Male Guardian Pups

All of our males 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.

He will not be bred until he reaches maturity, usually around one year old. During this time, we ask for regular updates and photos, as well as occasional visits, to maintain a relationship with him. It is important for the guardian family to take precautions to prevent unintentional breeding with any neighboring dogs.

Once he reaches breeding age, we will notify you as soon as one of our females goes into heat to give you an estimated date when we will need to breed him. When our female is ready for breeding, we will pick him up and bring him to our house or the vet, depending on what is most comfortable for the dog. After breeding, he will return home to you. Depending on the situation, we may need to breed him again within the following day or two. Occasionally, last-minute breedings with very little notice may be necessary. Once we decide to retire him from our program, we will have him neutered, and he will remain as your family pet.

Unaltered males may mark places if they are untrained. It is important to ensure he is well-trained, and be aware that marking could occur, which would require corrections or additional training to stop.