If you live in the blue circle, you could be eligible to be a Guardian Home!
Guardian Home Program – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a special arrangement where one of our breeding dogs lives with a loving family as their pet, while still being part of our responsible breeding program. The dog enjoys a normal family life, and we retain breeding rights for a set period.
2. Why do you use Guardian Homes?
We believe all our dogs deserve individual attention, love, and a home environment — not a kennel. Guardian homes allow our dogs to grow up as beloved family members while still helping us maintain healthy, well-socialized breeding lines.
3. What are the benefits of being a Guardian Home?
You receive a high-quality, pick-of-the-litter dog at little or no purchase cost.
Your dog gets premium veterinary care related to breeding (paid by us).
You become part of our extended breeder family and receive training guidance.
You get to be part of the joy of bringing healthy, happy puppies into the world.
4. What are the responsibilities of a Guardian Home?
Provide daily love, care, and exercise.
Feed a high-quality diet we recommend.
Keep the dog up to date on routine vet care (we cover breeding-specific expenses).
Make the dog available for health testing, breeding, and whelping when required.
Follow our safety and care guidelines (e.g., fenced yard, supervised exercise).
5. How long will the dog be part of the breeding program?
Typically, dogs remain in our breeding program until they’ve had a set number of litters (usually 3–4 for females, up to age 6 for males). Once their breeding career is over, full ownership is transferred to you.
6. Will my dog have to leave home for breeding?
Males: Usually leave only for short visits during breeding.
Females: Come to us for breeding and whelping, and stay until puppies are weaned (about 6–8 weeks).
7. Who pays for what?
We cover: All breeding-related veterinary costs, genetic testing, and any expenses related to whelping or stud services.
You cover: Routine pet expenses (food, toys, vaccinations, grooming, etc.).
8. What if I move or can’t continue as a Guardian Home?
Life happens — if you relocate or can no longer fulfill the agreement, we’ll work with you to make the transition smooth and ensure the dog’s well-being.
9. How do I qualify to be a Guardian Home?
We look for families who:
Live within 150 miles of our location.
Have a safe, fenced yard or secure outdoor space.
Can commit to the agreement for the dog’s breeding career.
Are willing to follow our care guidelines.
10. How do I apply?
Simply fill out our Guardian Home application on our website or contact us directly. We’ll schedule a meeting to answer your questions and see if we’re the right fit for each other.
Who Cannot Be a Guardian Home
While we’d love for everyone to share in this program, it’s not the right fit for every household.
We cannot place a guardian dog with a family who:
Lives too far away – Beyond our required travel range (150 miles from Milan, TN) for vet visits, breeding, or emergencies.
Does not have a secure yard or fenced area – Our dogs must be protected from traffic, wildlife, and other hazards.
Cannot commit to the program length – This is typically a multi-year arrangement until breeding is complete.
Plans to breed dogs independently – Guardian dogs are exclusively part of our breeding program.
Has unstable housing or frequent major life changes expected – We need a consistent, stable environment for the dog.
Cannot follow our feeding, training, and health guidelines – Consistency is vital for health, temperament, and breeding soundness.
Has an aggressive or unsafe pet at home – All animals in the household must be safe companions for our guardian dogs.
Is uncomfortable with the dog being away during breeding/whelping – This is a necessary part of the arrangement.
