AMC Poodles Guardian Program
At AMC Poodles, our Guardian Home Program allows select breeding dogs to live in loving family homes while remaining part of our carefully planned breeding program for a limited time. Guardian homes are an important part of our program and are treated like family.
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about becoming a guardian home.
What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a permanent, approved family home for one of our breeding dogs. The dog lives with you as your personal pet while AMC Poodles retains breeding rights for a set period of time.
Our guardian dogs are family members first. They sleep in homes, enjoy everyday life with their families, and are loved as companions — not kennel dogs.
Once the dog completes the breeding portion of the program, full ownership is transferred to the guardian family.
Who owns the dog?
During the guardian contract period, AMC Poodles maintains breeding rights and legal ownership of the dog.
After the dog fulfills the terms of the agreement and is retired from the breeding program, ownership is transferred fully to the guardian family.
Where does the dog live?
The dog lives full-time with the guardian family as their pet.
Guardian families are responsible for providing:
We want our guardian dogs living happy, spoiled lives as cherished family members.
What expenses are covered by AMC Poodles?
AMC Poodles covers all breeding-related expenses, including:
What expenses are the guardian family responsible for?
Guardian families are responsible for all normal and routine pet expenses, including:
The guardian family is expected to maintain the dog in excellent physical condition at all times.
How does it work for female dogs?
Female guardian dogs live with their guardian family except during:
All litters are born and raised in our home at AMC Poodles.
After puppies are fully weaned, the female returns home to her guardian family.
How does it work for male dogs?
Male guardian dogs live with their guardian family full-time but may occasionally need to leave briefly for:
These visits are typically short and scheduled in advance whenever possible.
Can guardian dogs be spayed or neutered?
No. Guardian dogs must remain intact during the duration of the guardian contract.
Once the dog is retired from the breeding program, spay/neuter arrangements will be discussed according to the contract terms.
Can we move or rehome the dog?
Guardian dogs may not be sold, transferred, or rehomed without approval from AMC Poodles.
If a guardian family can no longer keep the dog, the dog must be returned to AMC Poodles.
What do you look for in a guardian home?
We look for families who:
Previous poodle experience is a bonus, but not required.
Is there a cost for a guardian dog?
Guardian arrangements vary depending on the individual dog and contract terms. Typically, guardian families receive a pick puppy at little to no cost in exchange for participating in the breeding program.
Why do breeders use guardian homes?
Guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to live one-on-one family lives. This helps our dogs receive individualized attention, bonding, training, and family experiences while still allowing us to preserve and improve our breeding program responsibly.
Interested in Becoming a Guardian Home?
We carefully select guardian homes to ensure the best fit for both the dog and the family.
If you are interested in learning more about our Guardian Program, please contact us or complete our Guardian Home Application.
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