Guardian Program
In order to keep our breeding program sustainable we use “Guardian Homes" that foster the dogs that are in our breeding program.
We absolutely love our dogs, and it's important to us that our breeding dogs all be part of a family and get the one on one attention that they need. As our breeding program grows, we're able to do this with our Guardian Homes. Families who are accepted into this program have a rare opportunity to own one of Yampa Valley Yorkies' best prospects at a fraction of the cost. In exchange, our dogs are all loved members of great families, living pampered lives before, during, and after their breeding career!
What does it mean to be a guardian family?
A guardian family takes a puppy/dog home as their own to be a permanent member of their family. They agree to raise, train, and care for the yorkie throughout their breeding career. In return for providing a home for one of our breeding dogs, ownership is transferred to the guardian family once the dog is finished with their breeding career. The dog becomes part of the guardian family, and only comes back to Yampa Valley Yorkies when health testing needs to be done, when it’s time to breed, or for a female when she’s ready to have her litter of puppies. She stays with us for about 9-10 weeks to raise her puppies, then returns to her guardian home. Yampa Valley Yorkies pays for all breeding related costs (health testing, sonograms, etc.) and the guardian family is responsible for all normal pet costs (annual check ups and vet visits, vaccines, heartworm, flea prevention, food, etc.).
Qualifying to be a Guardian Home
Guardians preferred to own and live in a home with a fully fenced yard. Exceptions can be made with discussions.
Guardians must keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced area, never allowed to roam freely.
Guardians must be willing to train the dog the very basic obedience commands (off, down, sit, back, leave it, crate).
Guardians must ensure the puppy is socialized to adults, children and other animals - THIS IS REALLY VITAL CRITERIA.
Guardians must know yorkie grooming requirements and keep a regular grooming schedule.
Guardians must provide appropriate veterinary or emergency care when needed.
Guardians must have previous dog experience.
Guardians must feed Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier food.
Guardians must be able and willing to identify and notify us immediately when a female begins her heat cycle.
Guardians must not allow the female in heat near any other intact males.
Guardians must not allow a male guardian to breed with unapproved females.
Guardians preferred to live within a reasonable driving distance from Craig, Colorado. No more than 2-3 hours. Must be willing and able to commute or meet for delivery of the dog within a week of being requested for breeding purposes. If you live farther please still apply, just know that you may have to drive farther.
Guardians must communicate, cooperate and coordinate with the breeder regarding testing, mating, whelping, and other breeding related activities including reproductive vet appointments etc.
Guardian must be willing to sign a legal contract and uphold all agreements between breeder and guardian.
Guardian Program F.A.Q.s
Q. How often do females come into heat?
A. About every 6-9 months.
Q. How long does heat last?
A. heat cycle typically lasts 18 days.
Q. When will her first heat be?
A. Anywhere from 6 - 18 months. Every dog is different.
Q. How will I know she's in heat?
A. At first, the vulva will start to swell, vaginal discharge is blood-tinged (In the winter, you may notice this in the snow outside where she pees, or you'll notice a little blood where she sleeps or sits).
Q. Is it messy?
A. Typically you may notice a drop of blood on the floor here or there. For tile or wood floors, this is easy to clean up. If you have carpeting, you may want to use a doggie diaper. Each female is different but most keep themselves quite clean, the first one always seems to be the messiest. Their bed can get stained while they're in heat so you may want to put a towel over it.
Q. Does she have a bloody discharge the whole 18 days?
A. No. She will likely have a bloody discharge for the first week but then when the female is receptive to males, her vaginal discharge decreases in amount and is straw-colored.
Q. Will I have to worry about her getting bred by other male dogs?
A. A female in heat can attract male dogs by her scent so, it's important to not let her outside alone unsupervised while she's in heat, even if you have a fenced yard.
Q. Will she be sad to come home and leave her puppies after she's done raising them?
A. While mama dogs are very attached to their puppies when they're born, and rarely leave their whelping pen for the first while, they start to wean them naturally when the puppies are about 6 weeks old. Slowly they nurse them less and less and start to become more and more interested in getting out and about for periods of time away from their puppies. By the time the puppies are 9 weeks old, the mama dog is ready to see them go! 🙂 She's happy to be back home with her family again.
Q. Will she be confused/miss us when we have to bring her to have her puppies?
A. Our guardian dogs love people and are happy to be here with us and also having the opportunity to play with the other dogs here. We will be familiar to her because she started here and she will be here fairly often after she is of breeding age. We make sure she feels as at home here as possible and has a comfortable, relaxing setting to have her puppies. Once they're born, her puppies are all she will think about and will want to be with them constantly. So, no she won't be sitting around feeling sad about where she's at. 🙂
Q. Can we visit while our guardian dog is with puppies?
A. Yes, absolutely! Being part of the guardian program is an exciting way to be part of our breeding program. You'll get to see your guardian dog's puppies go on to be placed with families who will get to experience the same love and companionship your guardian dog brought to your family!
Anyone interested is encouraged to apply. Be aware that not all applicants will be approved to become a guardian family. There may be times when we don’t have an opening for a guardian home. Even if approved as a guardian family this does not mean that a puppy will be available for placement right away as not all puppies will be considered breeding quality.