanine continues to plan her litters thoughtfully. Timing matters not only for breeders planning their litters, but also for when households take on a new companion puppy in their homes.

Why Puppies Shouldn't Be Christmas Presents

Every year, adorable holiday commercials and even classic films like Lady and the Tramp romanticize the idea of gifting a puppy for Christmas. But for experienced breeders like Jeanine, who has been thoughtfully raising English Springer Spaniels for nearly two decades, this seasonal tradition raises serious red flags.

Jeanine actively plans her litters to avoid having puppies ready to go home during the holidays, a decision rooted in experience and concern. Even the most well-meaning gift can lead to heartbreak if the timing and the commitment to the responsibility isn’t solid.

The Holiday Trap

Gifting a puppy often means that the crucial conversation of breed-to- lifestyle fit and the realization of a long-term commitment is skipped entirely. "A Springer Spaniel, for example, is not ideal for someone such as a senior, who lives a less active lifestyle and who would do better with a laid-back lapdog," Jeanine explains. "They're incredibly active and need an outlet. If someone works shift work or travels often, managing a new puppy can quickly become overwhelming and may present challenges in finding additional help to care for the pup.”

Even if the overall fit of a new pup is thoughtfully considered, the timing of the holidays is not ideal. Christmas and the holiday season are full of distractions, disrupted routines, and travel. These conditions represent the worst time to introduce a puppy to your household. Puppies transitioning to a new home need stability to thrive in the training that should be a priority during this time. Puppies, especially active breeds like Springers, need structure and socialization far beyond casual exposure. They need exposure to a variety of new experiences that are received as only positive experiences. During the chaos of the season, these needs are incredibly difficult to meet.

Even breeders who clearly communicate this can’t control the realities of holiday timing — unpredictable schedules, crowded homes, or families away on vacation. Young puppies shouldn't be kenneled, and they certainly shouldn't have to navigate a major life transition during the busiest time of year for their new owners.

The Canadian winter also presents unique challenges. With freezing temperatures and limited outdoor time, house-training can be especially difficult for puppies during this season. Some breeders may litter train pups indoors, making it even harder to transition to outdoor potty habits in harsh conditions.

The result of these compounding factors? A heartbreaking trend: animal shelters often see an uptick in surrenders shortly after the new year.

If you're unsure if you have enough time or the right lifestyle to support bringing home a new puppy, try Paction's Pup Time Estimator.

Thoughtful Alternatives

If you’re tempted to “gift” a puppy, consider alternatives that support long-term success and allows a new household to :

• A gift card for future puppy food or supplies
• Training class vouchers to help a new owner with the hard work to come
• A framed photo or custom art piece of the breed to inspire the excitement of a future commitment or encourage more research and thoughtful decision making

These gifts celebrate the idea of dog ownership without rushing the commitment. In Jeanine’s words, “Puppies thrive with planning, patience, and the right timing. When you wait until life is calm and structured, you're setting the stage for a happy, well-adjusted dog and a truly lifelong bond.” Let the holidays be a season of thoughtful intention and not rushed decisions. Puppies aren’t presents or objects - they’re family!