More Dog Information

before you buy, get the facts

Take your time, impulsive buying often doesn't go well....

Beware of accepting an inferior individual just because you are in a hurry, heartbroken or just feel impulsive. Excellent, reputable breeders rarely have available puppies the day you contact them. The best breeders have waiting lists, and I assure you, it is well worth the wait!

I've bought off a cute face in a photo and been very disappointed when something was wrong. You will have your new baby 10+ years, it is worth getting the best one you can get!

dna/genetic, health and temperament testing

DNA, Genetic, Health Testing on Parents

We do all the DNA, Genetic and Health Tests below on our parents. If I, Charlotte Cannon/Fox Point Farm, am not the breeder of a listed puppy (I post the names of all breeders), their breeder may test for fewer things, or not test at all. Please ask each breeder directly about the testing they do.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

(VWD, Pseudohemophillia, Vascular hemophillia)
VWD is a clotting disorder that can result in uncontrolled bleeding, depending on the type of VWD. It is a very serious disorder with no treatment or cure. DNA tests are available to detect carrier, clear, and affected dogs.

Collie Eye Anomally

(CEA, Choroidal hypoplasia, CH)
CEA is a recessively inherited disorder that causes abnormal development of the choroid - an important layer of the tissue under the retina of the eye. Since the choroid layer does not develop normally from the start, the primary abnormality can be diagnosed at a very young age. There is no treatment for CEA.

Degenerative Myelopathy

(DM)
DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before the dog becomes paraplegic. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur. DM is not painful.

Gallbladder Mucoceles

(Hepatobiliary disease, Mucinous cholecystitis, Mucinous hyperplasia)
GM causes obstruction of the gallbladder's storage capacity due to the formation of a thick, mucoid bile mass inside the gallbladder, impairing its ability to function. The accumulated bile may extend to the gallbladder, resulting in necrotizing cholecystitis - tissue death due to inflammation of the gallbladder. It is most common in middle-aged to older dogs.

Multi-Drug Resistance

(MDR1, Ivertmectin sensitivity)
Multi-Drug Resistance is found in a number of herding breeds, and results in a sensitivity to certain medications. It is found as the result of having the MDR1 gene – better known as the multi-drug resistance gene mutation. Veterinarians are well aware of the possible presence of this gene in herding breeds, and appropriate precautions and alternatives are provided. DNA testing for normal and affected dogs is available.

Hip Dysplasia

Disease caused by an abnormality of the hip joint where the head of the thighbone (femur) does not fit properly into the pelvic socket. It is often progressive, causing inflammation, pain, and arthritis. The inheritance of hip dysplasia is polygenetic and multifactored, meaning more than one mode of inheritance is involved and environmental factors such as weight and growth rates can also play a part. Waiting for full maturity (min 1yr) prior to spay/neuter has a tremendously positive benefit.

Temperament Testing

Our puppies have vastly different lives from their herding ancestors. The shyness gene bred into herding breeds to keep them with their herd/flock, and big herding drive, are no longer needed. We breed for companion, therapy, agility and obedience dogs. Confidence, trainability and outgoing personality are our priorities.

Litter Testing

Ideally we are able to choose a puppy from parents we know personally, best if we raised them. I tend to choose the puppy in the middle of the litter, with the most balanced personality. Mom's personality is usually about 80% of her babies. We usually hold back girls, and work with a trusted breeder friend on boys.

Professional Temperament Testing and Training

When our puppies have completed their vaccines, they go for 30-60 of professional training and temperament testing with our agility trainer. Fresh eyes can catch a shy, bossy, wild or withdrawn puppy that was just comfortable with us (its birth family). During this time we get a full report on intelligence and trainability too. If a puppy is difficult to train, we do not breed that puppy as an adult.

Life Personality Testing

If a puppy has successfully passed these first two rigorous tests, we finally bring them home and start living with them. We want to see how they react to our steady stream of visitors, the horses, cars on our road, how vocal are they, etc. We want to see if we can live with them long term. If a dog barks too much, chases horses, doesn't warmly greet everyone, we take a hard look to see if we feel this is something that will improve or not. Ultimately, if we aren't happy living with him or her,

Our Dog Care

We view all our dogs, our breeding dogs, our retired dogs, our pets and our rescues, as our family, and all get exactly the same quality of care. You may contact our vet for a reference: Dr Pam Poteat, Forest City Animal Hospital, Laura is her receptionist, 828-229-3250

Vet directed vaccine, heartworm and flea prevention program

We believe in choosing the best vet we can find, and listening to him or her. We follow her recommendations on vaccines and vaccine schedule. We use Interception Heartworm Prevention, and Bravecto Flea Prevention. If we need added flea prevention for the puppies, we use a spray that is sold by our vet.

Quality Feeding Program

Years ago our vet recommended we switch to Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food, chicken and rice flavor, Savor variety with the shredded chicken pieces. It is high protein and has extra fat and nutrition for growing puppies, pregnant, nursing and weaning moms and breeding dads. We also feed it to our retired dogs and rescues. We free feed, meaning they have access to food at all times. Their coats and weights are excellent. We are super happy with Pro Plan.

Housing and Exercise

We feel like all our dogs deserve to feel like 'favorites'. We also feel strongly about keeping everyone safe. No dogs live outside, everyone either comes into the house loose, has a crate or a large indoor kennel with a doggie door. We currently have three large fenced yards for our babies to enjoy when they aren't loose with us. This way when we run to the store, they have a safe fenced yard and aren't stuck in the house.

New Large Kennel for Breeding Dog Safety

We recently added a large kennel with 6 large individual indoor kennels connected to raised/covered runs. This is perfect for client dogs that have come into breed, making it super safe for us to feed and handle them without risk of escape. We also use it for expecting moms to have a clean (up off the ground) individual spot to spend their day. This lowers mom's stress so babies can 'cook' as long as possible, and have the best chance for a healthy delivery. Moms of course come inside with us at

How Do I Get a Puppy?

Premium Waiting Lists

We have created Premium Waiting Lists to make sure our serious clients get an option at the puppy of their dreams. We used to offer a free Regular Waiting List, but litters were selling out so fast (in only a few hours) that patient clients were missing out every time. We no longer offer the free waiting list bc it just got too large to handle. If you are serious about getting a puppy from us, I highly recommend joining one or all of our Premium Waiting Lists.

Sheltie - only Premium List

We offer three Premium Lists to our clients. You may join one specific list, or all three, with a single, non-refundable $250 deposit. Your deposit DOES apply directly to your puppy deposit when you select your perfect puppy. The wait varies on what you desire, it is usually 3-12 months. The Sheltie-only Premium List offers both AKC and non-AKC full Toy Shelties.

Poshie Premium List

The Poshie Premium List is the place to go for a Toy Sheltie/ Pom cross puppy. Our Poshies are usually 7/8 Toy Sheltie, and look like full Shelties with a slightly more refined face. We currently have 2 Poshie moms. You may join this Prem List, or all three, with a single deposit.

Toonie Premium List

The Toonie Premium List is the place to go for a Toy Sheltie/Toy Aussie cross puppy. Our Toonies are usually 3/4 Toy Sheltie 1/4 Toy Aussie and look like full Shelties with the super easy care coat. Toonie clients usually choose a Toonie bc they tend to be quieter, and they have an awesome easy-care, 'Teflon' coat, with little or no matting undercoat. It substantially lessens the grooming requirements. We currently have 2 Toonie moms. You may join this Prem List, or all 3, with a single deposit.

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payment details

How Do I Pay? Is it Safe?

Your safety is our highest concern, so we have fully researched the best payment options. PayPal has really stood the test of time, and is our first choice. We cannot take credit card numbers over the phone. This again is for your safety. You may use your credit card with our PayPal buttons. Check or Money Orders are accepted with a 14 day hold to clear. Cash is always great.

Premium List Deposits

To join one or all three Premium Lists, I just need one non-refundable deposit of $250. You may use the PayPal button on our Available Puppies page, or you may mail a check. Your number will be determined by the date we receive your deposit.

Puppy Deposits

No puppy will be held without a full paid deposit.Most deposits are a total of $500. If you are a Prem List member your Prem List dep is applied to the dep of your chosen puppy, and you must place a 2nd $250 deposit to hold your puppy. If you are not on our Premium List, but you see a puppy you desire and it has be come available, please submit the entire $500 puppy deposit to hold. Although we do accept cash and checks, PayPal is the fastest, safest and preferred way to make your deposit.

Balance

When picking up or shipping, payment is required before your puppy leaves. You may use PayPal . We can send you a money request or you can send 'Friends and Family', mail a check (14 days early to allow it to clear), or bring cash with you.
No checks will be accepted if you come to pick-up, cash only.