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My name is Satu Niiranen and I am a breeder of newfoundland dogs. My kennel name is DiipaDaapa and it was registered in November 2004.  We live on a crop farm in the heart of Northern Savo, in the art commune of Lapinlahti.

In our home I live together with my common-law husband Juha and our son, Mitja. We also have two newfies living with us;  Metku and Una. Onni the Maltese is merely a mascot. We also have two cats, Rauno-Petteri and Piippa. Vinksu. I also have  newfie girls, Happy, Rauha and Iida.

I am an agronomist by education and currently work for Ylä-Savon Ammattiopisto teaching adult. Dogs and animals in general have been a part of my life since I was a little girl.

We mainly do forest trips and all kinds of activities at home with our dogs. In the summer we practise water rescue and with Una we do obedience.We also appear in dog shows every now and then. As a by-product to the dog hobby, I started to sell dog food and supplies.

As a breeder I am in the beginning of my career. I have had a kennel name since 2004 and our first litter was born that very year. A full dozen puppies saw the light of day that time, so I got to taste the real sweat of this business. Our second litter was born in 2007 and third litter 2009. The last litter was born this year.

I took the breeder’s exam in February 2004, breeding consultant exam in January 2005 and ring secretary course in the spring of 2006. I have also done the test secretary course and water rescue consultant course in 2009.

Puppies are born in our house and grown here with us in our daily life. When they move, they are very social with people and other dogs. When there are puppies in the house, I try to take some extra time off work. Should this not work out, I have a caretaker for the puppies filling in.

We sell the puppies using the contract template by the Finnish Kennel Club. Before they move they have been de-wormed and checked by the vet. The vet comes to our home to check the puppies and can also check the house and surroundings where the puppies live. We have also been visited by a kennel consultant and our kennel got a great evaluation! Puppy buyers get written instructions and puppy food with them. We also like to be a part of our puppies´ lives even after they have moved. 

The highest priority is to find stable, lasting homes for the puppies. Puppies are sold as family members, there is no obligation to show. Co-operation and a nice living environment for the puppy are key issues.

We have a small kennel with litters born rather seldom but I want to focus on quality, not quantity. I want to produce healthy dogs with a huge newfie heart and friendly nature. Naturally a dog can possess their own will as well but they’re not to be aggressive at all. I want the dogs to be as the breed should, in both character and physique.  

When selecting mating partners, I do a thorough background check on health and looks as well. Any dogs to be used are x-rayed and tested for cystinuria. In the future also eyes will be examined and heart checked.

My family, dogs and work take up most of my time but especially in the summer you might find me at an air field. I actually fly an ultralight plane.

Satu Niiranen