Guardian Homes​​

As responsible breeders, finding the right homes for our breeding dogs is just as important as finding the right homes for our puppies. Enter the Guardian Home program – a unique arrangement that offers a win-win solution for both us  and potential Chihuahua owners.

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What is a Guardian Home?

In essence, a Guardian Home provides a loving and stable environment for a breeding dog within a family setting. Instead of living in our pack, the dog becomes a cherished member of their Guardian family. with a view to this being their forever home.

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How Does it Work?

• The Arrangement:
  We carefully select suitable Guardian families based on factors like lifestyle, experience with Chihuahuas, and commitment to the program. More often than not, they have already purchased a Chihuahua from us and we have an established relationship.

• They must meet the follwoing criteria:

  • You must live within the Canterbury region

  • You must be able to make the dog available for shows, medical appointments and any other events we require the dog for.

  • You must be prepared for the dog to come back to us for up to five months when we breed her for her litters.

• Responsibilities of the Guardian:

  • Provide a loving home:

    • The Guardian family agrees to provide the breeding Chihuahua with a loving and stable home environment, treating them like a beloved pet. This includes providing non-breeding related veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise and socialization.

  • Breeding Responsibilities:

    • The Guardian understands that the dog may be required to participate in the breeding program. This typically involves:

      • Allowing the us access to the dog for breeding purposes.

      • Ensuring the dog is in good health and condition for breeding and takes any supplements prescribed prior to mating.

      • Bring the dog to veterinary appointments for things like progesterone testing

  • Maintaining Communication:

    • The Guardian agrees to maintain open and honest communication with the us regarding the dog's health, behavior, and overall well-being
       

Benefits for the Guardian

• Guardians get to enjoy the companionship of a wonderful dog.

• We cover the cost of all veterinary care releated to reproduction..

• Future Ownership: Once the dog has finished having her litters, the Guardians are able to adopt her at no cost, providing they have fulfilled their breeding obligations.

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Key Considerations:

• We carefully screen potential Guardian Homes to ensure they are suitable and responsible caregivers. This is a very high-trust position usually reserved for those  we know know well or who have already bought a dog from us and proved their suitability. 

• Clear Contract: We provide a detailed written contract that outlines the responsibilities and expectations of both us and the Guardian family.

• Open Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication between the us and the Guardian family is crucial for the success of the arrangement.

• Understanding that they are not your dog until they are finished breeding and that we can take the dog back at anytime or chosse not to return her after her litters, without giving a reason.

• Ethical Considerations: The primary focus must always be on the well-being of the dog. The Guardian program prioritizes the dog's physical and emotional health.

• Being a Guardian in no way entitles you to any puppies from your dog's litters. The dog and all her progeny are the property of Kitaco until the dog has finished breeding and has been spayed and signed over to the Guardian as the official owner.

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The Guardian Home program can be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both us and the Guardian family, allowing our brood bitches to live in loving homes while contributing to the preservation of the breed. We currently have 4 girls in Guardiam homes where they are adored pets.

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Please let us know if you would be interested in becoming a Guardian home in the future.

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