When you’re searching for Cavalier puppies, it’s easy to fall in love with those soft ears, big round eyes, and gentle personalities. But behind every beautiful, healthy puppy is a thoughtful, ethical approach to breeding—and for us at Golden Paw Cavaliers, that includes something close to our hearts: our Guardianship Program.
If you’ve never heard of a guardianship program before, you’re not alone. This approach to ethical breeding is still growing in awareness, but it’s something we believe deeply in. It puts the welfare of our breeding dogs first while giving families the opportunity to raise an exceptional Cavalier puppy as their own. In this blog, we’ll explain what our program is, how it works, and why it might be the perfect fit for your family.
What Is the Golden Paw Cavaliers Guardianship Program?
Our Guardianship Program allows select families to raise one of our top-quality Cavalier puppies in their home while partnering with us during the dog’s breeding years. It’s a cooperative, long-term commitment designed to give our breeding dogs the best of both worlds—loving homes and responsible care.
The dog lives full-time with the guardian family, just like any other pet. When it’s time for health testing, breeding, or (for females) whelping, the dog returns to us temporarily. Once the dog’s time in the breeding program is complete, they are spayed or neutered at our expense and full legal ownership is transferred to the guardian family.
It’s a program built on trust, love, and a shared commitment to the health and happiness of our Cavaliers.
Why Do We Offer This Program?
Our decision to offer a guardianship program comes from a place of love and responsibility. At Golden Paw Cavaliers, we believe dogs should never be kept in kennels or treated as “breeding stock.” Every dog deserves a home where they’re cherished, cuddled, and part of daily family life.
This program allows us to grow our breeding program ethically without compromising the well-being of our adult dogs. By placing them in committed, loving homes from the start, we avoid the heartbreak of rehoming them after retirement. Instead, they stay with the same family—the one they’ve grown up with, bonded to, and love.
It’s also a chance for families to raise a high-quality Cavalier puppy without the typical upfront purchase cost. More on that below!
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Guardian Family?
There are many reasons families choose to participate in our Guardianship Program, and we’re proud to offer real benefits that reflect our values of fairness, transparency, and care.
1. No Purchase Cost (Fully Refundable Deposit)
There is no traditional purchase fee for your puppy. Instead, we require a fully refundable deposit, returned in phases for each litter that the dog has. You’re raising an exceptional dog at no final cost, with added financial incentives along the way.
2. Top-Quality Cavalier Puppies
Our guardian dogs are hand-picked from our best litters. They’re chosen based on temperament, health, and lineage. These are the dogs we believe will contribute to the future of the breed—and we trust our guardian families to raise them with the same love and care we would.
3. Spay/Neuter Costs Covered
Once your guardian dog retires from our program, we pay for their spay or neuter surgery. After this, ownership officially transfers to your family—no additional costs, no surprises.
4. Ongoing Support and Communication
As a guardian family, you become part of the Golden Paw Cavaliers family. We’re here to support you every step of the way—from guidance on feeding and grooming to vet care and training. We value open, honest communication and are always available for questions.
5. Cash Incentives
In addition to your deposit being refunded, you will receive an extra $500 for the 4th litter. We want this partnership to feel rewarding in every way.
What Are the Guardian Family Responsibilities?
Being a guardian is a special role—it’s a true partnership. While we handle all breeding-related expenses, including veterinary testing, whelping, and food while the dog is with us, you’ll be responsible for your dog’s everyday care.
To qualify, families must:
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Live in Calgary or within 60 minutes drive
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Own their house with a fully fenced yard or own a condo
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Not have other intact dogs
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Commit to consistent training, socialization, and affection
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Keep up with recommended grooming and nutrition
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Use approved veterinary care
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Stay in close communication with us
You’re essentially giving this puppy a forever home while we work together to improve the health and happiness of future Cavalier puppies.
Female vs. Male Guardianship: What’s the Difference?
The general structure is the same, but there are some key differences depending on whether you’re raising a male or female guardian puppy.
Female Guardian Dogs
Females typically remain in the program for up to four litters. She will stay with us for a short period during breeding and again for whelping, usually 7–10 days before her due date through to when the puppies are weaned (around 8 weeks old). The rest of the time, she lives with your family, enjoying a normal, happy life.
Male Guardian Dogs
Males can remain in the program for up to 6–8 years. They may be called back to us for short visits—usually just a few days—for breeding purposes. These visits are scheduled in advance and cause minimal disruption to his everyday routine.
Is the Guardianship Program Right for You?
Our Guardianship Program isn’t for everyone—but for the right families, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
It’s perfect if:
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You love Cavaliers and want to raise one without a purchase fee
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You value ethical breeding practices
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You’re home often and ready to devote time to your puppy
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You’re organized, communicative, and willing to follow our guidelines
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You want to be part of a caring community of dog lovers
It’s not ideal for families who travel frequently, don’t have a fenced yard, or aren’t ready for a long-term commitment.
But if your heart is in it, and you’re excited to raise a Cavalier puppy as both a pet and a future parent, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Golden Paw Cavaliers?
At Golden Paw Cavaliers, we’ve spent over 30 years loving, raising, and sharing life with dogs. Our Cavaliers are part of our family, raised in our home with children, laughter, and care. Every puppy is socialized, cuddled, and carefully guided into becoming a loving companion.
We don’t believe in large-scale breeding or kennel systems. We believe in responsible, ethical practices—and our Guardianship Program is one of the ways we live out that belief.
By joining our program, you’re not just getting a dog—you’re becoming part of a mission to raise happy, healthy Cavalier puppies who bring joy to families across Alberta and beyond.
Ready to Learn More?
We’re currently looking for a few more local families to join our Guardianship Program. If you live in Calgary or within 60 minutes drive, have a loving home, and are interested in working with us to raise one of our beautiful Cavalier puppies, we’d love to connect.
Contact Us to learn more
