DJ Kennels

04/20/2026

Welcome crew in the shop this morning.

04/19/2026

04/19/2026

🐾 Exciting News at DeJager Family Kennel!

We have big news—Cooper and Emma officially tied! ❤️ We are crossing our fingers for a successful breeding and can’t wait to see the beautiful American Eskimo puppies these two will produce.

📅 Estimated Due Date: If all goes well, we’re looking at a due date around June 21, 2026!
We’ll keep you all updated on Emma’s progress. Stay tuned for more updates from the kennel! 🐕✨

03/22/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: They are using AI to fake "Proof of Life"! 🚨
I recently helped a concerned shopper look into an "American Eskimo Adoption" page, and what we found was a wake-up call for everyone.
For a long time, the best way to verify a breeder was to ask for a photo of the puppy next to a piece of paper with your name and today's date. Scammers are now using AI to fake these photos. We found a "breeder" who sent a photo with the customer's name on a note—but after a quick search, we found the exact same puppy photo online without the note. They had used AI to perfectly layer the customer's name into the image to make it look real.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Demand a Live Video Call: If they won't hop on a FaceTime or Zoom call to show you the puppy in real-time, it’s a scam. No excuses.
✅ Reverse Image Search: Use Google Lens to see if that puppy photo exists elsewhere on the web.
✅ Check the "Page Transparency": If a page has changed its name 5 times or was created last week, run!
Please share this to help protect your friends and family. These scams are getting harder to spot every day! 🐾

03/21/2026

🐾 From Our Home to Theirs!
We are so thrilled to share an update on this sweet American Eskimo puppy! At just a few months old, she has officially settled into her new forever home, and it looks like she’s already loving the good life.
There is nothing more rewarding for us at DeJager Family Kennel than seeing our pups thriving, healthy, and happy. Whether she’s lounging on her favorite blanket or playing with her new toys, it’s clear she is being showered with the love she deserves.

Check out that adorable face! We couldn't be happier for her and her new family. 🤍

Get in Touch

Interested in adding a new member to your family? We specialize in American Eskimos and Shiba Inus. Feel free to reach out for more information on upcoming litters!

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Location: Rock Valley Iowa

03/11/2026

I came across this photo today and totally reminded me of a few phone calls Iv had!
Just so you know I do enjoy talking to you guys and I don't mean to delay calling you back! Sometimes to often we are dealing with a scenario like this! 😅. Call me back and we will chat later!

03/06/2026

🐾 The Mystery of the Fold: How American Eskimo Ears Find Their Point! 🐾

Ever wonder why our American Eskimo puppies start with those adorable, floppy "button" ears and eventually sprout the iconic, upright triangular ones?

It’s all about the cartilage!
Here’s a look at the "Ear Stages" every Eskie owner should know:

🦴 The Science of the "Lift"
At birth, the cartilage at the base of an Eskie's ear is soft and underdeveloped to make the birthing process easier. As they grow, their bodies deposit calcium and strengthen the structural proteins in the ear leather. Think of it like a building getting its frame!

📈 The Growth Stages
Weeks 1–6: The Floppy Phase
Pure cuteness! At this stage, the cartilage is too soft to support any weight. The ears lay flat or fold forward to protect the ear canal as it finishes developing.

Weeks 8–12: The "Teeter-Totter" This is the most entertaining stage! You might see one ear stand up while the other stays down, or they might both stand up and then "crash" the next day. This often happens because the puppy is redirecting calcium to their growing adult teeth.

Months 4–6: The Final Stand
By the time teething wraps up, the cartilage usually hardens (calcifies) enough to keep the ears up permanently. Once they are up and the "break" in the cartilage has healed, they are typically there to stay!

💡 Pro Tip for New Owners:
Try to avoid heavy "massaging" or folding of the ears during the teething phase. Let the cartilage strengthen naturally! If they haven't stood up by 6 months, it just adds to their unique character, but for most Eskies, that classic "radar" look is just a few months of growth away.

Does your Eskie have "perfect" points or a "lazy" ear?

Post a photo of your pup's ear journey below! 👇

03/06/2026

Counting down to Green Grass Season! 🌱

​It’s a beautiful day for a run at DeJager Family Kennels!

These white beauties are practically glowing in the sunlight today.

We are just a few weeks away from trading this dormant grass for lush green lawns! It can't come soon enough!!!

​Drop a "☀️" if you’re as ready for Spring as we are!

02/28/2026

02/28/2026

It’s a quiet morning here at DeJager Family Kennel. 🐾

After months of puppy breath and tiny paws, the last two girls from Missy’s litter headed to their new homes yesterday. It’s always a little strange when the house and kennel go quiet, but I think our 4-year-old, Grady, is taking it the hardest of all of us. He’s definitely going to miss his little buddies!

We aren’t exactly sure when the next round of puppies will arrive, but after just one day of "peace and quiet," we’re already ready for the next litter to get here!