The Tarheel Guardian Program
We believe every breeding dog deserves a forever couch, not a kennel. Partner with us to give our best dogs a loving home while helping us maintain our elite breeding philosophy.
What is a Guardian Home?
In order to breed the healthiest, happiest puppies, our breeding dogs need to be raised in loving environments, not kenneling facilities. A Guardian Home is a local family that raises, loves, and keeps one of our breeding prospects as their own forever pet. We retain breeding rights for a contracted period, and you get the absolute best puppy our program has to offer. Guardian puppies go home with their forever families at 8 weeks of age! Because they are so young, they aren't fully health tested yet—that official testing will occur between 9–12 months of age. Once they enter our breeding program, females will typically be retired by 4–5 years of age, while males are kept intact and active in the program until 6–8 years of age.
Reduced Adoption Fee
A discounted cost of $1500 is made to Tarheel Labradoodles. However, this fee can be completely waived if you sign up your puppy for a board and train program at 6 months with our trusted trainer, Brittany at 2BK9!
Ongoing Support
We provide lifetime mentorship and support. You are an extension of the Tarheel family, and we are always here for you.
Pride of Participation
Experience the joy of knowing your beloved pet is contributing to the elite health and future of the Australian Labradoodle breed.
No Kennels. Ever.
Your dog lives with you full-time. They only return to us for health testing, breeding, and whelping, before going right back home.
How It Works
Apply & Interview
Fill out our Guardian Application. If you live within a reasonable driving distance of Troutman, NC, we will schedule a call and a home visit to see if it is a mutual fit.
Welcome Your Puppy
I choose the breeding prospect based on strict Australian Labradoodle qualities, with temperament being my number one priority. Your puppy goes home with you at 8 weeks of age! You provide standard care like food, training, and routine vet visits, while we cover all breeding-related costs.
Health Testing & Breeding
Between 9 and 12 months of age, your dog will undergo their official, rigorous health testing. Once they pass and reach maturity, they officially enter our breeding program! Both males and females will return to us for short periods for breeding purposes. Females will also stay with us to whelp and raise their litters before returning right back to your loving home.
Retirement
Once their breeding career is complete (typically around age 4–5 for females, and 6–8 for males), we pay for their spay or neuter procedure. Full ownership transfers to you, and they get to enjoy the rest of their retirement permanently on your couch!
Ready to meet your new best friend?
Whether you are ready to join the Tarheel waitlist today or just want to learn a little more about our adoption process, we are so excited to connect with you.