Guardianship Program Overview

At the heart of our breeding philosophy is the belief that every dog deserves a loving, permanent home. Our Guardian Home Program enables us to ethically and responsibly grow our breeding program while ensuring our dogs are raised in nurturing environments as beloved family members.

A Guardian Home is a special arrangement where a carefully selected family takes home a “pick of the litter” puppy, raising it as their own while partnering with Golden Paw Cavaliers during the dog’s breeding years. The dog will live full-time with the guardian family, returning to us only during times required for breeding, health testing, and whelping (for females).

Throughout the guardianship period, you are the dog’s loving caregiver while we retain legal ownership of the dog and any puppies produced. Once the dog has fulfilled its role in our breeding program, we will be responsible for having them spayed or neutered, after which full ownership will be officially transferred to you—making the dog a permanent member of your family.

This arrangement allows us to ensure our breeding dogs are not kenneled or rehomed after retirement—they remain with their guardian family forever.

• No Purchase Cost, just a fully refundable deposit: As the dog reaches various milestones outlined in the contract, your initial deposit is gradually refunded in installments.
• Top-Tier Puppies: All dogs placed in guardian homes are selected for outstanding health and temperament.
• Compensation: Guardians have their initial deposit reimbursed in phases depending on breeding success and receive a cash incentive (extra cash on top and beyond the refundable deposit).
• Spay/Neuter Covered: After the breeding contract concludes, we cover the cost of spaying or neutering.

Female dogs remain in our program for up to 4 litters. During breeding and whelping, they will stay with us—typically for a week during breeding and then about 7–10 days before their due date until puppies are weaned at around 7-8 weeks of age.

After her final litter, the dog is spayed (at our cost) and full ownership is transferred to the guardian family.

Male dogs participate in the program until approximately 6–8 years of age. They may be used for breeding several times a year and are typically required to stay with us for short periods (1 week or less) per breeding. Advance notice will be given.

After retirement, the dog is neutered (at our expense), and ownership is signed over to the guardian family.

To be considered for our Guardian Program, families must:

• Live within 60 minutes of our location (Calgary)
• Own their home with a fenced yard
• Not have other intact (not spayed or neutered) dogs
• Provide consistent socialization, training, and exercise
• Follow our feeding and health care guidelines
• Use approved veterinary care and maintain up-to-date vaccinations
• Practice routine grooming
• Maintain open and regular communication with us

Guardians are responsible for the everyday expenses of pet ownership (food, supplies, regular veterinary care). We cover all breeding-related expenses, including health testing, whelping, and food while the dog is in our care.

Becoming a guardian means being part of a partnership. A clear, detailed contract outlines all responsibilities and expectations, helping ensure transparency and trust. We value open, ongoing communication with our guardian families and select them with great care.

If you’re passionate about dogs, committed to their well-being, and interested in joining our breeding journey while adding a beloved member to your family, our Guardian Home Program may be the perfect fit.

To learn more or apply, please contact us over email:
[email protected]