“Helping families raise and love top-quality Cavaliers—ethically and with heart.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW FAQ’s 

Q1: What is a Guardian Home Program?

 A: It’s a partnership where a family provides a loving, full-time home for one of our breeding-quality dogs. You raise and care for the dog like your own. In return, we retain breeding rights during their active breeding years. Once retired, the dog is 100% yours. CONTRACT & COMMITMENT 

Q2: Why is the contract so long and detailed?

This is a serious, mutually beneficial partnership—not just a pet adoption. The contract ensures clarity on health, breeding, and care responsibilities. It protects the dog, the guardian family, and the integrity of our program. 

Q3: Why does the contract feel strict or legal in tone? 

The formality reflects the value of the dog (often $6,000+) and the responsibility involved. It’s a clear roadmap to avoid misunderstandings, not a trap. We’re always happy to explain anything in plain language. 

Q4: What if it all feels overwhelming or scary? 

That’s understandable at first. But once you understand the purpose and process, most families find it empowering and rewarding. We’re here to support you every step of the way. OWNERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITIES.

Q5: Is this a loan or do I actually own the dog? 

 During the breeding phase, it’s a guardian home / foster dog . After the dog retires, full legal ownership transfers to you. Until then, breeding-related decisions are shared, but your day-to-day relationship with the dog is just like any loving pet owner.

Q6: What if I move or my life changes? 

 Life happens! If you move within 200 miles of Sandpoint, ID, that’s typically fine—just let us know. If you need to exit the program early, we’ll work with you on a fair solution with the dog’s well-being as the top priority. 

Q7: Do I need prior experience with breeding or showing dogs? 

No. That’s our job. You just provide a safe, loving home. We handle all aspects of breeding, and you’re never expected to manage it alone. 

Guardian Home Program: Comprehensive OverviewProgram Purpose and Structure

The Guardian Home Program, offered by Treasured Cavaliers of the PNW, is a collaborative partnership designed to provide exceptional, permanent homes for our breeding-quality dogs. This program ensures that our breeding dogs receive individualized care and affection within a family environment, rather than residing in a kennel facility.

The foundation of this program is a comprehensive contractual agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both Treasured Cavaliers and the Guardian Family. This detailed contract is meticulously crafted to ensure clarity, transparency, and the protection of all parties involved, as well as the well-being and genetic integrity of our highly valued breeding dogs, which can be valued at $6,000 or more.Ownership and Responsibilities

During the active breeding phase, the dog is designated as a “guardian home/foster” dog. Upon successful completion of their breeding career, full legal ownership of the dog is formally transferred to the Guardian Family.

Guardian Families are responsible for standard pet care expenses, including but not limited to food, routine veterinary examinations, and grooming. Treasured Cavaliers assumes all financial responsibility for breeding-related costs, including reproductive health evaluations, breeding procedures, and veterinary care directly associated with litters. No prior breeding or showing experience is required from Guardian Families; all breeding management is handled by Treasured Cavaliers.

Breeding Protocol and Health Management

Female dogs typically commence their breeding careers around their third heat cycle or by two years of age. If deemed healthy and suitable, they will be bred every heat cycle for up to four years, with retirement generally occurring at six years of age. Male dogs typically retire around six years of age or by mutual agreement.

When a female dog enters her heat cycle, the Guardian Family will notify Treasured Cavaliers to arrange breeding. The female will then return to Treasured Cavaliers approximately ten days prior to her estimated due date and remain for seven to eight weeks postpartum for whelping and puppy care. While direct visits during this period may be limited for health and safety protocols, regular updates, photos, and videos will be provided.

In instances where a dog does not meet the health or temperament criteria for breeding, Guardian Families will have the option to permanently adopt the dog for a reduced fee, typically $1,500.Financials and Support

Guardian Families receive compensation for each litter produced by their dog (or for stud services in the case of male dogs). This compensation is in addition to receiving a top-quality Cavalier at no initial cost, continuous support, and full ownership upon the dog’s retirement.

All expenses pertaining to breeding, reproductive care, and specialized veterinary evaluations are covered by Treasured Cavaliers. Guardian Families are solely responsible for routine pet care costs, as outlined above.Dog Care and Program Integrity

Treasured Cavaliers covers all health issues directly related to breeding. Everyday health concerns or injuries unrelated to breeding are the responsibility of the Guardian Family. In emergency situations, Guardian Families are expected to act in the dog’s best interest and immediately contact Treasured Cavaliers.

In extremely rare and severe cases of negligence or material breach of contract, such as unauthorized breeding, spaying without permission, or intentional harm, significant fines (up to $20,000) may be imposed. These provisions are in place to safeguard the dog’s welfare, breeding value, and the integrity of the program. However, such measures are rarely enforced as Treasured Cavaliers carefully selects trustworthy and responsible Guardian Families.Lifestyle and Program Flexibility

Guardian Families have the freedom to choose their dog’s call name; an official AKC name will be assigned for registration purposes. Guardian dogs can accompany families on vacations, with prior notification to Treasured Cavaliers.

Should a Guardian Family express interest in adopting a puppy from their dog’s litter, a separate application process is available. Treasured Cavaliers also offers flexibility for missed breeding appointments or personal changes, prioritizing the dog’s well-being throughout these adjustments.Community and Program Philosophy

A robust support system is available to all Guardian Families, ensuring that questions and concerns are addressed promptly.

The Guardian Home Program is a cornerstone of Treasured Cavaliers’ commitment to ethical and responsible breeding. This model ensures that all breeding dogs live fulfilled lives within loving family environments, rather than being confined to kennels. This approach promotes the physical and emotional well-being of our dogs, fostering their happiness and contributing to the responsible advancement of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.

Education on Back-to-Back Breeding

Treasured Cavaliers adheres to the practice of breeding healthy female dogs “back-to-back” (i.e., every heat cycle) based on extensive veterinary research and expert consensus. This method is supported by several case studies and veterinary insights, which indicate that it can be healthier for the female dog’s uterus compared to skipping heat cycles.

Studies suggest that empty heat cycles, characterized by prolonged exposure to high progesterone levels without subsequent pregnancy and whelping, can lead to:

• Increased risk of pyometra: A serious uterine infection.
• Cystic endometrial hyperplasia: A condition involving abnormal uterine tissue growth.
• Reproductive cancers.

Conversely, pregnancy and whelping are understood to have a “flushing” effect on the uterus, helping to maintain its health and reduce the accumulation of inflammatory changes. Pathological examinations of uteri post-spay have shown less stress and damage in dogs bred every heat compared to those with skipped cycles.

This approach is championed by veterinary specialists and is based on the principle that “a pregnant uterus is a healthy uterus.” Responsible management, including ensuring the dog is in optimal health and retiring her between four and six years of age, is paramount to this practice.Examples of Conditions Leading to Fines (Extreme Cases)

While extremely rare, the contract includes provisions for significant fines (up to $20,000) in cases of severe negligence or material breach of contract. These provisions safeguard the dog’s safety, health, and breeding value. Examples include:

1. Negligence Leading to Injury or Death: Such as leaving the dog in unsafe conditions (e.g., hot car, unsecured yard), failure to provide emergency medical attention, or chronic neglect.
2. Unauthorized Breeding: Allowing the dog to mate with unapproved dogs, engaging in backyard breeding, or using the dog in another breeding program without consent.
3. Unapproved Sale or Rehoming: Selling, rehoming, or transferring the dog without written consent, particularly during pregnancy or breeding.
4. Spaying or Neutering Without Permission: Altering the dog before retirement or without express written approval from Treasured Cavaliers.
5. Concealing the Dog’s Status: Failing to notify Treasured Cavaliers of heat cycles, health issues, changes in residence, or travel, or lying about the dog’s location or condition.
6. Malicious or Intentional Harm: Any willful abuse, mistreatment, or actions that irreparably damage the dog’s health or breeding potential.
7. Damaging Program Reputation: Publicly disparaging the program with false claims tied to a contract breach, or using the dog for unauthorized commercial gain.