Vanguard Chinooks
- 1 club membership
- 95% response rate • Responds within a few days
Meet the breeder
I'm the breeder behind Vanguard Chinooks located in Blairstown, NJ. Temperament and health are paramount, along with a functional body. I breed both purebred litters, and support the Chinook Breed Conservation Program. The CBCP is a program supported by the breed parent club and United Kennel Club that supports outcrossing to non-Chinooks to add genetic diversity.
Karen’s experience
About Karen
I fell in love with Chinooks thanks to my first, Conaway. He instilled in me a deep respect for the history of the breed and its unique blend of characteristics that make them an ideal active family companion. I am devoted to ensuring there are happy and healthy Chinooks for people to enjoy, and do so by responsibly growing this rare breed.
What makes Karen’s program special
My goal has *always* been to "lead the way to Chinook magic"… especially through the use of science. Leveraging the science of genetics, health, and behavior to preserve happy and healthy active family companion Chinooks for the future is my passion. The name Vanguard is a positive way to inspire me to strive for that goal in each and every puppy I produce.
Karen is a member of a club
Chinook Owners Association
Puppies
Revere
Male • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Striker
Male • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Trooper
Male • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Ranger
Male • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Rocket
Male • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Belle
Female • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Peace
Female • Went Home Sept. 2, 2023
Chinook
Lake Time O'Malley
Male • Went Home Apr. 7, 2021
Chinook
Newborn & upcoming litters
Planned Chinooks from TBD and Ankaa
Due Dec. 2025. Ready Feb. 2026
Planned Chinooks from TBD and Ankaa
Due Dec. 2025
Ready Feb. 2026
Getting a puppy from Karen
Karen has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices range from $2,500.
“The price includes the puppy with conformation and temperament evaluations, COA/UKC registration, DNA parent verification, DNA health testing, and more! N/A.”
Contract and health guarantee
Karen may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Karen offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Karen directly.
What's included
Enrichment and socialization
I do my best to begin training my puppies to prepare them for success in their new homes. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Daily handling, Socialized with other dogs, Socialized in new places, Scent introduction, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, and Puppy Culture.
Puppy health practices
Puppies are vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and receive a veterinary exam prior to going to their forever homes.
Extras
We send our puppies home with Initial potty training, Toys, Puppy starter kit, Vet records, Food & treats, Microchip, Registration, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Sound and texture enrichment, Trained to sit by 7 weeks old, Early Neurological Stimulation, Volhard Personality Test, Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, Vaccinations, Food Starter Bag, Certificate of Health, Breed Club Registration, UKC Registration, and Microchip.
Bringing your puppy home
Karen offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
Pick up your puppy in Blairstown, NJ or nearby
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“I do not ship puppies as cargo, but am happy to have people pick them up at home. For long distances, new owners can fly here and return with the puppy as cabin baggage. ”
More about Karen
Why Karen started breeding
I simply fell in love with Chinooks when I met them at the National Specialty in 2005. I immediately felt invested in the community and in ensuring a breed this rare (less than 100 puppies born most years) has a solid future. I was blessed with wonderful mentors in the community who aided me in my first steps into breeding with my goal of ensuring Chinooks have a sustainable future.
Karen has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Karen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Karen is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Vanguard Chinooks meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Meet Karen's parent dogs
All breeds
Chinook
Ankaa, mom
Chinook
About Ankaa
Ankaa is an incredibly agile and active girl who loves to cuddle. She has had one litter, and the puppies are exceeding expectations as they grow. She adores hiking with me, and exploring new areas, as well as using her outstanding sense of smell to find new and exciting things out in the world. She recreationally does agility and Rally Obedience, and is an excellent recreational sled dog/bikejorer!
Excellent health testing
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Chondrodysplasia/Dwarfism, +5 more
Parent health testing
Chinook
Excellent level
Vanguard Chinooks reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Chinooks.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Genetic Diversity Test, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Chondrodysplasia/Dwarfism, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).