Welcome to Audet's Guardian Dog Page

A Guardian Home is an arrangement where a breeder places one of their breeding-quality dogs with a family to live as a pet, while the breeder retains breeding rights.

How a guardian home works

• Ownership: The breeder keeps legal ownership of the dog.
• Living situation: The dog lives full-time with the guardian family as a household pet.

• Breeding rights:
  • If female: she returns to the breeder for heat cycles, breeding, pregnancy, and whelping. (3-4 months)
  • If male: he may visit the breeder for stud services. (1-5 days)

• Costs: The guardian family often receives the dog at a discount and may have some veterinary expenses covered (terms vary).
• Transfer of ownership: After the dog completes its breeding career (per legal contract) and is spayed/neutered, full ownership will be transferred to the guardian family.

Why breeders use guardian homes

• Maintains a small, home-raised environment rather than a large kennel.
• Expands breeding programs without overcrowding.
• Ensures dogs get daily family life and socialization.

Responsibilities of the guardian family

• Must Live withing 1 hr 15 min of East Dover Vermont to be a guardian.
• Provide daily care, training, and a safe home.
• Follow breeder guidelines (diet, weight, vet care, intact status).
• Must carry pet insurance.
• Be available for breeding-related needs on short notice.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Lower upfront cost for a high-quality purebred dog.
• Dog lives as a family pet.
• Ongoing support from breeder.
• Breeder pays for insurance with yearly stipend. 

Cons

• Dog may be temporarily away during breeding/pregnancy. (Males - up to 5 days. Females - 3-4 months)
• Restrictions on spaying/neutering until breeding is complete.
• Contract obligations and scheduling commitments.