At Hearts and Paws, our guardian program allows our breeding dogs to grow up where they thrive most-in a loving family home. A guardian home is a special partnership between a breeder and a family. The puppy lives full time with the guardian family as their loved pet, while the breeder retains certain rights for the dog to be a part of their breeding program. Here is how it works.... The guardian family raises, trains, and cares for the puppy. They cover routine expenses such as food, grooming, and regular vet visits. Hearts and Paws covers costs related to breeding requirements. When a female dog is old enough and has passed health testing, she will return to Hearts and Paws for whelping and to raise puppies for about 7 weeks at a time. Our females generally have 4 litters and they are approximately 6 months to a year apart. When a male dog is old enough and has passed health testing, he will return to Hearts and Paws for breeding. This is usually between 1 and 4 days at a time and frequency varies. He will retire around age 6. After the dog has completed the agreed breeding commitments, he or she is spayed or neutered and full ownership transfers to the guardian family. Generally there is no upfront cost to the guardian family. A fenced in yard is highly preferred. Living within a reasonable distance to us is also important. We do have a transporter and can make some areas further away work. Continuing to feed quality food of our choice, grooming regularly, and vaccinating on schedule is required. Feel free to contact us for more details.

540-629-3399