Guardian Homes

What is a guardian home?

If you live within 3 hours of Idaho Falls, Idaho and are interested in a high quality AKC beagle puppy at no upfront cost, then the guardian program may be right for you. In this program we place breeding female puppies in local families and we retain the breeding rights on that specific dog. This program is not for people who are interested in breeding dogs themselves but rather a program for those who are interested in supporting our program and receiving a very high quality puppy at no cost and then allowing us the opportunity to breed them. As well as a free puppy, you will be compensated with an additional payout each time the dog has a litter of puppies. The puppy we place with you would not be bred until they are 2 years of age. At Idaho Beagles, we believe that dogs should be part of a family unit and in a loving home being doted on rather than being kenneled. Guardian homes are a way for us to grow our program without running a large kennel operation.

In essence, a guardian family provides a permanent (forever) home for a dog that is obtained at no cost to the guardian family with the understanding and agreement that Idaho Beagles will retain the breeding rights on the dog for a certain number of litters (typically 4 depending on vet recommendation). Once the dog has been bred for the agreed number of times, we as the breeder, pay for the dog to be spayed at which time the guardian will retain full ownership and the dog and will remain with them for the remainder of their life. Guardian families generally are interested in a higher quality dog but understand the sacrifice (having to share their dog with us) that brings until the breeding agreement is fulfilled and are compensated for that at the birth of each litter.

What are guardian homes responsible for?

Guardian homes are responsible for all “regular” pet parent costs including but not limited to food, routine veterinary care and vaccinations, bedding, toys etc. Idaho Beagles is responsible for all breeding related expenses including veterinary costs and genetic testing. Guardian homes assume responsibility for the care and maintenance of their guardian dog as they would their own dog as this is, in a sense, their dog as well. Guardians are required to maintain a friendly and open relationship with us, the breeder. Guardian dog owners must notify us at the onset of a heat cycle and at that time we can determine whether or not we will breed on that particular cycle or wait. We require keeping in touch regularly to see how the guardian dog is doing. We are not a large breeding program and this opportunity is not likely to happen often and when it does we are very selective.

What are some of the other requirements to being a guardian home?

Guardian homes should have some basic experience with dogs. They must be willing to socialize, exercise, and appropriately groom the dog. Your dog must be an inside pet and never be left outside unattended. If there are other dogs in the home, they must be altered (spayed or neutered). Guardian homes must have no intention of breeding themselves and have no plans to move anywhere during the duration of the breeding time frame.

How long is the dog away from their guardian family?

The female dog is aware from the guardian home during the week prior to expected delivery until following the weening of her puppies so typically this amounts to about 6-8 weeks. During the breeding of the dog, we can keep her here with us or come to you with our stud, whichever works best for the guardian family.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please send us an email or text letting us know of your interest in this program. We will then schedule a phone or video call to discuss all details of the program and when the next female puppy may be available.