Female Guardian Pups

All of our females must undergo comprehensive health testing to be cleared for breeding. This involves several vet appointments for hip and elbow x-rays, cardiac and patella physical exams, and eye exams. These appointments typically occur between 12-14 months old, although we may sometimes conduct them as early as 4 months old. When we schedule an appointment, we will inform you and arrange a time to pick up and drop off the dog.

She will not be bred until at least her second heat cycle, typically around 18-24 months old. During this time before she reaches breeding age, we ask for regular updates and photos, as well as occasional visits to maintain a relationship with her. It is important for the guardian family to take precautions to prevent unintentional breeding with any neighboring dogs during her heat cycles. The guardian family must notify us immediately when she goes into heat.

Once she begins a heat cycle during which we plan to breed her, we will arrange for progesterone testing and breeding. Typically, she will remain with you during this time, and we will pick her up for quick vet visits. However, occasionally we may decide it is in her best interest to stay with us for a few days until the breeding is complete.

After being bred, she will remain with you throughout most of her pregnancy, except for any needed prenatal vet appointments, such as pregnancy confirmation. During the last week of her pregnancy, she will come to our house to prepare for whelping and get comfortable. She will stay with us until the puppies are ready to go home, after which she will return to you. After 1-4 litters, depending on how she does and enjoys being a mama, we will have her spayed, and she will remain as your family pet.