Our Guardian Home program is a big part of how we raise happy, healthy dogs, making sure everyone gets the time and attention they need. If you’re not familiar with how it works, you can read more in our blog on whether a Guardian Home is the right fit for your family
What has your overall experience been like as part of the guardian home program?
It’s been great! We’ve been able to adopt a dog that otherwise we would not have been able to afford, we’ve had loads of help with our questions, and we know we’re working with breeders that truly have the best interest of their dogs at heart.
💡 Being a guardian can give families a way to welcome a Frenchie into their home that they might not otherwise have been able to.
How would you describe the support and communication you’ve received from us as breeders?
Fantastic! This has been the best part about being a Guardian Home (besides having Poppy, of course!). You’ve provided excellent information, support, and tips. I’ve never felt there was a question I couldn’t ask, and quickly came to know that if you didn’t have an answer, you’d research until you found good, quality information to pass along.
Were the expectations and responsibilities outlined in the program clear to you from the beginning?
Yes, the contract and verbal communication has always been very clear.
What has been the most rewarding part of having a dog from our program in your home?
Having a Frenchie! Honestly, I’ve really appreciated knowing that you’re ethical breeders who truly care for your dogs. We weren’t getting a dog that would be bred relentlessly, we were getting a pup that was cared for, loved, and would be bred moderately only if she and her pups remained healthy.
💡 Our dogs are never overbred . Their wellbeing always comes first.
What challenges, if any, have you encountered in caring for your guardian dog?
We haven’t really had any challenges. With being a Guardian Home, there’s certainly a different level of responsibility knowing that the dog in our care technically belongs to someone else (until our contract is fulfilled). And while we’re thankful we haven’t had any issues, it’s worth taking into consideration.
How would you describe your dog’s temperament and overall behavior? Does it align with what you expected?
Poppy is everything I expected a Frenchie would be! She’s funny, playful, quirky, affectionate. While our Akita wasn’t initially her biggest fan, Poppy’s been a great addition to our family.
Have there been any unexpected benefits or surprises about having a French Bulldog through this program? Or, conversely, any unexpected negatives?
Unexpected surprises: she’s the life of the party! She loves people and most of our guests are immediately taken with her. Not completely “unexpected”, but all Frenchies require a certain level of care. They can be itchy, prone to yeast infections and allergies, not suited for long hikes, hot days, or open water. Not necessarily a deal breaker unless you’re looking for an outdoor adventure buddy, but worth considering if your lifestyle is suited for a Frenchie.
💡 This is a great reminder that Frenchies are incredible companions, but they aren’t always the right match for every family.
How easy is it to get in touch with us when you have questions or concerns?
Extremely easy! I don’t think a single question, concern, or goofy pic has gone unresponded to.
Have you felt supported throughout the process, especially during breeding or health-related procedures?
Absolutely. You’ve made every effort to communicate next steps, progress reports, follow ups, pics, and funny anecdotes. We’ve never felt out of the loop or unsure of timelines.
Were our requirements for health maintenance (e.g., vet visits, nutrition, and exercise) manageable and reasonable?
Completely. And you’re open to considering options as well as we worked through Poppy’s food and nutrition together. Another reason we felt so confident that we weren’t getting a dog from just another breeder. You truly care about the long-term health and wellbeing of your dogs.
Have you had any health concerns with your dog, and how were those addressed within the program?
Poppy’s had the regular Frenchie ailments: gassy, itchy, ear infections… For mild symptoms, you’ve offered suggestions for home remedies and provided reasonable solutions we could try. For more serious issues, we’d consult with our vet and keep you in the loop. We’ve felt both supported and empowered to make health-related decisions in Poppy’s best interest.
Did you feel prepared for the care responsibilities associated with the breeding aspects of the program?
Yes – we were provided great resources for what symptoms to look for, activities to avoid, and how we could support Poppy in a healthy pregnancy. With being a Guardian Home, I felt there was an added element of apprehension during breeding – the potential of something happening while in our care that would put her pregnancy at risk. Thankfully all went extremely smoothly.
What was your experience like during the breeding process, particularly when your dog needed to be with us for mating or whelping?
We all missed Poppy, of course – the whelping period especially is understandably a significant amount of time for her to be away. For our family, it did allow us to give our full attention to our aging, senior dog. It was comforting to know that Poppy was well taken care of and able to play and interact with her brothers and sisters again – that additional social interaction she doesn’t get much of at home.
Did you feel your dog’s needs and comfort were prioritized during breeding-related activities?
Absolutely! We felt she was safe and well-cared for.
How was the transition process when your dog returned home after breeding or whelping?
I was a little nervous Poppy would be anxious with not being able to care for her pups or miss the interaction with the other dogs in your home, but as confirmed, she was ready. She seemed to settle back into life with us just fine. We did have to take some extra care to re-familiarize Poppy with our older dog, but after a couple days, life seemed back to normal.
What advice would you give to potential guardian homes about managing the emotional aspects of the arrangement?
This arrangement really is a partnership. Each has to trust the other that they’re doing everything possible to provide the best care, love, and health of your Frenchie.
Would you recommend this program to others, and why or why not?
Yes, without hesitation. The program has been a wonderful way to have a Frenchie in our home, while also feeling good about supporting ethical breeding. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences — from the support we’ve received, to the care shown for Poppy, to the overall communication throughout the process.
What other advice, if any, would you give to someone considering becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs?
Go into it with the mindset that this is a true partnership. You’ll need to be flexible and willing to share your dog during breeding times, but the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. You’re helping raise happy, healthy pups while getting the joy of a Frenchie in your home, and you’re backed by breeders who genuinely care.
Guardian families like Poppy’s are an important part of this program. We’re so grateful for the love and care they provide our breeding dogs, and we couldn’t do this work nearly as well without them.
