WHAT IS A GUARDIAN HOME?

Every dog I breed deserves to grow up in a real home. Not a kennel. Not a facility. A home where they're on the couch, part of the family routine, and loved the way Frenchies are meant to be loved. That's the whole reason the guardian program exists.

A guardian home is a partnership between me and a carefully chosen family. The dog lives with you full-time as your own pet. You're the one feeding them, walking them, bringing them to the vet, and building a life with them. The only difference from a standard adoption is that I retain breeding rights for a defined period of time. Once that commitment is fulfilled, full legal ownership transfers to you permanently — no conditions, no additional cost.

It's a straightforward arrangement built on trust. I get to continue growing my breeding program with dogs who are living genuinely happy, well-adjusted lives. Guardian families get to bring home a quality Frenchie at a significantly reduced cost and be part of something meaningful. The dog gets the best of both worlds.

In every practical sense, this dog is yours. You choose their house name, establish their routine, take them on walks, bring them to training class, and welcome them into your daily life. I'm here in the background as a resource and a partner — not a presence hovering over your household.

I'll check in periodically to see how things are going, and I'm always available if you have questions or need guidance. Day-to-day, though, your life with this dog is your own. The level of coordination between us increases naturally during the breeding cycle — when she comes into heat, through the pregnancy, and up until her puppies are settled. That's when we'll be in closer contact. Outside of that, you're living life with your Frenchie.

Here's what the process looks like in practice: For female guardians, when she comes into heat (roughly every 6 to 8 months), she'll come stay with me at MPF for approximately 5 to 7 days for breeding, then return home to you for the rest of her pregnancy. When it's time to whelp, she'll come back to me to safely deliver and raise her puppies until they're about 8 weeks old, then she's back home with you. I encourage early visits to MPF so she feels familiar and comfortable here before any of that happens.

For male guardians, it's a simpler arrangement. When he's needed for a breeding, I'll reach out to coordinate. Most of the time I'll come to you, or he'll be back home the same day. Extended stays are rare and would only happen in specific circumstances — it's rarely disruptive to your normal routine.

What Does the Experience Actually Look Like?

I take the selection process seriously because this is a multi-year commitment for both of us. I'm not just looking for someone who wants a Frenchie at a reduced cost. I'm looking for a family I trust to give one of my dogs an exceptional life.

Location matters. Guardian families need to be within a reasonable driving distance of Burlington, Ontario. Proximity is important for coordinating breeding visits, vet trips, and anything else that comes up during the program. If you're unsure whether your location works, bring it up when we talk — I'm happy to discuss it.

Experience with dogs is something I look for. Frenchies have specific needs and a particular personality. Families who've owned dogs before, especially ones who understand what genuine day-to-day commitment looks like, tend to be the strongest fits.

I also look for families with a dog-safe home setup. That means a securely fenced outdoor space, no accessible pools, and a stable, consistent home environment. Frenchies thrive on routine and connection, so a home that can provide both matters a lot.

Before finalising any placement, I like to visit the family at home. It's not an inspection — it's just how I get to know people properly. Meeting someone in their own space gives me a much better sense of the family dynamic and how a dog would fit into their life. It's a conversation, not a test.

A few things that are part of every guardian arrangement:

Guardian females cannot be around intact males during heat cycles.
Guardian males cannot breed with other females without my permission.
Socialisation with other dogs, people, and children is encouraged and expected.
Obedience training is part of the commitment — I have trainers I can connect you with if needed.

Above all, I'm looking for someone who's open to building a real relationship over the course of the program. Communication matters. Trust matters. The families who thrive in this arrangement are the ones who treat it as a partnership, not just a transaction.

Who Is a Good Fit?

The Practical Details

There is an adoption fee to join the program. I don't place guardian dogs at no cost, because every placement represents the same level of commitment and care as any other home I place a dog in. The fee reflects that seriousness — and it ensures that the families I work with are genuinely invested, not just looking for a discount. That said, the cost is significantly reduced compared to purchasing a breeding-quality Frenchie outright.

On the topic of litters: most guardian females have between two and four litters during their time in the program. No dog in my program will ever exceed four litters. Each female is assessed individually based on her health, recovery, and what my reproductive vet recommends at each stage. If I feel it's in a dog's best interest to retire early, that's the decision I'll make — the dog's wellbeing always comes first.

Here's a clear breakdown of what I cover versus what the guardian family covers:

What I cover:

All breeding-related veterinary costs and reproductive care
C-section costs
Food for the mom from confirmed pregnancy through until she returns home after whelping
Registration fees and official AKC paperwork

What the guardian family covers:

Routine veterinary visits and vaccines
Day-to-day feeding on a raw diet
Grooming and parasite prevention
Training and enrichment
Collars, leashes, and general supplies
Monthly pet insurance

A couple of things I want to be upfront about:

My dogs eat a raw diet, and that extends to guardian homes as well. Frenchies can be sensitive to kibble, and raw feeding is one of the most effective ways to support their digestion, coat, and overall health. I walk every guardian family through exactly what to feed, how to transition, and what to watch for. You won't be figuring this out alone.

Pet insurance is required. I don't have a preference on provider — Trupanion is one I recommend, but there are other good options. The reason I require it is simple: Frenchies can have unexpected health needs, and insurance ensures that if something comes up, your dog gets the care it needs without you facing a large out-of-pocket bill. This protects you as much as it protects the dog.

Supplements are something I recommend and have preferred brands for, but I'm open to alternatives as long as I've approved them.

One small note: I'll select your Frenchie's official registration name. The house name — what you actually call them every day — is entirely yours to choose.

Finally, if a guardian puppy doesn't meet my breeding standards as they mature (which does happen occasionally),
the contract simply converts to a standard pet contract. There's no additional cost to you. The dog will be spayed or neutered at that point, which would be the guardian family's responsibility, and full ownership transfers to you.

If what you've read here feels like the right fit, the next step is simple. Fill out the contact form and I'll reach out to set up a call so we can get to know each other.

This isn't an audition. I'm looking for the right match just as much as you are. If the timing, the lifestyle, and the commitment all line up — this can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll have as a dog owner.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

If you're ready to learn more about the guardianship program or apply, fill out the contact form and I'll be in touch to set up a call. www.mypawesomefrenchie.com/contact

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