Guardian Home Program

Help us raise the next generation of ethical, family-raised doodles

Ethical Breeding

What is a Guardian Home?

At Southern Doodle Co, we firmly believe that every single dog deserves to live its life as a cherished family member, not in a kennel facility. To execute our ethical breeding program to the absolute highest standards, we utilize Guardian Homes!

A Guardian Home allows a "Pick of the Litter" puppy to go directly to its forever home at 8 weeks old. The family raises, loves, and trains the puppy as their own. In exchange for providing a loving environment, Southern Doodle Co retains the breeding rights for a specifically contracted amount of litters (for females) or years (for males).

Forever Home First

The dog never has to be re-homed after retiring. They are already settled completely with the family they know and love!

Free Top-Tier Puppy

Guardian families receive an absolutely spectacular "Pick of the Litter" puppy fully free of the traditional purchase price!

Health & Support

Southern Doodle Co perfectly covers all breeding-related veterinary expenses including genetic testing, ultrasounds, and whelping care.

Guardian Requirements

Because we retain the breeding rights and heavily invest in the dog's advanced health testing, we require strict operational standards for our Guardian Families:

•Must live within a highly reasonable driving distance of Berry, AL (typically 1.5 hours max) for breeding appointments.
•Must have a fully secured, physically fenced yard.
•Must ensure the dog is strictly kept as an indoor family pet, never left isolated outdoors.
•Must commit to high-quality vet-approved nutrition, professional grooming schedules, and basic obedience training.
•Must actively communicate and coordinate flawlessly with Southern Doodle Co for health checks and matings.

Guardian Application

If you meet the requirements and are enthusiastic about partnering with our ethical breeding program, physically complete the extensive application below!

Applicant Information

Household Logistics

Who all presently resides in the home? (Include ages of any children) *

Please list ALL current pets in the home (Breed, Age, Sex, Spayed/Neutered?) *

What are your standard working hours? *

How many hours will the dog be left alone daily? *

Program Alignment

Why do you strictly want to participate in the Guardian Home Program instead of traditionally purchasing a puppy? *

Who is your current, trusted Veterinarian? (Name and Clinic) *

Are you willing to feed high-quality approved nutrition and keep up with grooming? *

Signature

By signing below, you actively certify that all information provided is accurate and represent your true willingness to enter a guardianship contract. Signature: *

I confirm all statements are truthful and I live within driving range of Southern Doodle Co in Berry, Alabama.

Guardian Contract

Upon approval of your Guardian Application, this official legally-binding contract must be completed.

Guardian Family Details

Subject Dog Details

Legal Contract Terms

GUARDIAN HOME AGREEMENT & CONTRACT

This agreement is entered into and executed between the Breeder (Southern Doodle Co) and the applicant (Guardian Family).

1. THE DOG SUBJECT TO THIS AGREEMENT

Name: [Provided via Form]
Color: [Provided via Form]
Breed: [Provided via Form]
Gender: [Provided via Form]
DOB: [Provided via Form]

2. OWNERSHIP AND CUSTODY

Legal Ownership: Legal ownership and all breeding rights remain the sole and separate property of the Breeder until the Breeder provides written evidence of transfer to the Guardian. This includes any puppies born to a female or semen from a male.
Possession: The Guardian is entrusted with the physical care, custody, and supervision of the dog subject to the terms of this Agreement.

3. BREEDER RESPONSIBILITIES

During the term of this agreement, the Breeder shall:
• Provide dietary guidelines, health care instructions, and training for recognizing heat cycles.
• Pay for all breeding-related veterinary expenses (testing, ultrasounds, X-rays, etc.).
• Visit the Guardian’s residence at least four (4) times per year at prearranged times.
• Take possession of the dog for breeding and whelping (typically 1 week for breeding and 5–7 weeks for whelping/weaning).

4. GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

During the term of this agreement, the Guardian shall:
• Safe Confinement: Use a traditional fence and a leash at all times when outside. Female dogs in heat must never be left outside alone and must be kept away from all intact males.
• Maintenance Care: Provide adequate exercise and basic obedience (sit, stay, come, walking on leash, potty training).
• Routine Expenses: Pay for routine vet care (vaccines, rabies), grooming (every few months—no shaving without Breeder consent), and monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventatives.
• Communication: Notify Breeder immediately at the first sign of illness, injury, or the start of a heat cycle.
• Grooming: Maintain the coat at a manageable length (approx. 3 inches). Dog must be freshly groomed/washed prior to being returned to Breeder for whelping.
• Availability: Deliver the dog to the Breeder with 24-hour notice for breeding purposes or testing.

5. BREEDING SOUNDNESS & VETERINARY CONTROL

Exclusive Authority: The Guardian agrees that the only Veterinary opinion that will be sought for a recommendation of breeding soundness is the veterinarian chosen by the Breeder. Any recommendation or opinion from any other Veterinarian regarding the breeding capability or "soundness" of the dog will not be considered valid in determining whether the dog will be bred.
Breeding Rights: The Breeder retains the right to breed back-to-back litters (min. 4 litters) starting on the 2nd heat. The Breeder has the ultimate right and control over all breeding decisions.

6. RETURN OF DOG & TERMINATION

Removal by Breeder: Breeder may remove the dog from the Guardian for any reason (including lack of communication or inadequate care). If the dog is in danger, removal is immediate.
Return by Guardian: Guardian may return the dog with 14 days' written notice. Dog must be UTD on all vaccines and have a vet check-up dated within 48 hours of drop-off.
Loss Recoupment: If a puppy from a litter dies within 1 year and the Buyer is refunded or the puppy is replaced, the Breeder reserves the right to count these lost monies as a breeding expense to be settled before ownership of the Guardian dog is transferred.

7. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES (IMMEDIATE PAYMENT)

The Guardian agrees to pay the Breeder the sum of $15,000 (USD) immediately if any of the following occur:
• Guardian has the dog spayed or neutered without express written consent from the Breeder.
• Guardian intentionally or through negligence (off-leash, no fence) causes injury or death to the dog.
• Guardian attempts to sell, rehome, or hide the dog from the Breeder.
• Guardian ceases communication or fails to provide the Breeder with a current address/phone number (absconding).

8. DEATH OF DOG

Natural/Accidental (Non-Negligent): Agreement terminates; neither party owes the other.
During Whelping: If a female dies during delivery, Breeder will provide the Guardian with a spayed/neutered puppy from that litter (if one survives to 8 weeks) at no cost.

9. MISCELLANEOUS

Non-Transferable: This agreement is between the named parties only.
Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama.
Entire Agreement: This constitutes the entire understanding between parties and supersedes all prior agreements.

Signature

By signing below, you agree to explicitly adhere to the legal conditions of this contract. Signature: *

I have read and agree to all terms of the Guardian Contract.