Safari Doodles uses a Guardian Home Program so selected breeding dogs can live as loved family pets while participating in our breeding program. Rather than having every breeding dog live in one location, guardian homes allow our dogs to grow up and live in individual family homes where they receive daily attention, training and companionship.
Safari Doodles retains breeding rights to a guardian dog for an agreed period of time. The guardian family provides the dog’s permanent home and everyday care. Safari Doodles coordinates health testing and breeding related care. When the dog’s breeding career is complete, the dog is spayed or neutered as outlined in the guardian agreement and remains permanently with the guardian family.
Can anyone become a guardian home?
No. Guardian homes are carefully selected because these dogs are important members of both their guardian families and the Safari Doodles breeding program. Potential guardians complete an application and interview process and sign a written agreement explaining the responsibilities of both Safari Doodles and the guardian family.
Guardian families must live within a reasonable driving distance of the location used by Safari Doodles for health testing, reproductive care and breeding appointments. Guardians must also be willing and able to transport the dog when needed. All appointments are in the North Texas area.
How much time will my guardian dog spend away from home?
The amount of time a guardian dog spends with Safari Doodles depends on whether the dog is male or female and on the needs of the breeding program.
Male dogs may occasionally stay with Safari Doodles for breeding related appointments or short periods of time. Female dogs may stay with Safari Doodles during breeding and again for pregnancy, delivery or raising a litter when appropriate. The exact schedule can vary with each dog and each breeding.
Safari Doodles makes breeding decisions based on the individual dog, health testing, veterinary guidance and the needs of the breeding program. These expectations are discussed with guardian families before entering the program.
What costs are associated with being a guardian?
Guardian families are responsible for the normal costs of caring for their dog, including quality food, routine veterinary care, grooming, training and everyday supplies. Safari Doodles is responsible for approved expenses directly related to the dog’s participation in the breeding program, as described in the guardian agreement.
Health Testing for Guardian Dogs
Some guardian dogs enter their guardian homes as puppies and grow up with their families before any decision is made about breeding. A puppy placed in a guardian home is not automatically guaranteed to become a breeding dog. Dogs being considered for the Safari Doodles breeding program must mature appropriately and complete the health testing required for their breed and breeding role. Testing may include OFA evaluations, cardiac testing, ophthalmologist eye examinations, patella evaluations and DNA testing.
Safari Doodles uses health testing, temperament, structure, genetic information and knowledge of our family lines when deciding whether a dog should enter the breeding program.
The guardian agreement explains what happens if a dog does not qualify for breeding or if a guardian family can no longer participate in the program.
What types of dogs are available as guardians?
Safari Doodles may occasionally have Mini Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers or mini Poodles or other dogs being evaluated for the Safari Doodles breeding program available to approved guardian homes. Availability changes according to the needs of our breeding program.
Safari Doodles accepts Guardian Home applications even when a specific dog is not currently available. Approved families may be considered for future puppies or adult dogs entering the breeding program.
Contact us about becoming a Guardian Home
Dogs Ready Now
Elliot: 1 year old F1 Cavapoo boy, sweet boy. Very good manners and the most people focused dog ever. 25 lbs. Potty trained, well socialized. Good around other dogs and cats. He is gentle, quiet and very agreeable. He is a super easy dog to live with. Low-shed coat.
Marley Girl: Cavapoo+ Female. Potty trained. Crate trained, socializing. Low-shed coat. 25 pounds. Acts just like a Cavalier. Outstanding personality. Great choice for a home with kids!
Meet the Safari Doodles Parent Dogs
Many Safari Doodles parent dogs live with their guardian families. You can meet our current mothers and fathers, learn about their family lines and review available health testing through the Safari Doodles parent profiles.
Current Mother dogs who live in Guardian Homes
Current Father dogs who live in Guardian Homes