Raise a Darlin' Doodle as your family's own
Our Guardian Program places select puppies from our program with loving families near Nashville. You raise the puppy as your family pet, every day, in your home. We partner with you for a limited number of litters, then the dog is spayed or neutered at our expense and becomes fully yours.
A better life for our dogs
Our breeding dogs live as cherished pets in real homes, not kennels, with a family of their own.
An exceptional dog for you
Guardian puppies are chosen from our best for temperament and health, at little to no cost to your family.
A true partnership
We cover breeding-related costs and stay by your side with guidance for your dog's whole life.
How it works
- 1
Apply
Tell us about your family and home. Guardian homes must be within about 60 miles of Nashville.
- 2
Get matched
We pair you with a puppy chosen for our program, then sign a Guardian Home Agreement together.
- 3
Raise your dog
Your dog lives with you full time. They come to us only for health testing, short breeding visits, and (for girls) whelping and nursing.
- 4
Retire & own
After their breeding years, we spay or neuter your dog at our expense and transfer full ownership to you.
What guardians provide
- A loving indoor home within about 60 miles of Nashville
- Quality food, grooming, training and routine vet care
- Keeping your dog intact until retirement
- Letting us know right away about heat cycles, illness or a move
- Bringing your dog to us for health testing and breeding visits
- Regular photos and updates
What Darlin' Doodles provides
- A hand-selected puppy at little to no cost
- All health testing, breeding and whelping costs
- Full care of your dog during breeding and whelping stays
- The retirement spay or neuter
- Full ownership transferred to you at retirement
- Lifetime guidance and support
Program terms at a glance
| Girls | Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding commitment | Up to 4 litters, retired by age 6 | Stud service until about age 6 |
| Time with us | A few days for breeding; about 8 weeks for each litter's whelping and nursing | Short 1–3 day visits |
| Cost to you | Everyday care only. We cover all breeding-related costs. | |
| At retirement | Spay or neuter at our expense, then full ownership is yours. | |
Full details are set out in our Guardian Home Agreement, which we review with every family before placement.
Guardian questions
Is the dog really ours?
Your dog lives with you as your family pet from day one. We hold ownership on paper during the breeding years, then transfer full ownership to you at retirement.
What happens if our puppy isn't a fit for breeding?
If health testing shows your dog isn't a match for our program, we retire them early: we cover the spay or neuter and your dog becomes fully yours.
Can we visit during whelping?
Yes. We're happy to arrange visits while your girl is with us, and we'll send updates on her and the puppies.
Interested in becoming a guardian family?
Apply below and mention the Guardian Program. We'll reach out to talk through whether it's a good fit for your family.
Apply to Be a Guardian