Be Part of the Topknot Family, raising yorkshire terrierS

 In order to give our breeding dogs the very best life possible, it is important to limit how many dogs we personally keep at our home. But in order to breed the highest quality dogs possible, we need to continuously evaluate and add quality blood-lines to our breeding program. So, how is this possible?  For us, and many breeders like us, the answer is a Guardian Home Program. Our Guardian Home Program allows us to expand our dog breeding program the right way… by keeping our breeding dogs out of a kennel environment and in a loving Guardian Home, where each dog is a cherished family members. 

In order to be considered as a Guardian Home, you must live on Vancouver Island and be flexible to drop off and pick up the dog for health testing, vet visits, breeding, and whelping puppies.

As a Guardian Home, you get a high quality, pick of the litter pup for a discounted price  and you become that puppy’s forever home. Topknot Yorkies will retain the breeding rights of the dog. For females, this starts at sexual maturity and ends once the female has whelped (given birth) to 4 litters. Male dog contracts tend to be longer and they are bred on an “as needed” basis.

While the dog is in our breeding program, Topknot Yorkies pays for all breeding-related expenses.  Guardian Homes are responsible for all typical “pet” expenses and maintenance, including grooming by a professional, dog food, pet-related vet visits, training, etc. Refer to the bullet list below.

Topknot Yorkies ensures that all of the dogs in our program are free from all hereditary diseases and thru DNA checks we pair our dogs carefully. Females need to be checked frequently in order to not miss heats. Guardian homes are obligated to inform Topknot Yorkies when there is any sign of heat and then Topknot Yorkies will choose to breed or not. Females may need to be brought to the vet for needed tests and it will be the responsibility of the guardian home to get the dog there, Topknot Yorkies pays for all breeding related costs.  Females stay with their Guardian Family during pregnancy (normal gestation is about 63 days) and then is returned to us (normally around day 52) to deliver (whelp) and raise her puppies. Once the puppies are weaned, which is typically when pups are around 8 weeks of age, the female can be picked up by her Guardian Family. Once Topknot Yorkies feels that a dog in our program is ready to retire, they will be spayed/neutered before ownership will be transferred over to the Guardian family. We love that Guardian families give our dogs the chance of a fuller life and after it retires from our program the dog gets to return home and enjoy the wonderful life that you have provided for him/her since puppyhood.

There are many things that Guardian Families need to consider. Guardians of females have to deal with several heat cycles and keeping their girl protected from unwanted males. Guardians of females will also have to be comfortable being away from their dog for an extended period of time (normally around 2-3 months each litter). The Guardian Family will need to learn the signs of a heat cycle and be willing to communicate, cooperate and coordinate with us to ensure a successful breeding. Male dogs can only mate with approved females, so the Guardian Home is responsible for keeping the male away from intact female dogs. Guardians of intact males will need to consider the importance of keeping him properly contained to prevent unwanted litters.

We view our Guardian Home Program as a true “win-win” situation. Our Guardian Families receive a “pick of the litter” quality puppy in return for working with Topknot Yorkies during the breeding years of the dog, and we have the satisfaction of knowing that our breeding dogs are living life as cherished family members.

To qualify for our Guardian Home Program, you must:
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• Live on Vancouver Island and be flexible for dropping off and picking up the dog for health testing, vet visits, breeding, and whelping
• Be prepared for a home-visit and provide references prior to the dog/puppy being placed in your care
• We feel that it is important for us to know all of our Guardian dogs and their families. You must be willing to meet up 3-4 times per year, this is not to be mistaken for the number of breeding in a year.
• Keep the dog safe and contained at all times (fenced in backyard)
• Take the dog to our vet for vet care or to get a second opinion. Topknot Yorkies pays for health testing and breeding-related vet expenses while the dog is in our program. The guardian is in charge of all routine, pet-related vet expenses, just like you would with any typical pet dog
• Provide basic training that is standard for dog ownership (house, leash, and crate training, and basic obedience)
• Keep the dog free of mats and tangles, and have the dog groomed on a regular schedule with a professional groomer. We are ok with most hair cuts, but ask that you do not fully shave off their beards/ tails. 
• Feed only quality food recommended by us and NuVet vitamins must be given
• Have no plans of relocating within the next 5 years
• Guardian homes need to communicate, cooperate and coordinate with Topknot Yorkies during their time in our program, and be dedicated to providing a safe, loving home for the lifetime of the dog
• Pet Insurance is required and paid for by guardian home

If you are interested in becoming a guardian home for Topknot Yorkies and meet all of the above qualifications, please complete Application below.