Guardian Homes

A permanent home and family for one of our breeding males or females. The home will receive a pick of the litter puppy to add to our breeding program. This will be a puppy that conforms to our breeding standards of health, temperament, bloodlines, and coat. All dogs need and deserve the love and attention that a forever family can bring, and the Guardian home will be that forever family, while breeding rights are retained by Lovey’s Miniature Schnauzers for a pre-determined length of time.  Your dog will come back to us for breeding. If you have a female, she will also come back for birthing and raising puppies.

A deposit of $500 is required. At the end of the dog’s designated breeding time, Lovey’s Miniature Schnauzers will pay to have your dog spayed or neutered and your deposit will be returned. 

• The dog already has their forever home from the beginning. No moving around. 
• Owners are able to individually train their dog and give them more one-on-one attention.
• The breeder doesn’t have to rehome the dog once they’re done breeding. Realistically, a breeder who wants to do this long-term, become more experienced, and raise well-balanced and socialized puppies for families, can’t keep most of their dogs. It’s incredibly hard to part with an adult dog who you’ve come to know and love over the years. 

• Live within 60 minutes of Topeka, KS
• Have previous dog owner experience.
• Have physical fencing. 
• Raise the dog as an indoor dog. Never to dwell outside.
• No unaltered dogs of the opposite sex living on the property or be in contact with them.
• Have reliable transportation and willingness to bring the dog to us when needed throughout the year for breeding purposes. 
• Maintain open lines of communication with breeder. 
• Keep the dog well socialized. 
• Teach basic commands.
• Make sure the dog isn’t left home alone all day, every day. 
• Provide routine wellness, vaccines, heartworm, flea & tick meds, at guardian’s expense.
• Provide proper grooming.
• Provide lots of love!

What age do you start breeding a dog?

• For females: Typically, on their second heat cycle, around 14-18 months old. Their first heat cycle will occur between 6-12 months old. You MUST notify us of EVERY heat cycle. This is how we determine when we breed and who we breed. 
• For males: Typically after 1 year old. They’ll need to complete and pass an eye exam and heart exam before breeding. 

How long are they with you when they breed/mate?

• For females: Families will need to drop their girl off with us so they can come to stay with us for about a week during their heat cycle. Then, come and collect her at the end of this period. OR, if you’re not far away, dropping them off 2-3 times for an afternoon works as well.
• For males: They are not needed as long as females but will need to be with us for at least 5 days during this period. OR, if you’re not far away, then dropping them off 2-3 times for an afternoon works as well. Occasionally, males are needed for stud services where their sperm may be collected and shipped, that would usually just require one day.

How long are dogs pregnant?

They are pregnant for about 9 weeks.

How long do they stay with you when they have their litter?

About 1 week before they’re due they’ll come stay with us until puppies are 8 weeks old. This helps your dog become comfortable with us again so they can feel safe whelping their puppies. 

How long does the Guardian Contract last for?

We contract for 5 pregnancies with a female dog. We may not use them all and may choose to do less. The health and well-being of the dog is our primary concern. 

For a male dog we contract until they are 5 years old.

What expenses does the guardian home family incur?

Guardian homes are responsible for all the typical expenses that occur with pet ownership. This includes but isn’t limited to: Food, vaccines, illness, kennels, leashes, wellness visits, dog training courses, etc.

What expenses does the breeder incur?

We cover the cost of the initial purchase of the dog, all costs relating to breeding and litters, and the final spay or neuter of the dog, which happens before transferring complete ownership to the guardian family.