Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of our most frequently asked questions. We always welcome and encourage quesitons, but these may be helpful to those who just have a quick question, that may be answered here. I hope you find this page useful!

• Are the parents health tested?

     Yes! All of our adults are health tested/cleared of hereditary issues and disorders. We will not breed any of our dogs if they do not pass their clearances. These health clearances can be viewed on each individual dog's profile.

• How much are your puppies?

     Prices vary per litter but our pet price starts at $2000.

• Will my puppy come with AKC papers?

     Pet puppies are AKC register-able with a registration application. This application will not go home directly with your puppy. As per your agreement as a "pet" owner, once I receive proof that your puppy has been spayed or neutered, I will promptly mail you your puppy's AKC limited registration application. 

• What if I don't want to or forget to register my puppy? Will that affect you as a breeder?

     Not at all! It's totally up to you whether or not you'd like to register your puppy! And it won't affect me nor hurt my feelings if you choose not to.

• Where are you located?

     We are located close to Ft. Smith area, Arkansas.

• Do you remove dewclaws?

     Yes, we remove dewclaws in the comfort of our own home, when puppies are 3 days old.

• Do you sell with full breeding rights?

     The short answer is NO. White Valley puppies come standard as pets, with limited registration only. There have been a few times where I've allowed full registration/breeding rights to a select few people who I feel will be responsible. But I do not offer breeding rights to the general public.

• Do you offer discounts?

     No, not at this time.

• Can I come to your home and meet the puppies/parents?

     No, I do not allow home visits. We take our privacy, safety and biosecurity very seriously! I do meet with buyers in person for placing their deposits and occasionally bring the mom or parent dogs with me for meet and greets. For these meetings, visits will be strictly confined to my vehicle; I do not allow our dogs to roam public grounds while we have vulnerable or unvaccinated puppies at home.

• Can I reserve a puppy without a deposit if I promise to pay at pick-up?

     No, puppies will not be held or considered officially reserved unless you have placed the appropriate deposit.

• How much do the parents weigh?

     Each of our dogs listed here on our site will have their current weights displayed. You can find this information by clicking on the "View Profile" links under each dog's photo.

• How big will my puppy get?

     I hear this question ALL the time! To some, it is very important; they want to know what size they should expect their puppy to be when fully grown. The fact of the matter is, there is no fool-proof way to determine an exact size. I can give you an estimate of what I believe you should expect, but even these estimates will vary. With that being said, I can make no guarantees on how big/small your puppy will be as an adult, I can only estimate. And going by the parents weights is not an accurate means of determining what size puppies will be as adults. 

     I've had puppies from previous litters end up around 20-23lbs adult weight, when neither of their parents weighed more than 18lbs; then I've had some who stayed much smaller 14-15lbs, when their parents were around 20lbs. So there really is no guarantee as to how big/small your puppy will be when fully grown.

• When will my puppy's ears stand up?

     Puppies tend to have what I call "flip-flop" ears, where their ears will be up one day and down the next. Or one ear will stand and the other won't, then by the next day, they'll swap sides. A general rule of thumb is to wait until at least the age that they're done teething; which can be between 16-20 weeks, sometimes longer. I've seen puppies ears stand by the time they were 6-7 weeks old, and I've even seen them not stand until they're 6-7 months old. Genetics can play a role and the majority of our puppies ears stand by the time they're completely done teething.

• When should I deworm my puppy?

     We deworm our puppies in previous weeks before you pick your baby up. We also take them to the vet for their first exam about a week before they go home, to ensure that these dewormers have been effective. We have always had clear results. However, it is always highly encouraged to schedule your puppy's first exam and talk to your vet about when the appropriate time is, for you to deworm.

• When should I vaccinate or get boosters for my puppy?

     Your puppy will have had one combo vaccination before they leave for their new homes. They will still need two additional vaccinations to complete the series of recommended 3-round "puppy shots".

• What should I use for fleas/ticks/heartworm prevention?

     We use NexGard chewables for flea/tick prevention and Heart Guard for heartworm prevention. I've used these for quite a few years with my own dogs/puppies. Talk to your vet to see what's best recommended for your puppy and geographic area.

• What kinds of things do you recommend before bringing my puppy home?

     There are a number of things I recommend before bringing home a new puppy. To help give you an idea of what things you can do to be prepared for the big day, please visit our Puppy Preparations page!

• Can you send additional pictures/videos, other than weekly photo's, while I'm waiting to pick up my puppy?

     I totally understand the excitement surrounding families when they're eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new Boston baby! However, we lead extremely busy lives and I purposely carve out at least one morning or afternoon, once per week to record or photograph puppies, so that new owners can see how they're growing. I also post any additional photos/videos on our Facebook page. I try my very best to oblige and send additional photos and videos to those who request them, but there will be times when I simply don't have a moment to set aside right then and there. Thank you everyone for being patient in this aspect.

• Will puppies be housebroken when they go to homes?

     I'm going to stay on the safe side and say NO, your puppy will not be 100% housebroken when they arrive to your home. We work very diligently and tirelessly to ensure that the babies get the absolute best possible start, and for the most part they do a fantastic job! But it is ultimately up to you, as the new owner, to teach them where their new potty place will be.

• Where is puppy pick-up?

     I try to set aside a date to meet with all puppy buyers within the same day or weekend. I will also name the location of where I will be and when. It is your responsibility to make appropriate arrangements to be there on pick-up day. I typically schedule each pick-up within about 30-45 minutes apart; this usually gives adequate time to sign documents, get information relayed and answer any questions. It is extremely important that when you schedule a meeting time, that you be punctual, as there are usually several others who are counting on me and waiting to pick their babies up as well. I realize that sometimes things happen, so I just ask that you please keep me posted on an ETA, so that I can make alternate plans.

• Do you offer boarding if I can't pick my puppy up right away, when they're ready?

     Yes! We will hold onto your puppy for up to an additional week, if neccessary, at no additional charge. However, we ask that you make every effort possible to pick your baby up as soon as it is possible for you to do so. Any additional time you need thereafter will result in daily or weekly boarding/caretaking fees, which will be due at pick-up. However, the remaining balance of your puppy price will be due in full when the puppy turns 8 weeks of age.

• Can I send a transporter to come pick up my puppy?

     We do not currently work with outside ground transporters, or those we're not familiar with. We do offer ground-transport when it is available,  for an additional fee. This service needs to be scheduled within a reasonable time-frame of projected pick-up. We may also have access to the use of a flight-nanny in the future. Please inquire with us for either of these services, should you deem them necessary in the pick up of your Boston puppy.

• Can you meet me half-way?

     It really depends on where "half-way" is. I generally meet with buyers within an hour of my home, at no additional charge. Because puppy pick up time is an incredibly busy time, we try to make all possible arrangements to ensure that everyone can be at the designated meeting place, at their scheduled times. If for some reason this is not doable, I do offer to meet on a different day, but the place and time will be at my discretion and something can be worked out to fit everyone's schedule.

• Do you have a spay/neuter contract?

     We do not technically have a dedicated spay/neuter contract. Pet owners may choose to spay or neuter their puppies at their discretion, when their veterinarians deem it appropriate. If your pet is not spayed or neutered before the date instructed on your agreement, your puppy's limited AKC registration application will not be mailed to you and will be considered forfeited. 

• At what age should I spay or neuter my Boston?

     This is a very speculative topic for many. More recent studies have found that it can be beneficial to leave dogs intact until they mature. However, many vets nowadays perform OSS (ovarian-sparing spay) which allows continued hormone production for females, for proper growth and development. So long as you ask your chosen veterinarian if they perform spay surgeries this way, and because the ovaries are left intact, there is absolutely no reason not to have them spayed BEFORE reaching their first heat cycle. As for males, I generally like to wait until at least 18 months of age, unless behavioral issues deem neutering necessary before they reach maturity. Please note that although sometimes they can be completely corrected, not all behavioral issues can be corrected through spaying or neutering alone. As an owner, it is your responsibility to work through  and understand the root of any issues they may have, so they can be appropriately addressed and managed.

• Do you offer support?

     Absolutely! We want you to have the most positive experience possible as a White Valley Boston Terrier owner, and that includes being here for our puppy owners as long as they need us! We're always thrilled to hear from you and get updates on our babies! If our puppy parents ever need anything, we have several methods of contact for ease of communication. 

• How can I contact you?

     There are several methods of contact; you may reach us through this website on the Contact page, through private messenger on our Facebook page, via email at: whitevalleybostons@gmail.com or by phone, at: (479) 213-2161.

• Do you have a return policy?

     Returns or exchanges are considered on a case-by-case basis. Circumstances such as these are heavily stipulated and you must contact White Valley immediately upon any knowledge of life-threatening or life-altering conditions.

     We do have a Right of First Refusal clause that needs to be signed when picking up your puppy. This agreement states that if for any reason you can no longer properly care for or keep your puppy, we will take the puppy back for temporary housing or to help find the most suitable home/family.

• What should I feed my Boston Terrier puppy?

     We recently switched to Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy, and will occasionally switch brands at our discretion. We always send home a small container or bag of food with each puppy so that you can either decide to continue them on their current food or transition them to a food of your preference.

• When can I take my new puppy out to public places?

     As many know, I get a little paranoid about germs and contracted infections, diseases and infestations. I do not take my own dogs out to public grounds until they've been fully vaccinated and their last vaccine was administered at least 14-21 days prior to their first outings. I highly suggest that you wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before taking them to many public places. With that being said, proper socialization is critical during this stage, so we encourage friends and family to make puppy visits to your home and they are welcome to bring their fully vaccinated dogs, so long as they haven't just come straight from a high traffic public place.